The Secret River by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon (Atheneum Books, 2011) is a unique Cybils 2011 fiction picture book nominee in that it is a republished version of a children’s story that received the Newbery Honor in 1956.
It is clear why it did receive recognition. It is a deceptively simple story of a girl who discovers a secret river full of fish, thanks to the directions of the wise Mother Albirtha. Calpurnia catches the fish from the gorgeous Secret River to save her family and her village from starvation and poverty during difficult economic times. Once times are better, however, she can no longer find the Secret River. Calpurnia’s tale celebrates the assistance of a child who saves the day, and the magical aspects of the hidden river gives her story a depth of mysterious excitement that I imagine children would enjoy.
Further, the newly produced illustrations for this tale, rendered by the Caldecott Medalist team of Leo and Diane Dillon, are simply gorgeous, adding a depth of magic and beauty to the story that enhances the reading experience for the adult and child alike. The Secret River is highly recommended, well deserving of its original Newbery Honor and definitely worthy of a reissue with such apropos illustrations.
