“A Small Miracle” by Peter Collington is more than just a wordless picture book; it’s a profound visual narrative that delves into the depths of human emotion and resilience. Through 96 evocative illustrations, Collington masterfully portrays the frailty of life, offering a poignant yet ultimately hopeful exploration of the human spirit. This book, celebrated for its depth and artistic storytelling, invites readers of all ages to experience a powerful journey of hardship and, ultimately, a small miracle.
The story begins with a stark image: an elderly woman awakens in a meager wagon dwelling, immediately setting a tone of poverty and desolation. It’s Christmas, yet there’s no festive cheer, only the cold reality of lacking food, warmth, and money. Collington’s illustrations speak volumes, conveying the woman’s hardship without a single word.
Driven by necessity, she ventures into the snowy town, seeking to earn a few coins by playing her accordion. Despite her efforts, passersby, lost in their own worlds, ignore her plea for help. The day passes with frozen fingers and an empty purse, leading to the heartbreaking decision to sell her cherished accordion. This scene is particularly impactful, highlighting the depth of her sacrifice.
As if fate is against her, a thief on a motorbike steals her meager earnings on her way home. Seeking solace, she finds herself at a vandalized church, the Nativity scene in disarray. In a twist of events, she encounters the same thief fleeing with the church’s donation bucket. Courageously, she reclaims the stolen donations, locking herself in the desecrated church. Despite her own misfortunes, she dedicates herself to restoring order, returning the stolen money and carefully arranging the scattered Nativity figurines. This act of selfless kindness in her own despair is a turning point in the narrative.
Alt text: A poignant illustration from “A Small Miracle” by Peter Collington, depicting the elderly woman playing her accordion in the snowy town, unnoticed by busy passersby.
The turning point arrives as the woman journeys home, collapsing in the snow, succumbing to hunger, cold, and exhaustion. Just when despair seems inevitable, “a small miracle” unfolds, offering a glimmer of hope in the bleak midwinter. This subtle shift from despair to hope is what makes Collington’s work so resonant.
Peter Collington, often hailed as a ‘master of wordless picture books’, brings a unique photographic eye to his illustrations. His background in photography enriches his detailed and emotionally charged artwork. “A Small Miracle” is a testament to his skill in visual storytelling, earning him a nomination for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Award, recognizing outstanding illustration in children’s literature. His book “The Coming of the Surfman” also received accolades, winning the Bologna Book Fair Honour Book Award in 1994, further solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in children’s literature.
Collington’s artistic style is distinct for its haunting realism. His snow-laden landscapes evoke a palpable sense of cold and isolation, drawing the reader into the old woman’s arduous journey. The beauty of “A Small Miracle” lies in its subtle details. For example, the cafe sign subtly changes throughout the sequence where the woman plays her accordion, marking the passage of time from “Breakfast now served” to “Lunch being served” and finally “Afternoon tea now being served”. These details enrich the narrative and deepen the reader’s immersion.
Alt text: Close-up illustration from “A Small Miracle” showcasing Peter Collington’s detailed art style, emphasizing the old woman’s worn clothing and determined expression as she prepares to play her accordion.
Another poignant detail is the depiction of the old woman’s bare legs, a subtle yet powerful indicator of her poverty and the absence of even basic comforts in her life. The emotional depth is further amplified in the scene where she sells her accordion; a single tear falling as she kisses it goodbye encapsulates her loss and sacrifice with heartbreaking clarity.
“A Small Miracle” beautifully blends realism with a touch of fantasy, creating a narrative that deeply resonates with readers. It’s a story that tugs at the heartstrings and gently instills a belief in the possibility of miracles, even in the darkest of times. As the Russian proverb wisely states, “Seeing it once beats hearing about it a hundred times.” Peter Collington’s “A Small Miracle” is a book to be experienced, felt, and cherished – a visual masterpiece that speaks volumes about humanity, hardship, and hope.
Alt text: “A Small Miracle” book cover by Peter Collington, featuring the heartwarming moment of the old woman and the dog in a snowy landscape, encapsulating the book’s themes of hope and kindness.
