The only thing Igor knows about himself is his name. When he's not busy playing, he likes to watch what the animals do, but why has he never seen anyone else like himself? Maybe it is time to leave home and go on a journey of self-discovery.
December 14, 2020
Originally published in Italian, this spare narrative follows Igor, a gray, four-inch-tall bipedal creature whose distinguishing characteristics are listed as “very furry and smiles a lot.” Knowing nothing about his species but aware of his name and a few of his talents (doing magic tricks with blooms and seeds, for example), Igor embarks on a journey to find someone else like him. Relayed through fine-lined, light-suffused illustrations, Igor humorously hangs with a bat, swims with a school of scarlet fish, and dons spectacles to fit in with a pair of owls. Finally, Igor meets another curious being: a long-haired, domelike unnamed creature with arms that resemble a sloth’s. Vignaga subverts the expected outcome, however: “Igor is happy to have met another creature like him, but he cannot stay,” the narrator informs readers matter-of-factly, as Igor goes home to dream of his next adventure. A lean, art-focused tale about seeking oneself and knowing one’s goals. Ages 4–8.