The Heart Never Forgets

Starred review from February 5, 2024
The air is rich with the smell of spicy stew and fried yams, and the sound of thumping drums, as brown-skinned community members gather to celebrate—it is the day of the masquerade, the annual festival for honoring ancestors. For one child and their family, this is “our first masquerade without Grandpa.” Each family member carries something of Grandpa’s—his bracelet of cherry-red wooden beads sits on Mama’s wrist, his green velvet hat perches on Papa’s head, and his walking stick is carried by the narrator’s brother Noyi—as they all share Grandpa’s favorite food and their favorite memories. When the masquerade begins, the narrator notices that one performer “walks with the grace of a gazelle... just like Grandpa” and when dancers arrive, the child joins them in tribute to him. Via painterly illustrations of dancers in traditional West African outfits and masquerade performers in patterned costumes, Goodman (The Green Piano) expresses liveliness and warmth, carrying the day—and story—forward to a profound and poetic conclusion. In this tenderly written debut, Ot deftly conveys that love is at the core of the grieving process, and that memories and celebration of loved ones keep them near when they have gone: “The heart never forgets what the eyes have seen.” An end note discusses West African masquerades. Ages 4–8.

April 1, 2024
A child grieves for a beloved grandfather. In this story told from the perspective of a young child, a small town gathers for the masquerade--a West African event where people don masks representing ancestors, spirits, or deities. This masquerade, however, is different for our young protagonist--it's the first one without Grandpa. Taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells, the child recalls the akaras that Grandpa loved to eat and the way he smiled as he shared them. The drums thump louder, and musicians join the din as the festival ramps up while the family reminisces about Grandpa. Everyone has brought an item that belonged to Grandpa except the young narrator, who has something else planned. The masquerade is in full swing now, and people in dazzlingly colorful masks march by as the child waits. The time has come for the little one to dance in celebration of Grandpa--in the past, the child "danced only when Grandpa played," and he lives on in the child's memories. The simple, poetic language guides readers through this heartfelt story of grief and love. The vividly textured illustrations are captivating. A wonderful read-aloud, this tale will especially resonate with those dealing with loss. A stirring reminder of loss that balances joy with sadness. (information on West African masquerades) (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 15, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 A little girl and her family attend the annual masquerade, a happy time to celebrate ancestors and share memories, but the festivity is tinged with sadness, as this year her beloved grandpa is no longer with them. Every detail--from savoring delicious food smells and sharing well-loved stories--brings a wistful memory of Grandpa and his wise sayings. Though her parents and brother each wear or carry something Grandpa treasured, the little girl can think of only one way for her to honor him: when the talking drums begin, she bravely joins in with the dancers, and her joyful movements express all she feels for her beloved grandfather. Goodman sets warm colors against sweeping ochre backgrounds; detailed clothing patterns and lively compositions convey the spirit of this celebration. Debut picture-book author Ot offers a note to expand on the meaning and significance of the rich and varied tradition of masquerades in West Africa. A compelling story showing a sorrowing child's path to her own kind of grace through a beloved tradition of remembrance.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2024
A young girl and her family celebrate the annual West African tradition of masquerade -- the first one since her grandfather's death. The dark-skinned protagonist hears the "Dum! Dum! Dum! Dum!" of drums and knows masquerade, which "honor[s] our ancestors," will soon begin. Her family, dressed in traditional garb, shares akaras, "Grandpa's favorite food," and carries items that belonged to him: Mama wears his bead bracelet; Papa wears his green velvet hat; and the girl's brother proudly carries his special walking stick. Despite the festivities, the little girl feels that "masquerade without [Grandpa] hurts too much." The drummers and musicians "stream by in splashes of color and fanfare," followed by the masquerades -- costumed performers whose masks (per an author's note) symbolize "the tribe's cultural roots" and represent deities, spirits, or ancestors. "The burst of energy in the air lifts my spirit and gives me courage. I know what I must do." When the dancers finally appear, the girl courageously participates in the celebration in her own way. Goodman's culturally rich gouache illustrations add energy to this heartfelt introduction to the uniqueness of this village-wide masquerade celebration. A joyful story of a ritual of remembrance. Michelle H. Martin

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2024
A young girl and her family celebrate the annual West African tradition of masquerade -- the first one since her grandfather's death. The dark-skinned protagonist hears the "Dum! Dum! Dum! Dum!" of drums and knows masquerade, which "honor�s] our ancestors," will soon begin. Her family, dressed in traditional garb, shares akaras, "Grandpa's favorite food," and carries items that belonged to him: Mama wears his bead bracelet; Papa wears his green velvet hat; and the girl's brother proudly carries his special walking stick. Despite the festivities, the little girl feels that "masquerade without �Grandpa] hurts too much." The drummers and musicians "stream by in splashes of color and fanfare," followed by the masquerades -- costumed performers whose masks (per an author's note) symbolize "the tribe's cultural roots" and represent deities, spirits, or ancestors. "The burst of energy in the air lifts my spirit and gives me courage. I know what I must do." When the dancers finally appear, the girl courageously participates in the celebration in her own way. Goodman's culturally rich gouache illustrations add energy to this heartfelt introduction to the uniqueness of this village-wide masquerade celebration. A joyful story of a ritual of remembrance.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)