Common Threads: Adam's Day at the Market

A delightful day at the Eastern Market

Detroit’s Eastern Market is the setting for this bighearted picture book about a boy who temporarily loses his parents among the bustling crowd.  Though young Adam’s mom and dad are wearing traditional Muslim clothing, it’s no easy task to relocate them amidst the swirling mass of shoppers dressed in a splendid variety of multicolored ethnic and religious garb.  At one point, Adam mistakes his mother, who is dressed in a blue robe and hijab, with a nun in a sky-blue habit and veil.  Elsewhere, he thinks a slim man in a yarmulka might be his wiry, taqiyah-wearing father.  But, eventually, with the help of these friendly strangers, Adam is reunited with his parents.

The text of this story is minimal; the vibrant illustrations by Merce Tous are the key here.  Shoppers and merchants are depicted as joyful and friendly, and their clothing is dazzling in style and color.  The artist portrays people with a wide variety of skin tones, ranging from the rich chocolate brown of Adam’s mother to the warm peachy pink of the helpful nun.  

This is a sweet picture book showing people at their best.