Zendegī Īn Ast! Italienska 1404

The book Life Is! by Emma Dyckman, illustrated by Corey Dourfield and published in March 2020, offers a creative and poetic exploration of how children encounter the concept of life. In this story, life is not merely an abstract flow; it enters a child’s home as a tangible, sometimes playful character. Inspired by familiar English sayings and clichés, such as “life hits home” or “life goes on,” the narrative creates a storyline that is both accessible to young readers and thought-provoking for parents and adults.

The text flows with a soft, lyrical rhythm, portraying life in various metaphorical forms: sometimes as a suitcase, sometimes as a bull with twisted horns, and sometimes as a boat carrying the child through unknown waves. These metaphors, which operate on both literal and symbolic levels, engage children’s curiosity while conveying a key lesson: life is full of unpredictability, change, and even chaos—but all of this is part of the natural path of growth and experience. The central message, summed up in the simple yet profound line, “shake off your dust and keep going,” reminds children that resilience is their most important tool in facing challenges and setbacks.

Corey Dourfield’s artistic style, previously known for its emotional depth and pastel tones, complements Dyckman’s text perfectly. The illustrations—with soft colors, uncluttered backgrounds, and warm, expressive child faces—not only prevent monotony but also reflect the child’s complex emotions, from wonder and fear to eventual calm. The combination of humor and reflection in the illustrations makes readers both laugh and ponder, creating a balance that appeals to a wide age range. Critics have praised this synergy: Kirkus Reviews noted that Dourfield’s illustrations elevate a “cliché-ridden text” to more than mere entertainment. Publications such as Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and School Library Journal recommend the book as a gift for back-to-school, graduations, or any major transition, highlighting its powerful message of resilience. Bloggers have also emphasized its intergenerational appeal: young children enjoy the humor and imagery, while adults perceive a deeper truth about life beneath the simple narrative.

Ultimately, Life Is! takes a simple idea—visualizing familiar clichés—and transforms it into a bridge between playful childhood and mature understanding of life’s journey. It is a storybook perfect for bedtime, as well as a meaningful gift for a child’s first day at school or any “new beginning.” The book reminds both children and adults that although life is full of surprises and sometimes challenges, its beauty and personal growth lie precisely within the unexpected.