About This Book
James A. Freeman masterfully weaves a simple but resonating tale in Lady and Sierra's Storage Shed Summer. The title is an apt one for this work, as you get the distinct sense that this seemingly straightforward and simple tale of dogs, squirrels rabbits, a little girl, her father and their shared backyard is a fable that open us to deep emotions and truths. The work pivots on Freeman's use of character limning and crisp and playful language to propel the story forward. Freeman delights in harmony of easily understood language, blending together a humorous wit with a lyrical pulse that audiences from the ages of two to one hundred and two can easily relate to. The effect on the reader is often one of delight and positivity. Freeman's economy and purity of language is paramount here, as his fable is meant to be brief but vivid and impactful. In this picture book, there is no room for wasted words, and, thankfully, Freeman does not waste words. The stunning sketches of Massachusetts baker and illustrator Anna Gaul help Freeman's animals, people and his literal home-place come further alive, and they add full-color depth and a fourth dimension of richness. The author skillfully draws each character, be they human, canine or rabbit, in the small amount of text space that he allows for each page. With Freeman's full descriptions and evocative wordplay, the reader feels as if she or he can channel the minds of the backyard animals as they interact in both conflict and in concert. Therein lies the genius in this warm story. Readers will fully relate to the animals and to the human characters who inhabit this epochal house and yard. They may never have been left in this particular house, yard or shed, but the emotions experienced by all of the characters are real and ever-present. Freeman's charming work of everyday life is reminiscent of Thornton Wilder's classic play "Our Town," made even more accessible by the skillfully drawn visuals of Anna Gaul, the talented daughter of a Physician Father and a musical Mother. Both author and artist focus on everyday animal characters (and the two humans) that readers can easily relate to and commiserate with. It is this easy bond that readers will develop with Freeman's characters that will insure that this uplifting picture book will leave a lasting impression on personalities of all ages.
