What happens when you try to capture something that was never meant to be caught? This question lies at the heart of Merlin Publishers' latest release, Jekk Taqbad id-Dawl, a stunning picture book born from the collaboration between two distinguished artists: acclaimed author Clare Azzopardi and illustrator Matt Stroud. The book presents a powerful visual allegory, prompting reflection on what happens when we attempt to possess that which should remain free.
Jekk Taqbad id-Dawl tells the story of an old man who frequently ventures out in his boat, trying to catch light. Sometimes he succeeds, but when he finally manages to capture a rare and extraordinary light, instead of joy, he feels sadness and frustration as he watches it fade and die in his hands. From that moment on, he vows never to chase the light again. Though people laugh at him, he succeeds in passing his message on to children, and gradually, everyone begins to understand that light is meant to be captured with our eyes and locked away in our hearts and in the hearts of those around us.
Azzopardi explains the profound message beneath the surface of this beautiful adventure: "This is a book of great sensitivity. The light is an allegory for many things, and the elderly protagonist could be any one of us. Above all, this book is a protest in favour of the environment - it is the voice of tiny creatures with no power - they are the light, and we must decide whether to extinguish it forever or preserve it."
Azzopardi and Stroud are no strangers to creative collaboration. Among other projects, they worked together on the Maltese-animated series Emme (National Literacy Agency) and on the picture book Il-Ħanut tal-ħelu li mar dawra (Merlin Publishers, 2018), which won them the National Book Prize. Azzopardi is a renowned author and a leading figure in Maltese literature, while Stroud is a respected illustrator who specialises in art related to children's narratives, entertainment and education. Both have received multiple awards for their work.
The illustrations in Jekk Taqbad id-Dawl perfectly complement the storytelling. Stroud employs a varied palette to convey the many moods present in the story - ranging from solitude to sadness to protest. Subtle details and atmospheric scenes further underline the book's key themes.
Aimed primarily at children aged four to eight, Jekk Taqbad id-Dawl delivers a profound message that will resonate with readers of all ages. The book offers parents and teachers an excellent opportunity to discuss important themes with children, such as respect for nature, environmental preservation and the ability to appreciate beauty without the need to possess it.
Jekk Taqbad id-Dawl is a project co-financed by the National Literacy Agency. It also serves as yet another example of Merlin Publishers' ongoing commitment to produce high-quality literature for Maltese children - literature that educates, entertains and inspires.
This is a book that will surely spark curiosity, stimulate imagination and encourage reflection on our responsibility towards the world around us.
The book is available for purchase from all bookshops or online at www.merlinpublishers.com