What's Pretend? Book

The Petrowski family set out for America in this lovely picture-book examination of the immigrant experience, hoping to be reunited with the father and husband who preceded them. Young Krysia, who narrates the tale, must endure many hardships, from choosing which possessions will make the journey with her (and which must be left behind), to the cramped quarters and frequent seasickness, on the ocean voyage. When the family arrive in New York Harbor, and get their first glimpse of Lady Liberty, it is Christmas Eve. Processed through Ellis Island, they spend their Christmas waiting for Papa to arrive...

According to the dust-jacket blurb, Maxinne Rhea Leighton, who made her authorial debut with An Ellis Island Christmas in 1992, and who does not appear to have written anything else thus far, was affiliated with the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration restoration project - a background that has clearly paid off, as her narrative, in addition to being well-written and engaging, feels authentic and believable. I entered fully into Krysia's feelings, mourning with her as she left all she knew behind, and rejoicing when she was finally reunited with her Papa. The artwork, done in watercolor by Dennis Nolan, is immensely appealing, capturing the emotional resonance of the story. This is just a lovely, lovely book, one that I recommend to young readers (advanced picture-book level and up) who are interested in immigrant stories and/or unusual Christmas tales.