We are Brothers
by Yves Nadon, illustrated by Jean Claverie
Creative Editions, 2018
Stirring. Riveting. Heartfelt. We are Brothers tells the tale of how a younger brother is encouraged by his big brother to jump from rocks high above the water.
Told from the younger brother’s point of view, and in a poetic voice, we see “the wall.” We feel the fear, “Not now”. Surprised, the younger brother climbs the wall with the ease of a cat. At top, he hesitates. Trusting his brother, he finally jumps…and everything is silent as he falls. He’s thrust into the water, then returns to the surface like a fish. Big brother celebrates the first jump, then they do it again. As brothers.
The illustrations by award-winning French artist are soft, gentle, exquisite. They capture and show the feelings involved with the first jump from a high place. They show the trust the young brother feels from the encouragement of a loving big brother.
If you like this story, also check out Jabari Jumps, a story about a father supporting a boys first jump into a pool.