Time Capsule

 

Time Capsule / Lauren Redniss
NY: Random House, c2022.

Time Capsule is a picture book that raises big questions about time, memory, and the future. Readers follow a young girl as she puts some treasured belongings into a jar, and buries it for people in the future to discover. As she does, she wonders who will find it, and what will they think of her world by looking at the items she's included. The story leaves you with the question: what would you put into yours?   

With few words, evocative illustrations, and a deep concept, this is a book for families to enjoy together. There are dreamy images to explore and engaging ideas to discuss. With only a brief text, the story relies on the spare, original artwork by writer and artist Lauren Redniss, who has a distinctive visual style. 

In the back pages the author shares extra information on the history of time capsules which will be suitable for older readers or adults. There is also a set of questions to help you develop your own ideas for a time capsule. This was a great find at my local library, a really thoughtful picture book with lovely imagery to explore. I think it's a good one for this time of year, as you're thinking about what happened in your life over the last year and what you'd like to see ahead -- maybe a good time to gather up a time capsule of sorts. It's quite a dreamy read, just right for these reflective days at the turn of the year.