The Tunnel

                                                                              Book Review:

 

Bibliography-

Howden, S. (2022). The tunnel. Owlkids Publisher.

ISBN 1771474270

 

Plot Summary- 

After something bad happens, a boy feels sad and gray. Mom and Aunt Cheryl try to talk about it, but he feels like running away. So he picks up a shovel and starts digging a tunnel from his room, deep down and into the backyard. Out there, far from the lights of the house, it’s dark enough that he could disappear. But the quiet distance also gives him the space he needs to see his family’s love and start returning home. As he heads back, the journey upward is different. He notices familiar details and tunes into his senses. The tunnel isn’t so scary this time. The boy emerges into his room just as Mom peeks in. When she notices a twig in his hair, he is ready to talk about the tunnel and finds warmth in her gentle acknowledgment: “You came back.”

 

Critical Analysis-

In this book, the reader can see the world through the eyes of a student with emotional disturbance. The main character in the story has something bad happen to him, although the reader never knows exactly what happens. The reader is still able to see that those with emotional disturbance have a difficult time opening up to those who keep asking if they are “okay.” Most of the time those with an emotional disturbance want to be left alone for a little bit to process things but will eventually come back to those they love. This book is a helpful resource for teachers, in order to ensure they are providing the best support for those students and assuring that they know the classroom is a safe space. Quiet, resonant text is paired with grayscale drawings accented with red makes this book a thoughtful exploration of coping with tough emotions and taking time and space to heal.

 

Review Excerpts-

USBBY List (Outstanding International Books)

"Both metaphor and meditation, this touching, lovely story is a conversation-opener between children and caregivers dealing with loss; it recognizes the need to be alone, as well as the merits and comfort of finding one’s way to loved ones." ―School Library Journal

"Howden has written a soothing book of bibliotherapy embedded in a quiet story ... a worthy addition to picture book shelves." ―Kirkus Review

 

Connections-

-After reading the story, some whole group discussion questions can be:

1. Why do you think we aren’t told what happened to the boy?

2. Have you ever felt like you just want to be left alone? Do you have any favorite alone activities that help you feel better?

3. Do you notice differences between how the creatures look in the tunnel when the boy is digging away from the house versus when he is returning?

4. Why do you think the mom’s face is compared to the moon?

5. Why do you think the artist chose the colors? Do you think it suits the story?

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