The red sled, by Jolanda Restano. The book to give emotions and memories
“The red sled” although it is a story suitable for everyone, young and old, deals with important issues such as war, but at the same time with great delicacy tells, through the eyes of a little girl, joys and fears, small gestures, details of a simple life but at the same time full of feelings and good intentions.
There are books that give emotions, because they arouse memories, because they tell a true story, or because we feel we belong to that story or to what that book wants to convey.
We all have a favorite story, just like we all have an object that belongs to our past and that we jealously guard in our hearts. “The red sled”, by Jolanda Restano is all of this.
A family story
The red sled is a faithful companion in many of Graziella and Silvano’s games, the protagonists of the book, two children who experience the hardship and fears caused by the Second World War. The presence of the Nazis on Italian territory, the partisans, solidarity with those who are fighting with courage and the freedom of their country.
In the midst of daily life, made up of school, games, fun with the little things. The sled, companion of daily adventures, walks, first loves, allow to maintain a semblance of normality in their lives.
These children who managed to have fun with little, who appreciated being together, having someone to talk to and confide in, really have a lot to teach our generation of kids. Friendship, imagination, sincere affections, the need to share, resist even the most tragic events and give hope, that hope which can in part be represented by the red sled, symbol of freedom.
“The red sled” although it is a story suitable for everyone, young and old, deals with important issues such as war, but at the same time with great delicacy tells, through the eyes of a little girl, joys and fears, small gestures, details of a simple life but at the same time full of feelings and good intentions.
I found it a genuine, sincere story, while I was reading it the stories of my grandparents came to my mind who, like the characters in “The Red Sleigh”, really lived that war, with all that it entailed. The fear that was felt in the air when it came to hiding partisans at home, the strong sense of solidarity when it came to sharing what little food they had with those who had even less. And above all knowing how to appreciate the small daily gestures, those that remain in the soul.
I won’t go into the details of the story because it deserves to be read and experienced without anticipation. Read it because it will not only warm your heart, but it will pamper you in the true sense of the word, for the entire reading time thanks to a now rare layout and wonderful illustrations.
The book is dedicated to Jolanda’s mother, Graziella, the protagonist of the story, a true story that will not be lost thanks to this book. Because it is full of values, of feelings that seem to belong to a distant past and which instead should be dusted off to fully experience our daily reality as well.
The illustrations are by Angelo Ruta , taken from photos that Jolanda herself sent to the artist. The decorations, the details, everything is faithful to the old Villa di Graglia where the story is set. And it makes this short but intense story even more special, which is part of the true experience of her family and which Jolanda put in black (and red) on white.
Jolanda Restano is not only the author of books but thanks to her passion for fairy tales and nursery rhymes she is also a producer of content for children.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.