A children’s book becomes legendary when it does many things: speaks to both adults and children, tackles important societal themes, and stands the test of time. Time is the only thing left to see whether “The Extraordinarily Normal Life time Prince: Everyone’s Good on Something” passes the test of. The next installment in Prince A. Sanders’ amazingly inventive world has just hit shelves.
This is a second segment of a mosaic depicting the author’s formative years. There is a really individual tone throughout the series that instantly puts the reader at ease, allowing them to take in the full scope of what they’re reading. This little book is a lot more than simply words on a page; it’s an immersion into the intersection of the adult and kid worlds.
Prince, at seven, is naturally curious. He often uses his free time to investigate the mysteries and marvels of the natural world. His peers quickly figure out that Prince is an exception. Prince’s elder brother has a stellar athletic reputation at school, but he has never lived up to it. In a short time, Prince begins to feel like an alien and, worse, a stranger even himself.
Prince learns to embrace the fact that his own path is unique, both in comparison to that of his brother and to societal expectations. However, he has no idea what his future holds for himself. The path ahead becomes obvious to him at a point wherein he least expects it. After taking his family to see a concert, Prince is mesmerized by the dancers’ natural motions and wishes he could join their enchanted world.
Even if he can see the way, others may not. It is usual for adults to set goals and a plan of action for children’s lives. However, when kids come to their own conclusions, we must acknowledge the importance of their choices and help them realize their ambitions. Prince shows us the reality, which is that each of us may have a clearer vision of our own path than anybody else. However, society norms and standards may create a long shadow, blocking one’s path to happiness and success.
The illustrations that enliven the text with color are deserving of praise. The artist captures in exquisite detail some of the most pivotal times in Prince’s life. It is highly recommended that you take your time at each photo and reflect on the story being told. Like the work of a true artist, these visuals don’t detract from the narrative but rather enhance it by providing something fresh and entertaining.