Book Review of Father's Road, Written by Ji-yun Jang, Illustrated by Tan Jun

Father's Road, Written by Ji-yun Jang and Illustrated by Tan Jun is a picture book about the Silk Road. It is presented with a glossary of terms, a map, and a timeline of events in the back because it is part of the Trade Winds series, self-described as "an educational series featuring stories set in key periods in the history of economy and culture." The cover, featuring drab colors and a less than lush illustration begins to depict one of my problems with the book, which tells the story of young Wong Chung and his journey on the Silk Road with his father, who works as a trader.

As an adult, I enjoy picture books because I like looking at different styles of illustrations. I see picture books as a way to explore the work of various illustrators, and experience their personal ways of putting me into the story the author is trying to tell. Unfortunately, in the case of Father's Road, Tan Jun failed at this. I didn't feel I was enmeshed in the story at all, because I kept marveling at how drab the colors were and how bleak and unfinished the illustrations looked (as if concept sketches, rather than completed pieces of art, were used in the final book). I wondered how the most exciting scenes in the story (a skirmish with bandits, a wind storm in the dessert) were depicted in such a boring, washed-out way. There are many colorful items being trade on the Silk Road, but readers of this book never get to enjoy them fully because of the bleak color choices Tan Jun used.

Obviously, the other main component of a picture book is the narrative, and Ji-yun Jang's narrative had some glaring flaws. For one thing, Wong Chung's father never seems to give any kind of clear or helpful direction to his son until it is too late, or Wong Chung is going to ignore it for plot purposes. For another, when Wong Chung does finally get clear direction from his father (...after not being told to do things like ration his water or keep his mouth closed so sand won't get in it--really? I'm supposed to buy that?), he immediately ignores it to provide medical assistance to a child of the bandits who have just attacked him, his father, and their crew. Instead of any negative consequences for disobeying the one clear instruction from his Dad, Wong Chung is rewarded for this choice. Such a narrative thread for a picture book intended for young children is bizarre and will probably just confuse them about ideas like listening to their parents, especially because Wong Chung is then praised for his bravery (he was brave for ignoring his Dad?).

Ultimately, Father's Road completely missed the mark. I'm all for historical picture books, but picture books should put the reader into the story and not be confusing to young readers. This one failed on both counts.

I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.