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Gleam and Glow
Inspired by real events, master storyteller Eve Bunting recounts the harrowing yet hopeful story of a family, a war--and a dazzling discovery.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
9 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Eve Bunting
302 books402 followersAlso known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 7, 2008
It is difficult to find a children's book, that is illustrated tastefully, about a family in war time, but this book achieves this task effortlessly. There are moments where you might think the content is a bit strong for younger children, but if you think about it in terms of global consciousness and awareness of others plight, I think that this book does a fabulous job of cultivating empathy and has a simple enough story and emotions that a child can relate to it. Nothing is graphic, or violent, but it is a bit of a tear jerker, and being that it is based on a true story, only adds to it's credibility and respectability, for me anyway. The illustrations are gorgeous, painterly and many could stand alone as works of art.
April 14, 2018
Eve Bunting's Gleam and Glow is inspired by a true story from the Bosnian war in the 90's, but its message transcends a time and place. War is war, and white tents always seem to house refugees.
Bunting presents the fear and anxiety of a looming conflict from the perspective of children: their put-on bravado, their simplicity and hope in small things. Although removed from the fighting, young Marina and Viktor recognize the signs of change in their village and at home. They cling to anything that gives strength, even if that means caring for the lives of two fish.
Told with equal care, and drawn in golden oil, Gleam and Glow is an ideal text for teasing out symbolism, teaching the plight of displacement, and seeing the beauty in coming home again.
Bunting presents the fear and anxiety of a looming conflict from the perspective of children: their put-on bravado, their simplicity and hope in small things. Although removed from the fighting, young Marina and Viktor recognize the signs of change in their village and at home. They cling to anything that gives strength, even if that means caring for the lives of two fish.
Told with equal care, and drawn in golden oil, Gleam and Glow is an ideal text for teasing out symbolism, teaching the plight of displacement, and seeing the beauty in coming home again.
April 23, 2018
"Gleam and Glow" by Eve Bunting is an exceptional historical-fiction picture book that illustrates the difficulties of living in a war-torn country from the perspective of a young boy. The book does have some parts that may be strong for a young reader, but there is no direct violence and would still be appropriate for the upper grades. This story would be perfect for teaching a lesson on global perspectives or empathy, as well as for teaching the concept of what it means to be a refugee. I would do this as a read-aloud because of the sensitivity of the topic, and would be sure to include a discussion after reading the text. "Gleam and Glow" does have some vocabulary words that may be difficult for young readers, such as "pneumonia" and "refugee camp", so doing a read aloud may help readers gain full understanding of the book. This book would be a great way to introduce a social studies topic about global awareness and could lead into an integrated writing activity in the upper grades.
January 20, 2018
I appreciated everything about this book. From the beautiful impressionist style illustrations to Eve Bunting’s recounting of the difficult, devastating yet hopeful story of fleeing civil war from an eight-year-old boy’s point of view. This picture book puts names, faces, souls to those refugees in every corner of the world. An important read.
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March 21, 2009This amazing story based on the true experience of a Bosnian family forced to flee their country during the recent civil war. Eight-year-old Viktor watches as his father walks away to join the Liberation Army, and knows that soon he, his mother, and younger sister, Marina, will be forced to leave their home, just one step ahead of the approaching enemy forces. Already, strangers pass through Viktor's town on their way to the border. One man leaves his two golden fish with the family, explaining that, "An extra day or two of life is as important to a fish as it is to us." But just a few days later, as they ready themselves to depart, Viktor releases the fish into their pond. After days of walking and weeks of living in a refugee camp, the boy and his mother and sister share a glorious reunion with Papa and eventually return home. When the family returns home they are devastated to see that their home has been destroyed. When little Viktor goes to visit the pond, he is met with the surprise of a lifetime.
Gleam and Glow is too inspiring of a story to not read. I like the fact that the story takes place in during a war that is not addressed very often in America. It makes you want to dig further to understand what was happening. For this reason, younger children might have a hard time understanding the story and the reasons why Viktor and his family have to leave their home. I would really recommend this book to high school students. In history class it seems as though students focus on the wars and battles fought and the lives lost. It is rare that teachers focus on the people who are impacted by war. But with every battle fought, people must dig deep and find inspiration and reason to move on. Similarly to how this Bosnian town found inspiration with Gleam and Glow, I read an article about soldiers in Iraq who found inspiration in a stray dog that took a liking to the soldiers. This dog boosted the soldiers’ moral and inspired them to keep on going. When teaching this story, the teacher can have the students look at their own lives and have students examine one aspect that motivates them. This is a great picture book that engages its readers and leaves them feeling good.
Gleam and Glow is too inspiring of a story to not read. I like the fact that the story takes place in during a war that is not addressed very often in America. It makes you want to dig further to understand what was happening. For this reason, younger children might have a hard time understanding the story and the reasons why Viktor and his family have to leave their home. I would really recommend this book to high school students. In history class it seems as though students focus on the wars and battles fought and the lives lost. It is rare that teachers focus on the people who are impacted by war. But with every battle fought, people must dig deep and find inspiration and reason to move on. Similarly to how this Bosnian town found inspiration with Gleam and Glow, I read an article about soldiers in Iraq who found inspiration in a stray dog that took a liking to the soldiers. This dog boosted the soldiers’ moral and inspired them to keep on going. When teaching this story, the teacher can have the students look at their own lives and have students examine one aspect that motivates them. This is a great picture book that engages its readers and leaves them feeling good.
November 7, 2009
Recommended for ages 5-12
From Booklist
Ages 6-9. Bunting uses a true story from Bosnia to weave an effective tale of loss and hope. Eight-year-old Viktor and his little sister, Marina, miss their father when he goes off to fight with the underground, and their mother knows they too must soon leave. Another refugee leaves the children two golden fish, and Marina, especially, is enchanted and names them Gleam and Glow. When the family depart, leaving their home and garden, Viktor puts Gleam and Glow in the pond by their house. They cross the border and live for many months in a camp, where their father eventually finds them. When they return home, the house is a skeleton, but the fish have multiplied and filled the pond with gold. Sylvada uses strong texture and shape in his oils, focusing on a single image: a burning house, an abandoned garden, tired people on a long road. The golden glow of the darting fish lights the story with promise. GraceAnne DeCandido
Gorgeous illustrations in this book, but I wanted more history in this historical fiction. I don't know very much about Bosnia, so I was hoping I would learn more about it by reading this story. I understand that Eve Bunting, from the authors note at the back of the book, wants this story to be "for people everywhere who have been forced from the lives they have known and who find hope in the most unexpected places." However, I think, if I was given a little bit more information about the war that was going on, I would get inspiration from the story while also learning a little bit about recent history.
From Booklist
Ages 6-9. Bunting uses a true story from Bosnia to weave an effective tale of loss and hope. Eight-year-old Viktor and his little sister, Marina, miss their father when he goes off to fight with the underground, and their mother knows they too must soon leave. Another refugee leaves the children two golden fish, and Marina, especially, is enchanted and names them Gleam and Glow. When the family depart, leaving their home and garden, Viktor puts Gleam and Glow in the pond by their house. They cross the border and live for many months in a camp, where their father eventually finds them. When they return home, the house is a skeleton, but the fish have multiplied and filled the pond with gold. Sylvada uses strong texture and shape in his oils, focusing on a single image: a burning house, an abandoned garden, tired people on a long road. The golden glow of the darting fish lights the story with promise. GraceAnne DeCandido
Gorgeous illustrations in this book, but I wanted more history in this historical fiction. I don't know very much about Bosnia, so I was hoping I would learn more about it by reading this story. I understand that Eve Bunting, from the authors note at the back of the book, wants this story to be "for people everywhere who have been forced from the lives they have known and who find hope in the most unexpected places." However, I think, if I was given a little bit more information about the war that was going on, I would get inspiration from the story while also learning a little bit about recent history.
October 11, 2011
Marina and Viktor are a brother and a sister living during the time of the Bosnian War. Their father has joined the Liberation Army and soon Marina and Viktor will have to dodge the enemy and find safety in another country. In the face of the war Marina and Viktor are given two beautiful fish from a man who was on his way out of the country. Unfortunately they are to flee shortly after and their mother does not let them carry the fish along. Knowing how difficult it would be for Marina to leave the fish behind Viktor slips Gleam and Glow into the water and whispers “Good Luck”.
Bunting provides the reader with a story that deals with the difficult topic of war, destruction, family, and loss of freedom. Inspired by real events Bunting creates a true and magical story. The combination of excellent text and superb illustrations engage the reader till the very end where they will take in a glorious ending. This book is a must read.
Bunting provides the reader with a story that deals with the difficult topic of war, destruction, family, and loss of freedom. Inspired by real events Bunting creates a true and magical story. The combination of excellent text and superb illustrations engage the reader till the very end where they will take in a glorious ending. This book is a must read.
January 7, 2012
I'm in awe. Bunting based her story on the true account of the Malkoc family, who fled the Jezero village during the Bosnian war.
Two little girls are given two gold fish, Gleam and Glow, to care for from a refugee who fled the village days before them. Before they leave to seek safety, the oldest girl places Gleam and Glow in the pond. After many months of war, the family returns to their village. Everything has been destroyed my the bombs...everything except the pond thriving with goldfish.
This story is heartbreaking and inspiring. I'll admit that it brought tears my eyes. The illustrations are not typical of a book depicting war. The illustrations are beautiful, warm, hopeful.
Two little girls are given two gold fish, Gleam and Glow, to care for from a refugee who fled the village days before them. Before they leave to seek safety, the oldest girl places Gleam and Glow in the pond. After many months of war, the family returns to their village. Everything has been destroyed my the bombs...everything except the pond thriving with goldfish.
This story is heartbreaking and inspiring. I'll admit that it brought tears my eyes. The illustrations are not typical of a book depicting war. The illustrations are beautiful, warm, hopeful.
November 1, 2009
Although the events in this book were inspired by the Bosnian War which took place in 1990, the events are of great historical significance and, at this point, almost 20 years old. This story is based on a true story of a family who had to flee their village in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the boy who had to leave his two fish, Gleam and Glow, behind their house in a pond. The events that unfold in this story are both touching and inspiring. A great book to use with older elementary children from 3rd to 8th grade.
August 3, 2007
Gorgeous illustrations and beautifully crafted text relay a story of heartbreak and hope so poignant that even chatting about it was difficult, but we did our best.
Listen to our chat about this book on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:
http://www.justonemorebook.com/2006/1...
Listen to our chat about this book on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:
http://www.justonemorebook.com/2006/1...
December 2, 2016
Don't judge, my peeps, but I had to put this up since I am so far behind on my 2016 reading goal. This book is fabulous, though. Teaches a powerful theme, is filled with lots of sensory details, big conflicts, memorable moments, and plenty of text connections to the world, our own lives and loads of books we've read. A fabulous mentor text.
May 15, 2015
Story of the Bosnian War and the hope that sustains people during war and dislocation.
April 22, 2024
“And there was our pond, as shimmery and dazzling as melted gold.” In this book, we follow a family’s life as they flee the Jezero village during the Bosnian War, based on the true story of the Malkoc family. This family is separated and unable to be whole for a few months and must travel to a refugee camp. Before leaving to the camp, their family is given two golden fish. In an attempt to give the fish one or two more days to live, they are released into a pond before the family begins their journey. Once the family is reunited and able to travel back home, they find their house in rubble, yet a pond filled with gold. This story is heartwarming and allows us to find hope in places where we may be least expecting! The major themes in the book are hope, survival, and willpower. Throughout the story, the family travels days and days to the refugee camp in order to flee the dangers of the Bosnian War, even though the children begged to stop and believed that they could not push forwards, they believed that “Mama’s will pulled us on.” In the end, not only did the whole family survive, but so did the golden fish. “‘In spite of everything, they lived.’” Gleam and Glow gave the family a bright beam of hope within their bleak situation. The main genre of this book is historical fiction. Children reading this book could learn to keep a glisten of hope with them, even if they don’t expect it, as it may surprise them! Another lesson that children can learn is the reality of the Bosnian War, as these families had to carry their belongings and travel exhausting distances. This book was a WOW book for me because of the hope that was portrayed, as well as the strong sense of family and the bond that the family had with one another.
Some of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were imagery and symbolism. Constantly throughout, Author Eve Bunting crafts sentences with multiple descriptive words that help the audience imagine what life is like for this family. For example, Bunting uses words and phrases such as “Our house was only a skeleton”, “shimmery and dazzling”, and “dirty and thin”. The symbolism of the fish themselves and the names of “Gleam” and “Glow” portray the light and hope that is given to this family through the dark times. With this symbolism, the audience is able to understand why these fish gave this family such happiness, even though they were surrounded by rubble. The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by teaching accurate historical information during the Bosnian War.
Some of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were imagery and symbolism. Constantly throughout, Author Eve Bunting crafts sentences with multiple descriptive words that help the audience imagine what life is like for this family. For example, Bunting uses words and phrases such as “Our house was only a skeleton”, “shimmery and dazzling”, and “dirty and thin”. The symbolism of the fish themselves and the names of “Gleam” and “Glow” portray the light and hope that is given to this family through the dark times. With this symbolism, the audience is able to understand why these fish gave this family such happiness, even though they were surrounded by rubble. The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by teaching accurate historical information during the Bosnian War.
September 12, 2018
When I first saw this book, I had an underwhelming first impression because it was so simple and basic with the layout and design in comparison to other picture books I have looked at. It lacked boldness and color that we are so used to stereotyping with any book categorized as a picture book. However, that may be the very reason I enjoyed reading this book. There was a lack of distraction from the real content and message author Even Bunting was conveying to the audience. The focus seemed to be more on the story that was beautifully written based on a true story, as divulged by the author at the end in the author's note. Bunting does not use a clear setting, but the names she uses leads to the assumption that this is based somewhere in a warring European county.
The main character, Viktor, is with his mother and younger sister in the midst of a war after his father leaves them to fight for their country and home. They are given a pair of goldfish by a passing traveler, which were named Gleam and Glow. Viktor's family had to leave their home as it was getting dangerous for them to stay any longer, so he released the fish into a nearby pond and wished for their survival and for good luck for the family's safe travels. They go through an arduous journey, but the sadness and pain was worth it in the end because they held on to hope that they would survive.
Overall, there were very few pictures included throughout the story, but they gave visual contexts to support the written text. It seemed to focus more on the thematic concept of still holding on to hope in the midst of adversity and that the most important thing to treasure is family because sometimes life doesn't stay how you want it. I would recommend this book solely because of the written text that leaves room for imagination.
The main character, Viktor, is with his mother and younger sister in the midst of a war after his father leaves them to fight for their country and home. They are given a pair of goldfish by a passing traveler, which were named Gleam and Glow. Viktor's family had to leave their home as it was getting dangerous for them to stay any longer, so he released the fish into a nearby pond and wished for their survival and for good luck for the family's safe travels. They go through an arduous journey, but the sadness and pain was worth it in the end because they held on to hope that they would survive.
Overall, there were very few pictures included throughout the story, but they gave visual contexts to support the written text. It seemed to focus more on the thematic concept of still holding on to hope in the midst of adversity and that the most important thing to treasure is family because sometimes life doesn't stay how you want it. I would recommend this book solely because of the written text that leaves room for imagination.
April 19, 2020
Gleam and Glow, written by Eve Bunting, was awarded the 2002 Notable Books for a Global Society. This story is about a Bosnian family who was forced to leave their lives behind in order to seek safety during the war. This story is supported through its stunning illustrations. The illustrations created by Peter Sylvada help to reinforce the horrors of war but also contributes to the theme of hope and strength. The images are created using individual brush strokes to create a poignant scene. The illustrator uses mild colors to keep the mood of the book serious and also to highlight the dark nature of the story. It can off put young readers seeing a book that is pretty text heavy and have it been about a sad and scary topic. It is typical for juveniles to pick books that are more light-hearted so I think it would help if there was less writing in order to encourage them to read the rest of the story. However, with this in mind the written and visual work done by Bunting and Sylada was excellently done.
May 21, 2018
Made tears come to my eyes.
A touching story of a family whose father has gone to fight with the underground. When the war comes to close the mother has to flee with the children. Two fish that have been left with them by an earlier refugee are put in the pond. The father finds them in the refugee camp, and though their house has been burnt to the ground the fish have survived and multiplied.
Deals with children's fears and the resulting bedwetting and reverting to thumb sucking, when everything gets to be too much, however with a relatively hopeful ending.
A touching story of a family whose father has gone to fight with the underground. When the war comes to close the mother has to flee with the children. Two fish that have been left with them by an earlier refugee are put in the pond. The father finds them in the refugee camp, and though their house has been burnt to the ground the fish have survived and multiplied.
Deals with children's fears and the resulting bedwetting and reverting to thumb sucking, when everything gets to be too much, however with a relatively hopeful ending.
July 12, 2024
Based on a true story of Bosnian War refugees, this fictional story intentionally doesn't mention a country but shares the refugee experience.
This may pair well with Refugee by Alan Gratz. How do refugees deal with returning to a home country after war has ravaged the area?
Teaching Points:
- Ask and Answer Questions
- Summarizing and finding important details
- Inferences
- Theme
This may pair well with Refugee by Alan Gratz. How do refugees deal with returning to a home country after war has ravaged the area?
Teaching Points:
- Ask and Answer Questions
- Summarizing and finding important details
- Inferences
- Theme
June 2, 2018
This book is based on a true story. It tells of the realities of the struggles of families having to leave behind things they love and yet how hope and survival can overcome. It has beautiful illustrations too.
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May 6, 2021A story about a family that must flee their home because of war and destruction. Inspired by a true story from the Bosnian war, it is a story that could fit for many different conflicts where people are forced from their homes and must travel into unknown circumstances to survive.
December 7, 2021
This is the book that I chose for my read aloud because of the excellence of it! I loved the message in this book along with the hard truths of living as a refugee. This book brings so much emotion to the situation.
February 14, 2025
This is a stunning book - the illustrations are haunting and deeply touching, and it allows younger audiences a window into life for so many of the world that are displaced by war. In spite of the deep and painful subject, it is a tender story ending on a beautiful, hopeful note.
January 24, 2018
Great for Kids
My fifth graders loved this story. We used it to practice questioning before, during, and after. They loved the ending.
My fifth graders loved this story. We used it to practice questioning before, during, and after. They loved the ending.
April 11, 2018
Powerful! Lots of connections for 4th graders.
June 11, 2019
Good story about unexpected gifts and what remains after loss and transition.
July 31, 2019
"...it's for people everywhere who have been forced from the lives they have known, and who find hope in the most unexpected places."
December 4, 2019
Children shouldn't have to deal with war, but this book does a beautiful job of giving hope when they are.
June 24, 2020
A digestible, pretty book with which to talk about refugees to young children
December 21, 2021
Long reads are a lot for the 4year old to focus on.
January 27, 2022
I really like it. It's a very good book. I like fish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews