Se un bambino
(If a boy) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
If a child is not like everyone else—if they are shy, if they arrive late, if they see things their own way, if they don’t believe what everyone else believes…—the risk is being labeled as “wrong.” But every child is different, and that is what makes them precious.
Edited by: Centro MeTRa - Università di Bologna (Italy)
Comment:
“Se un bambino” written by Davide Musso and illustrated with grace and delicacy by Anna Forlati, is a picture book that tackles complex issues such as prejudice, diversity, respect, and openness towards others with apparent simplicity but great depth. Through very short texts and a refined narrative device, the book invites the reader to take a close look at a “different” child, who always seems to be late, who doesn’t speak, who has “his head upside down.” At first, these characteristics may seem like signs of discomfort or a problem. But page after page, the reader’s perspective is reversed, revealing that what seemed “wrong” is actually a sign of inner richness, deep imagination, and an original way of inhabiting the world. The child is not isolated because he is inadequate, but because he has not really been seen yet. The book manages to engage readers of all ages with a powerful but never didactic message, what appears deviant or fragile is often only misunderstood because it is viewed superficially or from too far away. The final sentence: ‘perhaps you looked at him too quickly or from too far away’ summarizes in a few words an urgent invitation to suspend judgment and listen authentically.