This has a wonderful sentimental meaning behind this poem picture book. The illustrator actually drew these portraits while he travelled around the world to find many beautiful faces with the commonality of having an African descent. I feel many of the pictures are a bit depressing because they have solemn, somber faces. Not one single person is smiling. Some of the people look like they are posing; others just look deep in thought. There are sketches of all ages and I am a bit shocked that no one is smiling, especially the children. I like how the images are set up on each page. There are very few things in the background. Additionally, there are only a few words on each page, mainly stating where each drawing came from and arranged words creating a rhyming scheme. I think all of this helps avoid distractions against the large sketches of the people. It is interesting that Tom Feelings did not include any action shots, unless, his intentions were to only go with one theme. I thought it was quite unique how none of the portraits are colored in. There are all outlined in blue, brown, or black with a background color of either beige or light blue. I found that pretty fascinating because his choice of these monotone dreary colors truly added to the feeling of loneliness and sadness of these people.
I think this book it trying to send a powerful message to its readers. Although they seem to show no emotion; I can immediately sense immense pain through their eyes. You can almost see the injustice they feel deep in their soul. It’s interesting how these sketches were drawn all throughout the world yet; it looks as though everyone in here is from the same community. It sends the message to me that they are all alike in some way no matter where they live in the world.
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