Begin Again

One of my favourite sophisticated picture books was Oliver Jeffers 'A Child of Books' so I was thrilled to be reviewing his new book 'Begin Again – how we got here and where we might go – our human story' So far'. It did not disappoint. The vibrant illustrations are woven with thoughtful text as the reader considers our ‘human’ journey through time. It questions our future by asking us provocatively to consider ‘where to from here’.

This book is by no means simple. It asks the most difficult questions is an unnerving way. It’s a book to read to our children, to our students, to give to our friends, to read contemplatively to ourselves.

Jeffers begins at the very beginning of time: “Where did we begin?” He then proceeds to argue with himself. With fire? No. Our brains? No. Our hands? No. He goes on to contemplate our beginnings and our future. What we are left with are more questions that the supposed simple one concerning our beginnings.

This is a beautiful story of where we have been and we may go. I think what sums Jeffers book up is the epigraph at the beginning of the book quoted from Mary Oliver’s The Summer Day:

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?