Hello, Mister Blue by Daria Peoples

Abstract

Reviewed by: Hello, Mister Blue by Daria Peoples April Spisak Peoples, Daria Hello, Mister Blue; written and illus. by Daria Peoples. Greenwillow, 2023 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780063206755 $19.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R* 6-9 yrs When an energetic, curious girl goes out with her Papa, they have various city adventures and meet Mister Blue, an old friend of Papa's who is unhomed, playing inspiring music through the city. Papa identifies Mister Blue as a man on the move, a "get-up-and-go kind of brother," but his straightforward perspective is complicated by the girl's questions about whether Mister Blue is cold, hungry, scared, or lonely. A rainstorm spurs the two to find Mister Blue and invite him into their home for some warmth and music. Black-and-white illustrations depicting Papa and Mister Blue's shared past are a sharp contrast to the vivid, luminous full color oil paintings [End Page 300] that make up the majority of the book. The energetic style exudes joy, hope, and celebration, even in difficult scenes, and the pacing encourages readers to take in the details. The young girl's open compassion and desire to help Mister Blue is a satisfactory counterpoint to Papa's clear assumption that Mister Blue is where he wants or needs to be. Both are right in different ways, as the book subtly but effectively highlights the idea that there are so many ways to live, and there is dignity and meaning to be found in each of them. Mister Blue is not heroic or magical or, conversely, lazy or a societal problem—he is a man with a troubled history and an often-difficult present who deserves to be seen and respected. Picture books that emphasize understanding and fully embracing the humanity of people who have been traditionally marginalized are still far too rare, and Peoples has added a gem of a story to the mix. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois