World of Wonder

4/28/2021

What the World Could Make: A Story of Hope
by Holly M. McGhee art by Pascal Lemaître

Without fail, I always have an emotional response to Holly McGhee’s books. Each is more than an enjoyable story. There will be a personal connection. What the World Could Make is a story of friendship and finding wonder. And hope.

Two charming little cottontails, Rabbit and Bunny view the world and their friendship through the lens of the passing seasons. In winter, they marvel at the falling snowflakes and share a giant snowball. Come spring, the sight and scent of blossoming lilacs prompt the gift of a handmade flower crown. Summer delights of sun and sea bring salty sea pickles to savor. The ginkgo tree carpets the ground in autumn with golden leaves which invite an afternoon frolic.

Each season the friends are in awe of the wonders of nature. They wish that each special moment could last forever.

"Forever?" asked Rabbit. "For always?"
"No...not exactly. Not that kind of forever."
"I think I know," Rabbit said.
"You mean the kind of forever
where you remember it even after it ends?"

McGhee has a way with words. The book's warm and reassuring message is precisely conveyed with a perfect turn of phrase. Narrative is poetic and sprinkled with lyrical cadences. Lemaître uses the full two-page spread, leaving plenty of open space for readers to pore over the friends' expressive faces. A limited color palette, with soft purples fading to greens, then golds, emphasizes the cyclical nature of life. This beautiful volume is a treasure to share with friends young and old as they marvel in the wonders of the world.

My World in 2020: A Story of Hope

Looking back on 2020, I realize that I have my own story of hope. While the scarf initials "R" and "B" obviously identify Rabbit and Bunny, they are also the initials of my husband and I. Here’s our story.
With the onset of 2020 we were dealing with cancer, the effects of chemotherapy and a suppressed immune system. Then the pandemic arrived and added more stress. The need to remain isolated became critical. Loneliness was inevitable. Remaining hopeful became a challenge.
Like Bunny and Rabbit, we tried to find joy in everyday wonders.

Did we want 2020 to go on forever? NO! Do we want to forever remember the joyful hopeful moments of 2020? YES! There are many sweet memories. What are your hopeful forevers?