#364 of 1001 · July 30, 2021

What happens to a person when they have wronged so many that their misdeeds begin to define their character? While society may view them as wholly immoral, do they see themselves that way? Once deemed a criminal and shunned by others, what must they do to repair their relationship with the community? And who determines when such a reconciliation can begin—or whether it can be made at all? These are the powerful and uneasy questions raised by @squeaknbanana’s The Outlaw. A brigand menaces a settlement in the Old West, gaining a fearsome reputation. After a time, he disappears, and no one seems particularly bothered to be rid of him. Years go by, and a stranger rides into town. Of his own volition, he begins to make small repairs wherever he sees a need. Suddenly, the citizens recognize the stranger as none other than the Outlaw himself. They begin to upbraid him, venting their frustration at his past wrongs, until a young boy steps protectively in front of him and tells the assembled crowd: “Leave him alone! He’s trying.” At this simple but powerful rebuke, the throng disperses, and the Outlaw resumes his quest to make amends. With spare text and a largely monochromatic color palette, Vo presents a thought-provoking parable of morality, atonement, and compassion. #outlaw #criminal #western #town #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks