Airien Ludin (1999) is an illustrator based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Influenced by Indonesian art and culture from a young age, she grew to have an interest in visual storytelling. Her passions led her to attend art school for visual communication. She aspires to cultivate interactivity and bonding in media through storytelling, making books that would lead to thoughtful conversations regarding our everyday lives. Her book, My Memory Thread, won the silver medal for the Key Colours Competition of 2022 and was published by Clavis Publishing the following year, marking the start of her journey as an author-illustrator.

STARRED REVIEW

'Death is a difficult subject for adults as well as children, but in this poignant story, Ludin gives parents the opportunity to discuss the death of a beloved family member. Included is a letter to parents, providing guidance on how to read the story. The -suggestions include allowing adequate time for questions and discussion, and some sample questions follow the story. The first few pages show the "joy, delicious meals, and warm hugs" that surround the girl. Her mother is a talented crafter, bringing to life stuffed animal creations that the girl imagines. And then, "Mom gets sick," and the joy and color drain from the girl's life, just as they do from the illustrations. Even though the girl hopes and prays, her mother dies. The girl is completely adrift. She -worries about disturbing her busy father, blames herself, and rails against the injustices of her life. Her father gathers himself and tells her that they must share their grief to heal. -Further, they must construct a new life while continuing to celebrate her mother. By the end, the girl knows that her life is "not perfect," but that her mother's love will always be "woven" into her life. The illustrations beautifully capture the shifting moods and cleverly reinforce the overarching metaphor that a good life is composed of many threads woven--or rewoven--with effort and love. VERDICT A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.' - Sally A. James, School Library Journal Starred Review

"There is no playbook for mourning, but this tale provides a gentle guide for the unthinkable. (Picture book. 3-6)" - Kirkus Reviews

Publisher: Clavis

Pub date: 2024-11-19

Length: 40 pages