Song of the Old City

A child absorbs the sights and sounds of “a very old city filled with boats, people, prayers, and hot tea.” Lyrical second-person prose by Pellicioli (Where You End) opens at the oceanside, as the pale child throws a “gasping,” just-caught fish back into the water: “You’re afraid the fisherman/ will be angry,” but he’s not. He pats the child on the head and introduces a woman who sells simit—sesame rounds. Via a loose, linked narrative, a boat ride, pomegranate juice, a trip through the spice bazaar, and a trip to the public bath follow. In digital spreads, Turkish artist Atilgan gives the characters upbeat, animation-style friendliness, while picking out the city’s patterns and visual rhythms in a palette of warm red, rich brown, and robin’s egg blue. Everywhere, people greet the wandering child, offering sweets and kindnesses. This string of experiences lulls like a dream in this hymn to a city and its experiential offerings. Ages 3–7. [em](Nov.) [/em]