I Am Smoke

August 23, 2021
Smoke itself narrates this story about all the ways that humans have used the “swirling, roiling mist of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and ash” in this extensive treatment of the elusive material. Debuting artist López integrates photographic images of smoke into earth-toned spreads, creating realistic-looking effects. Incidents of people using smoke appear throughout: “I lack fingers, but I can nudge. Hundreds of years ago, I helped Huron farmers coax pumpkin seeds to sprout with my warmth,” Herz writes. “I lack a mouth, but I can speak,” the smoke says, as signals rise from fires blazing on hills and cliffs in different parts of the world. Smoke preserves food, makes spaces smell good—it even calms bees. A careful description of how smoke dissipates and how it breaks down chemically concludes the story. Though the affiliation of an Indigenous group in traditional dress isn’t specified, the afterword supplies context for each page, with attention to smoke’s part in climate change. Ages 6–8.

Starred review from August 1, 2021
Lustrous illustrations and meditative text reflect on the role of smoke in nature and civilization. Within this exquisitely beautiful melding of science and poetry is a ton of trust: trust that readers will absorb the intricate, evocative prose; trust they will utilize the comprehensive backmatter; and trust that readers will reconsider something as ubiquitous as smoke afresh. Using sparse but potent text, author Herz presents smoke as a "swirling, roiling mist" vital to nature and to humans; it's as important in its mundanity as it soothes bees or flavors food as it is in the sacred, when smoke "participates in prayer" through incense. It's a high-level presentation, but inquisitive readers will enjoy connecting the lyrical lines with the thorough backmatter. Mystically multilayered illustrations combine perfectly with the text's reverential tone. A unique technique uses images created from smoke itself and then collaged with Photoshop and watercolor. The result is gossamer landscapes decorated with molecular structures as well as homey scenes of Greeks fumigating temples. Spreads of smoke rising fluidly into a pinprick-starry sky, a "dark dance from every campfire," are veritable gems. Moving scenes involving humans include impressionistic images of various religions worshipping and a Huron child planting pumpkin seeds, though it's unfortunate a group of Indigenous people in regalia isn't given a specific tribal identity. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Smoke dissipates quickly, but this poetic text will linger. (bibliography, sources) (Picture book. 7-12)

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