Key Takeaways
- The children’s book "And They Walk On" by Kevin Maillard explores the concept of death and the afterlife through the eyes of a young boy who has lost his grandmother.
- The book uses the phrase "walked on" to describe the passing of a loved one, which is a common expression in Native American communities.
- The story is illustrated by Mexican artist Rafael López, who brought a cultural and personal perspective to the project.
- The illustrations in the book use vibrant colors and textures to convey the emotions and memories of the characters.
- The book offers a hopeful and uplifting message about the impact of loved ones on our lives, even after they are gone.
Introduction to the Book
The book "And They Walk On" by Kevin Maillard is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about a young boy who is trying to come to terms with the loss of his grandmother. Maillard, who grew up in Oklahoma and is an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation, drew inspiration from his own experiences with loss and grief. After his mother passed away, he found himself wondering where she had gone, and this question sparked the idea for the book. The story follows a little boy who is struggling to understand what happens to people when they die, and whether they are still with us in some way.
The Concept of "Walking On"
In many Native American communities, including the Seminole Nation, the phrase "walked on" is used to describe the passing of a loved one. This expression suggests that the person has not necessarily disappeared, but rather has continued on to another place or state of being. Maillard explains that this way of thinking about death is not meant to diminish the sadness of loss, but rather to emphasize the ongoing influence and presence of the person in our lives. By using this phrase, the book offers a unique and meaningful perspective on death and grief that is rooted in Native American culture.
The Illustrations and Their Significance
The illustrations in "And They Walk On" were created by Mexican artist Rafael López, who brought a deep understanding of the story and its themes to the project. López connected with the story on a personal level, having lost his own father 35 years ago. He explains that the concept of "walking on" reminds him of the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The illustrations in the book are vibrant and expressive, using a range of colors and textures to convey the emotions and memories of the characters. López used a combination of traditional and digital media to create the illustrations, incorporating hand-painted textures and distressed effects to give the images a unique and tactile quality.
The Use of Color and Symbolism
One of the striking features of the illustrations in "And They Walk On" is the use of color and symbolism. At the beginning of the story, the colors are muted and neutral, reflecting the little boy’s sadness and confusion. As the story progresses and the boy begins to remember his grandmother, the colors become brighter and more vivid, with lots of purples and lavender. López explains that in Mexican culture, color is used to express emotions and celebrate life, and he wanted to convey this sense of joy and vibrancy in the illustrations. The use of color and symbolism adds a rich layer of meaning to the story, inviting readers to reflect on the significance of the grandmother’s presence in the little boy’s life.
The Message of Hope and Comfort
Despite dealing with the difficult topic of death and loss, "And They Walk On" offers a hopeful and uplifting message about the impact of loved ones on our lives. Maillard explains that the book is not meant to be a sad or depressing story, but rather a celebration of the lives and memories of those who have passed away. The illustrations, with their warmth and magic, bring a sense of comfort and reassurance to the story, suggesting that even though people may be gone, they are still with us in spirit. The book offers a powerful reminder that the lives of loved ones have meaning and significance, and that their influence can continue to be felt long after they are gone.
Conclusion
"And They Walk On" is a beautiful and thought-provoking book that explores the complex and often difficult topic of death and loss. Through the story of a young boy who is trying to come to terms with the loss of his grandmother, the book offers a unique and meaningful perspective on grief and mourning. The illustrations, created by Rafael López, are vibrant and expressive, using color and symbolism to convey the emotions and memories of the characters. The book’s message of hope and comfort is a powerful reminder that the lives of loved ones have meaning and significance, and that their influence can continue to be felt long after they are gone.