posted on 14 Apr 2022

Through the Forest by Yijing Li

All of us, young and old, can feel lost in a world that this complex and scary. For some people it can be an overwhelming experience that leaves us feeling isolated and empty of hope. It’s at times like this that we have to fall back on our inner resources to pull us through – especially our treasure trove of memories that help anchor us and confirm who we are, what we’ve been and the people and places we love. Those are the themes addressed in this beautiful new picture book from the graphic artist, Yijing Li that is published in May by Lantana Publishing Ltd.

As a young boy tries to make his way through a deep, dark, wintery forest he finds himself searching for something he can’t name. He’s all alone until he comes on a ghostly white figure who tells him ‘My name is Emptiness’ and the two decide to continue their journey together. As they make their way they find a yellow toy windmill that reminds the boy of a lovely time in Spring that he spent with his mother. The boy decides he wants to carry the windmill with him but it won’t fit in his pocket – but all isn’t lost because Emptiness offers to carry it for him.

One by one, more treasures are found that spark delightful memories in the boy – some are happy and some a little sad – but all of them are bathed in a glow of better, sunnier days. Each one is absorbed into the care of Emptiness. The glow of the sun lights the way forward for the boy but he discovers that Emptiness, now full of the treasured memories of the past, can no longer follow him. But, his ghostly friend reassures him, he need not worry because all the memories are in fact residing in the young boy himself and will always be there for him.

The text is minimal but carefully selected to work in unison with the artwork which is soft and enveloping. Watercolour paints and inks create a dreamy atmosphere that bursts into more vivid colour as the boy’s journey progresses. I’m conscious that the idea of a ghostly figure called Emptiness may sound a bit threatening but actually the skill of the author is to make this figure seem oddly comforting and protective.

The central message of the book moves towards an affirmative and upbeat conclusion that will take the young reader on a journey that will, hopefully, encourage them to examine and value their own memories.

You should be able to order this book from your local independent bookseller but if that’s not possible or convenient, go directly to the Lantana website and order it from there.

Terry Potter

April 2022