NPR's Book of the Day Daylight is something to celebrate in 'The Shortest Day'
Jan 9, 2025
Celebrate the arrival of longer days following the winter solstice! Dive into the enchanting world of Susan Cooper's poem, which transformed into a children's book with illustrations by Carson Ellis. Discover their heartfelt collaboration that weaves themes of light triumphing over darkness. Hear about the inspirations drawn from their letter exchanges and the stunning works of Pieter Brugel. It's a beautiful exploration of creativity and hope, perfect for all ages.
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Collaboration by Mail
- Susan Cooper and Carson Ellis collaborated on "The Shortest Day" via mail.
- Ellis initially envisioned medieval scenes, but Cooper steered the book towards a deeper theme.
Themes of Dread and Hope
- "The Shortest Day" explores the historical dread associated with shortening days and impending cold and starvation.
- The book connects these primal fears to modern experiences through evocative illustrations.
Wordless Spreads
- The idea of wordless spreads at the beginning was Susan Cooper’s daughter’s idea.
- Both Cooper and Ellis adopted it to enhance the book's visual storytelling.
