Review by Booklist Review
This fable-like tale is inspired by two Icelandic volcanoes: Hekla, a small, very active entity, whirls into old Laki's dormant life one windy day. Hekla's unexpected arrival shakes Laki "to his core." While calm Laki favors order and routine, mischievous and energetic Hekla constantly causes "small catastrophes" in their middle-of-the-crater home. In time, these two disparate beings forge a deep and affectionate parent-child attachment: "Laki couldn't even remember what life was like before Hekla." Throughout the seasons, the elder passes on wisdom and learns "to make room for" the little spark. Bolstered by support and steadfast guidance, Hekla takes steps toward independence. When Laki dies, his bereaved charge shores up reserves and comes into his own. Schneider's refined, atmospheric illustrations present the beauty, power, and magnificence of Icelandic landscapes in striking wordless spreads. Laki is characterized as a gigantic, stable, stalwart, dark-blue being, while Hekla is a tiny, fiery, lava-orange imp. Originally published in French, this nuanced translation is full of warmth.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This strangely moving, legend-like story told in two parts starts with Laki, a very old, blue, hulking creature, whose world is upended when small, child-like, orange Hekla falls into his life "just like the samara of a sycamore tree." Hekla brings both chaos and meaning to Laki's existence. Laki sits, head in hand, as Hekla scales a bookcase, knocking things off the shelves. Yet Laki cares deeply about Hekla, and most of all about keeping the tiny creature away from the lake outside: "Not the lake, Hekla," Laki repeats. When Hekla no longer needs a caretaker, and Laki's life comes to an end--an event whose mythological dimensions soften the blow--Hekla's landscape experiences profound changes. Via dynamic, ambitious painting and writing, Schneider doesn't just create a myth but also imagines geological-level shifts with crystalline intensity. Ages 6--9. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--Drawing inspiration from two of Iceland's most destructive volcanoes, Belgian author Schneider weaves a tale of unexpected love, loss, and renewal. Hekla, a tiny creature who is "constantly causing small catastrophes," is found and nurtured by Laki, a gentle, old giant who grows to love Hekla despite the disruption to his "precious routine." The pair are each other's only companions through the cycle of many seasons, with Hekla playing outside and exploring the changing landscape while Laki watches patiently through the window of their home. Eventually Laki dies, leaving Hekla to navigate the ever-changing world on his own. Schneider's prose is simple and poetic, accompanied by vivid illustrations that combine paint, ink, and pastels to show the blend of beauty and brutality in nature. Hekla, depicted in glowing shades of orange, is named for an active stratovolcano. The much older volcano Laki, once destructive but now dormant, is embodied in cool blues and purples. After Laki's death, Hekla discovers a new landscape that unites the warm and cool hues, and eventually finds creatures like himself beyond the rim of the crater where he has always lived. Hekla and Laki portrays the endless flow of creation and destruction with the feel of a classic folktale. It is an exploration of juxtapositions, with a narrative that is both somber and hopeful, depicting a world that is simultaneously merciless and marvelous. VERDICT An innovative and beautifully illustrated story that will inspire rich discussions over multiple readings.--Amy Reimann
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An old giant and a young newcomer forge an unlikely bond at the edge of a crater. Belgian author/illustrator Schneider has named her characters after volcanoes in the south of Iceland. Laki is a blue, bearded, monolithic figure accustomed to a solitary life. The rambunctious Hekla tumbles into his life in a swirl of yellow and orange--as if from lava. The small, silent, orange child likes to collect rocks, replace broken household items with flowers, and explore. In Part One, the seasons pass pleasantly; Laki builds his diminutive friend a bed and keeps him safe. The ice covering the lake in the crater melts each spring, and Laki is especially concerned about keeping curious Hekla away from it. Their growing, tender connection plays out in myriad ways against dramatic skies filled with warm oranges and cool blues and the dark volcano walls contrasting with the irresistible, pale lake. When Hekla comes home wet and smiling after a dip in the lake, Laki seems to sense that the youngster has matured; that night, Laki dies. Schneider's gentle, beautifully written text, translated from French, expresses feelings in childlike terms, neither overwhelming nor sentimental: "Now that Laki was gone, the world didn't seem as interesting." Part Two finds Hekla taking stock, uttering his first words, and discovering an island. His fear in the face of calamitous weather gives way to bravery and, ultimately, excitement at being alive. A visually compelling and emotionally gratifying glimpse at learning how to hold on and let go. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
