Lynn's Review of Smoky Night

The illustrations could stand alone to tell the story of the L.A. riots in Smoky Night by Eve Bunting. In this story, a boy with his mom and cat, watch the devastation of the riots on their neighborhood and learn first-hand the importance of getting along with others. David Diaz's collage style highlights the acrylic paintings focused on each page. Diaz layers multiple elements that create a 3-dimensional effect, bringing the story to life for readers. The bold colors of the paintings capture young children's attention. A variety of materials are used to invite the reader in. The authentic items and collage texture support the storyline and conveys a sense of reality to the reader. Cardboard and bubblewrap are used to support the beginning of the story as looters steal boxed electronics.

The title reflects the presence of the fire with a progression of color in the background and the big black bold lettering that represents the intensity of the smoke. Diaz paints on top of his collage. I noticed the use of the color red when people are stealing. Diaz uses real elements such as caution labels, shoe soles, cereal, plastic bags, and wire coathangers. Red and yellow collage paper is cut like fire flames with matches interspersed on the page giving a sense of emergency to the story. The climax of the story is illustrated with contrasting colors: dark red, yellow, white, and black showing the power of the fire. I thought it very telling that Diaz chose the use of gray as the fire diminishes to ashes in the collage on the following page. Colors get lighter toward the end as the story resolves and the characters find peace.

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of this story and the thoughtful process as the illustrations pull in the reader and in the end, convey a real message of peace.