Description
So close
Book summary
So close is a contemporary fable that invites reflection on isolation and human relationships. Through the story of a duck and a rabbit living parallel lives trapped in their own loneliness, the work explores affective bonds and individualism with poetic sensitivity. Winner of the 1st Compostela International Prize for Picture Books, this book stands out for its formal simplicity and profound look at emotions, encouraging the reader not to turn their back on others.
What is it about?
The story presents two characters, a duck and a rabbit, whose existences unfold in parallel without ever meeting. Each remains locked in their own bubble of loneliness, despite the physical proximity surrounding them. Through a minimalist and coherent narrative, the author constructs a metaphor for the difficulty of connecting with others and the tendency toward isolation in today's society. The work invites the reader to observe how lack of communication and individualism can separate even those who are closest, offering a poetic reflection on the need to build bridges and open up to others.
Main themes
- Isolation and loneliness in interpersonal relationships.
- Individualism and the difficulty of establishing emotional bonds.
- Non-verbal communication and emotional distance.
- Empathy as a path to overcoming the lack of communication.
- Narrative simplicity as a vehicle for profound reflection.
Who is it recommended for?
This picture book is recommended for child and adult readers interested in stories with symbolic and emotional weight. It is ideal for those seeking works that address themes such as loneliness, friendship, and human connection from a poetic and accessible perspective. It is also suitable for educators, reading mediators, and families who wish to share a reading that invites dialogue about emotions and relationships.
What this book contributes
- A poetic reflection on isolation and the importance of human connection.
- A visual and literary narrative of great simplicity that invites personal interpretation.
- A tool for addressing complex emotional themes with children and adults.
- An award-winning work that combines artistic quality and thematic depth.
- A reading experience that fosters empathy and openness toward others.
Technical specifications
- Author: Colombo, Natalia
- Publisher: Kalandraka
- Language: eng
- Theme: PICTURE BOOKS
- Collection: BOOKS OR DREAMING
- Binding: Hardcover
- Number of pages: 34
- Weight: 300 g
Editorial review
So close is a work that stands out for its ability to say a lot with very little. The author manages to convey a profound reflection on loneliness and the need for connection through a seemingly simple story. Its minimalist style and poetic approach make it a recommended read for both children and adults, especially for those interested in picture books that transcend the merely narrative. The recognition obtained in the Compostela Prize vouches for its literary and artistic quality.