One of the books that Esmé added to the library pile last week is called Windblown, by Edouard Manceau. Originally titled Merci, le vent, it isn’t a book that I would’ve picked. I like warmer kids books, with homier illustrations, but Esmé is often attracted to the more graphic and aesthetically tidy books.
Must be said, I don’t love those books. Not much. Not usually.
This one, however, was an exception.
It is gorgeous, and witty. Playful and smart. And very satisfying. Like a meal that shows up on your plate, arranged in tiny, gastro-chic arrangements, with way too much white space, but that when eaten, suddenly makes perfect sense.
Enchanting, would be the word.
And look what Esmé did with it! She made her own cut-out pieces and recreated the book for herself. To present to her friends and family, almost like a magic trick. ”Look at this! Now look away. And look at it now! Wait ’til you see what’s next!”
She changed the title yet again. In her translation, it’s called Wind Fun. And why not?
Thank you, Edouard Manceau, for making such a beautiful meal of a book.
