Encounter by Yolen, Jane

Title: Encounter

Author: Yolen, Jane

Illustration: David Shannon

Publisher: Voyager Books

Comments

CIP info A Taino Indian boy on the island of San Salvador recounts the landing of Columbus and his men in 1492. I was shocked to see that this is a David Shannon illustrated work. When I think of David Shannon’s work I think of No David and the like, this book was done in a totally different style and medium. The illustrations have powerful feelings and movements in them. The detail is exquisite. All though some of the illustrations are scary to look at. They work well with the text to tell the story. As for the text, it is an intense book. This is an interesting view point. Yolen took time to learn what she could about a culture that died out nearly 400 years ago. The Tainto Indians always greeted strangers without a second thought. Only a young boy worried. He tired to warn the elders, but they wouldn’t listen because he was just a child. The illustrations and text are stunning. This isn’t a book that you would read everyday, but it is good to have in a collection.

Illustrations are done in acrylic.