A Glass

Gr 3 Up—In this gorgeously illustrated picture book, Delessert shares the story of his relationship with Eglantine Besson, whom he refers to as his "real mom," the woman he met at age two and a half after his birth mother died. Using the simplest of everyday objects—a crystal drinking glass—as a metaphor for the unbreakable bond between him and his stepmother, Delessert leads readers down a road full of both joyous and bittersweet recollections of their life together. The author recalls an occasion when his mom threw the glass during an argument, yet it remained unbroken, saying later that the glass now sits on his desk, a forever reminder of her loving presence. Vivid memories of making strawberry jam; discovering snails in the garden; and a love of books and puzzles are depicted beautifully through both language and illustration. Delessert says that he and his mother "laughed, hugged…for the rest of her long life," saying, "all of my friends wanted a mom just like mine." With its sense of poignancy and heartfelt wisdom, as well as artful illustrations, this is a deeply symbolic and moving story of love, life, and the eternal bond between mother and son.—Natalie Braham, Denver Public Library