Chinese / Taiwan
Si ji
(Four seasons)
Xu, Zhiwei
(text/illus.)
Taibei: Qing lin guo ji chu ban gu fen you xian gong si (Children’s Publ. Co., Ltd.), 2022. – [34] p.
ISBN 978-986-274-568-7
Neighbourhood | Seasons | Cycle of life | Transience | Impermanence | Picture book
Reading age: 6+
White Ravens issue: 2022
At first glance, the cover and each double spread of this nearly wordless picture book seem to be identical depictions of an alley with its typical homes of the Taiwanese post-war generation. Subtle differences in the pictures create the main story, while other sub-story lines are hidden in this almost static theatrical backdrop. The picture is anchored by the big tree on the left, a silent witness to the course of the seasons and a boy’s growing up. When he leaves home, his aging parents stay behind, neighbours move away, houses are demolished, and skyscrapers begin to loom in the background. Itinerant traders, puppet theatre performances and Tai chi exercises disappear, the alley becomes deserted. Only upon the death of his father does the protagonist return, accompanied by his own family. Remembering his roots and spending time with his loved ones is his way to cope with his regrets. Life is impermanent, but spring has come again. Xu Zhiwei has won, among others, the Xinyi Children’s Literature Award. [LO]