The Rewards of Trying Are High

Every decision made generates endless possibilities; some may elevate us to unexpected heights, others may plunge us into the lowest pit.  It is that teeter-totter, back and forth, should I or shouldn't I mind meandering about which Holly Meade writes and illustrates unerringly in If I Never Forever Endeavor.

A young bird peers over the edge of a nest tucked among the branches of a pine tree wondering:

If in all of forever,
I never endeavor
to fly, I won't know if I can.

In trying to fly foolish failure or floating freely are thoughts that are entertained.  One might see the world by the light of day or loose their way in the dark of night.

Then, too, there is the comfort and security offered by the nest, so why leave what is known to venture into the unknown.  But the temptation offered by seeing other birds perform their ballet in the sky with one another is strong.  Readers see the fledgling leaning thinking, maybe I'll just try it a little.

Fluttering, thwacking, thudding, thumping, and flapping send our feathered friend (of course we're friends after  all these life changing choices shared together) soaring--FLY!  Oh, the unrestrained joy of trying and succeeding; trying that leads to flying, seeing and finding.  Success leads to confidence, confidence leads to encouraging others...to...try...to...fly.

If I Never Forever Endeavor is a lilting poetic journey of thought with rhyme and alliteration generously urging readers to follow illustrations done combining watercolor painting with linoleum block printing through collage.  Each series of thoughts is visualized across two pages in a lush array of colors straight from Nature's garden.  Meade's selection of airy hues in blue and white are the quintessential backdrop for the bolder greens and browns of her trees, pine boughs, and the nest done in block printing.  Using shades of sunny, bright yellow for the young bird clearly holds him up as the center of our attention.

Holly Meade's creation of this title blends her command of language and significant skill as an artist of varied mediums.  At each reading the pleasure of words that roll off your tongue and caress your mind prompting participation and anticipation is enhanced.  May we always be so fortunate to have messages so beautifully portrayed.

Julie Danielson of Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast conducts a wonderful interview with Holly Meade on August 20, 2009.