James Sage Archives – Carol's Notebook

Author: James Sage

James Sage is an American author who has channeled his experience with film and photography into creating picture books. He strongly believes that the successful blending of words with images is the element that gives a story its special magic, as it is often what lies beyond both that has the most lasting impact. A story, he insists, should raise questions that are not at first apparent. They should be the cause of thought and wonder, and linger with the reader in a happy, troublesome way. Today, from a small market town in England, he continues to explore this phenomenon, carefully varying his style to suit the subject. For James, it is a continuing adventure.

I admit it. The drawings are what drew me to Old Misery, along with the title. The blurb above gives a good summary, but I will say I found it amusing who all managed to get stuck in her tree. The illustrations are perfect for the story, simple and amusing but grim too. But we all know that wishes can often be double-edged swords. The "surprise visitor" who really probably wasn't much of a surprise to the old woman, ends up stuck in the tree and Old Misery learns why you have to be so careful with your wished. It's a cute re-telling of the Auntie Misery folktale. It's dark and a reminder that there will always be Misery and Death in the world, but I'm pretty sure there are certain kids, some of whom may or may not be in my family, who will love it....