The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant

This tiny book is a powerhouse of little miracles that really seem to convince the reader to recognize the little things in this simple little cafe and its effect on the community. It was strange to me to see the whole book written in present tense. It almost felt like it was narrated by a newspaper reporter. Nonetheless the effect was fitting for the type of book it was. It was like looking at a living museum. Clara must have been a quiet, observant little girl for the things she noticed. The poem on the napkin was the most captivating miracle in the way that Marc's poems came true in someone else's life. I laughed at the image of all the pigeons sitting on the roof and then jumping onto the truck bound for California. This book was light reading, and it swept me off to a place I decided I wanted to imagine and see. Our family used to frequent a little restaurant during our summers in Indiana. All the waitresses knew us on a first name basis, and the same neighbors came often to the restaurant as we did. I just remember the overwhelming friendliness and homey feeling about the place. I imagined the Van Gogh cafe in this way. Once again Cynthia Rylant crafts the wonder and curiosity of a little girl seeking validation and meaning in the people and events around her.