In Tonbo, Allen Say, the Caldecott Medal author, follows a white paper airplane that flies through the air of time. He calls the airplane “Tonbo,” which means dragonfly. Say starts out first with his memories as an old man who slowly follows the plane. He remembers different moments throughout his life as he gets younger and younger.
This story is not really for children, though it is in a picture-book format. Say wants adults to reflect upon their lives and reminisce about past incidents. For example, Say remembers the ice cream shop where he picked out special flavors, like pistachio and rocky road. He also thinks back to some of the diners where he ate. In addition, he recollects people he talked to along his journey. In the end, Say remembers that his mother gave him the airplane he is following when he was sick as a young child and then reminds himself that he is old now and must carefully walk home.
The book is a soft story filled with beautiful, muted colors of greens, browns, purples, and blues that bring forward the wonderful memories of Say’s life.
