Caroline Magerl is a master at transporting the reader into the pages of her stories, pulling the readers heart into the worlds of whimsy, magic and joy that she so sublimely creates. Tomato Sandwich, a wordless picture book by Caroline Magerl and published by Walker Books, is one that you can’t help but read with a giant smile as the pages are brimming with joy, love, warmth and laugh out loud moments. In her magnificent expressive illustrations Caroline deftly captures the day in a life of a resourceful, determined, young girl, Ottily, who is open to exciting possibilities, has a keen sense of adventure and finds joy in the true magic of everyday moments and making precious memories with her Dad and their mischievous dog.
Ottily wakes to a new day, a promise of new adventures and dons her fairy dress, with wand in hand. Her loyal dog is by her side, one eye open, alert and waiting expectantly for Ottily’s plan for the day to unfold.
Ottily’s Dad is involved in a mundane task, vacumming and dusting. Ottily captures his attention and breakfast options are considered, the usual suspects, a banana, cereal, egg or strawberry yogurt. None of these appeal to Ottily. She is dressed for something magical, a fairy cupcake.
Ottily’s Dad returns with a tomato sandwich. Not at all what Ottily had in mind. There’s only one thing to do, get that tomato sandwich in a slingshot and catapult it far, far away.
Ottily does not give up on her desire to have fairy cupcake. She takes herself off to the bakery and her dog finds a way to join her with the tomato sandwich in his mouth.
Ottily returns home to plumes of smoke billowing from her kitchen as her Dad has attempted to fulfill her wish for a fairy cake. Instead, he has a small, smouldering, black nugget to present to her. Far from a disaster, Ottily is quick thinking and sees this as an opportunity, an opportunity for magic. Ottily is not the only one who sees an opportunity, so does her dog who seizes the moment to snatch the delicious looking cupcake. The dog takes off and Ottily and her Dad give chase.
What unfolds is an afternoon of sheer delight, precious time spent together making treasured memories. An ordinary day becomes a great memorable, thrilling adventure.
When Ottily and her Dad return home to their welcoming neighbours after a truly magical day, the true magic happens and it is uplifting, heartwarming and oh so beautiful. The beauty in a seemingly everyday moment is breathtaking. The presence, love and connection between Ottily, her Dad and their dog is beautiful and palpable. This story highlights how magical moments do not need to cost anything or be extravagant, they are there in everyday moments and pure joy can be found in simple pleasures.
Readers, young and old, will take immense pleasure in lingering on the pages, soaking up the glorious details in the illustrations which so very clearly tell the story. A wordless picture book makes the reader slow down, look for information in the pictures, see the unexpected and delight in the sheer joy, adventure and love bursting from the pages.