Why Am I Here?
Constance Ørbeck-Nilssen, Author
Akin Duzakin, Illustrator
Erdmans Books for Young Readers, Oct. 14, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 5-9
Themes: Curiosity, Wonder, Compassion, Empathy
Opening: “I wonder why I am here, in this exact place. What if I were somewhere else — somewhere completely different from here.”
Synopsis: A child wonders why they are here, living the life they do. They could be on the other side of the globe living a very different life. Would they have been a different person? What if the lived in a city with millions of people? What if they lived in a place where there was a war and had to hide? What if they were a refugee on their way to an unfamiliar place? What if they lived where there were deserts, floods or earthquakes? Is the child meant to live in some other place or are they right where they are supposed to be?
Why I like this book:
Constance Ørbeck-Nilssen has written a beautiful and quiet book for children who like to think big thoughts. It is a thought-provoking and contemplative story where the child imagines how different life would be if they lived in a variety of settings with a different family. The text is sensitive and powerful.
I fell in love with the book when Patricia Nozell reviewed it on her website, Wander, Ponder, Write. It would have been the type of picture book that would have touched my heart and tickled my curiosity as a child. Like the child in the story, I was introspective and pondered many of the same big questions.
The story is written in first person, with the child narrating. The story doesn’t identify the gender of the child. The child’s soft facial features, light brown skin and shaggy hair allows both boys and girls to identify with the character.
Akin Duzakin’s dreamy illustrations are rendered in pencil and soft pastels which soften the harsh realities of a world of homelessness, children working in an underground mines, war, refugees and natural disasters. They evoke compassion from readers, but also convey warmth and hope at the end.
Resources: This is a good introduction book about the different lives children live in other parts of the world. It could lead to many interesting discussions between children and parents. It will also give kids a better understanding of their place in the world.
A lemur on the cover really makes me curious! I will have to check this out. Eerdman’s books are usually very intriguing!
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I agree with you. I loved this book and would have really enjoyed it as a child.
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I think I would have enjoyed this book as a child too. Very thought provoking.
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Wasn’t it fun to think about questions like this as a kid? Such a wonderful book to read to curious children.
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This sounds sweet. I like to ponder big questions, too, P. Like when is dinner? And which toy should I play with? And when is dinner…..?
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Thanks for the chuckle! Needed one today!
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I know quite a few big thinker type kids. Thanks for sharing this resource.
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You are welcome. There will be a lot of curious kids who will enjoy this book!
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Sounds like a wonderful book for little kids who think big. They often have the biggest hearts too. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Yes, it would be a good book for kids who think big. Glad you like it!
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How wonderful that some books allow children to ask and ponder the ‘big questions.’ As with adults, I know some kids who would love to read this ‘quiet’ book, and others who don’t take the time for the questions. Like you, I would have loved this book as a child.
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I really believe kids think big questions about life. It would be fun to explore this book with your child/grandchild.
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I’m planning on it! 🙂
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This sounds like a lovely philosophical book. And children do think big questions about life. I remember staring up at the stars being convinced an identical me was looking down at me staring back at me and wondering where that identical universe was. I have always had a sense of that duality! x
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It is one I think you’d enjoy. I too was a kid who asked big questions. Thanks for sharing!
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