The Way I See It
Michelle Angers 

 Review by Alyce Wilson     

"The Way I See It" is a collection of poetry and paintings by Michelle Angers, aimed at children. The artwork is absolutely magical, and could stand alone. The bright colors, clean lines and imaginative, playful depictions would make someone of any age smile. The poems, however, do not often live up to the magic of the artwork.

At their best, they are simple and memorable, ideal for children. For example:

Summer,
Green,
Purple,
Sweet.

A carpet of clover,
To cushion our feet.

Other poems are too obscure and cerebral to appeal to a younger audience, such as:

A look, a stare,
A glance, a peek,
Can mean so much more
Than the words that we speak.

Like great crystal balls,
Telling truths and revealing,
Or still, darkened pools,
Hiding truths and concealing.

More precious than diamonds,
Or silver or gold,
Is a glimpse in the windows,
Of an innocent soul.

The "windows of the soul" cliche aside, this poem would fly way over the heads of the same child who would enjoy the poem about spring, above. There are possibly even some adults who would have trouble figuring out its meaning.

It's questionable, too, to include a poem called "This Bottle of Wine," where the speaker celebrates the new year by enjoying a bottle of wine. This is paired with a picture of a half-moon with a glass of wine in hand. I can imagine many parents would have some trouble with this message of alcohol as celebration.

Her poems are best when they're playful, such as "If a Crocodile Asks You," where the reader is advised, among other things, that "When a crocodile says, / That he'd just love to meet you, / You'd better watch out, / He will probably eat you!"

While the book may not effectively address its target audience of children, the artwork is definitely worth viewing. Hopefully, Michelle Angers will continue to share her artistic vision with the world, matching it next time with words that are equally magical.

Brainpan Publishing; ISBN: 0973140526