Maybe tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell, illustrated by Ana Ramirez Gonzalez

I first picked this up because of the art style, reminiscient of Tove Jansson’s Moomins, and in some ways it has a similar gentle, comforting feel to it. I was not surprised to learn that the author was originally Swedish.

Elba, the pink hippo, has a big, dark purple block she drags with her everywhere. It’s almost as big as she is and it’s heavy and “made her think darkly.” Norris, the green crocodile, dances everywhere, carefree and happy. When Norris and Elba meet, Norris gently questions Elba - does she want to go on a picnic? How does the block make her feel? Is there something inside it? Norris does not push her to leave the block, simply sits with her and offers “Maybe tomorrow.” Gradually, as Norris patiently meets Elba on her block, brings tea and picnics to her, and his cloud of butterflies, Elba opens up and tells Norris about her friend Little Bird, who is gone. They remember her together and miss her together. Norris gently reminds Elba that “sometimes we have to let things go” as some of his butterflies flit away. Shared with a friend, Elba’s block grows lighter and smaller. She will always have it, but with a friend to help it does not weigh her down so much.

Gonzalez’ art shines softly with shimmering butterflies, blue ocean waves, green trees and grass, and the gentle warmth of a kind friendship. Elba’s distress is visible in her slumped posture and sad face, but as she shares her burden with the cheery Norris, she slowly becomes happier and her burden lightens. Norris has a sympathetic face and expressive eyebrows, patiently listening and helping Elba gradually appreciate the beautiful things in the world and make new friends.

Verdict: Add this to Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened for a nuanced portrait of dealing with heavy emotions. It’s left ambiguous in the story as to whether Little Bird has died or just is gone and readers can easily apply this to their own griefs or those of their friends. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781338214888; Published March 2019 by Scholastic; Borrowed from another library in my consortium