A Sweet Smell of Roses

A Sweet Smell of Roses. Angela Johnson. Illus. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2005. 32 pages. $16.95 (Hardback). ISBN 0-689-83252-4. Grades K-3.

My Thoughts…

A Smell of Sweet Roses is a beautiful book, both the writing and the illustrations.  I was glad I read the ‘about the book’ and ‘from the artist’ notes prior to the story because I think they made me appreciate the completed package even more. I do think if I was going to recommend this book or use it in a program or lesson I would try to find other books or examples of the art of the two inspiring illustrators. Speaking of illustrations, let me start there with my thoughts…I loved how each page had one splash of red, whether it be the roses, the teddy bear’s ribbon, or the flag. The sparse use of color catches the reader’s eye and draws it to the center of the picture in most cases, ensuring that the whole illustration is examined. I love that red was the color too, since read is very symbolic. The sketched illustrations are also beautiful. I love that it is in grayscale because it doesn’t emphasize the obvious division between white and black skin. It shows that it a blend and that everything is just a shade of gray. The shading and lines are amazing and I can only imagine how long it took to illustrate the entire book.

The writing in this book is great. It is childlike, conversational, yet rhythmic, repetitive, and flowing. I love how the poem reads like a march, slow and steady. I think the quotations through out are fitting and bring authenticity to the story. The repetition of “a sweet smell of roses” is great too. Roses are natural beings, undeniably beautiful. I love that the sisters love that smell and have something positive guiding them. I really enjoyed the story and how children were given such strength and bravery.