If you have children of any age, chances are you're already aware that Eve Bunting is an author of high quality, regardless of the age for which she is writing. Marry that particular caveat with the fact that this book is also illustrated magnificently by the no-less-superb Jo Allen McAllister Stammen, and you're in the ballpark for a winner."Swan in Love," however, tends to be a bit heavy handed for my tastes. The swan in the title, Swan, is in love with a swan-shaped boat with the name "Dora" painted on her. Swan has to endure the ridicule from the other swans, frogs, and fish in and on the lake. Rather than flying south for the winter, Swan watches as Dora is pulled from the lake, and sits by, taking up guard.
Inevitably, and predictably, Dora starts to become a little run down. In fact, it looks as though Dora's days as a boat are finished; her return to the lake one spring reveals too many leaks to allow her to stay in the water. She is pulled out, much to the distress of Swan.
The ending of the book is confusing to some children; after a small amount of explaining, they tend to "get it," but still are a bit disturbed by the fact that the love expressed throughout the book is all in Swan's head. The lesson being taught is that love, even unrequited love, is fine; it will be returned, even if only in your imagination.
I know, the actual lesson of the book is far less shallow than that, but I can only echo the sentiments of my own kids. Questions such as "How come it didn't show the other swans that might have loved Swan as much as he loved Dora?"
Swan isn't unloveable, and neither is the book. Pick it up and read it to your kids; it should engage them in some insightful conversation, if nothing else.
