This is a fairly unique humorous picture book celebrating differences between people. The illustrations do most of the talking. The texts are very short and mostly act to draw your attention to the artwork. It is a charming and gentle little book that you can grow to love without being sure why it has left such an impression on you. It is simple and yet it makes a lasting impression.
It's theme of 'celebrating differences' has become very popular of recent, and some of us might have grown tired of the many didactic modern books on the topic. This is not one of those books. For a start, it was written in the late 20th century before the mass of publications on the theme. It was written and illustrated by a young girl who lived a short life (she passed away at 21) in the Scottish Highlands. In its charming simple way the book manages to show that although we are all different, we are also the same. We share a common happy humanity.
The book has an ethnographic feel to it, and the smell of Scotland's Highland air breezing through its pages.
My favourite page in the book is a rarity in itself. It illustrates the Christian idea of marriage where two become one. I don't know if I have seen this reference in a children's book before.
In fact, I am recommending this book precisely because it is a refreshing read. It stands next to many of our contemporary attempts to write such a book as an example of the difference between fresh honest art and the oppressive dullness of ideological exposition.
Written with a light hand, it is easy and humorous. A picture book for children or a coffee table book for those who appreciate small publications and little-known artists.