Claire and the Cathedral

In a wordless picture book whose grayscale architectural illustrations incorporate hints of glorious full color, Fong (The Clock) explores a child discovering life’s glimmers on their own terms. Rain seems imminent in a Paris-cued city as a child, presumably Claire, heads outside with a caregiver. Amid intricate monochromatic linework, a golden coin and a busking violinist’s melody that’s depicted as a jewel-toned ribbon draw the youth’s attention, but the tune disappears as the child and adult, whose skin tones reflect the white of the page, enter a huge cathedral that resembles Notre Dame. As the grown-up gestures enthusiastically to the magnificent Gothic surroundings, Claire wilts into a bored, dramatic slump. But when sunlight breaks through the cathedral’s rose window, it transforms the space into a kaleidoscope of colored light, and an ecstatic Claire dances through the sparkling beams. Though clouds and rain soon interrupt the bright moment, Claire realizes that it’s possible to nurture the things that enliven their world. Sharing the found coin with the busker, the child splashes in a rainbow-tinged puddle, then heads to play instruments with their caregiver at home, where shimmering light pours from a window. Wonder isn’t only something to be found, this winking work firmly communicates—it’s something that can be made, too. Background figures are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. Agent: Abigail Frank. Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (Apr.)