See for Yourself

The second title from Jordan Stephens, following on from The Missing Piece, See for Yourself has a similar theme of searching for connection and acceptance. We meet Jasper and his dad, they come from a long line of inventors but all of Jasper’s family have been preoccupied with the skies and inventions that will take them there. Quietly, Jasper longs not for adventures into the air, but to discover what lies at the bottom of the ocean.

Jasper eventually confesses his dream to his dad who is initially dumbfounded. Nevertheless, the bond between father and son is such that he supports Jasper’s vision, and they set about making his dream come true. Jasper sets off to explore alone, and perhaps this is another key point – that sometimes our ambitions are more about learning to explore independently than they are about where you end up. When he returns, his dad is still waiting for him and they are both able to reaffirm their love for each other and their hopes for future adventures.

Throughout, this is a title encouraging little readers to be hopeful, to be resilient, to be independent. Yet this is also a title that tenderly explores the ties of family and specifically reflects on the relationship between fathers and sons. It promotes acceptance when family members choose a different path, courage to voice your dreams and to follow them, and the hope that in time – as at the end of this story, those closest to you might come to explore your dreams with you.

Perhaps for some children this will be a difficult read, reminding them of relationships they haven’t experienced, but overwhelmingly the title feels full of hope and this is supported by the warm and exuberant illustrations offered by Suzanna.