How do the illustrations

• express the strength of the relationship between Rosa and her mother?
• convey an increasing sense of warmth and belonging for Rosa in her temporary home?
• use the color palette to show differences between the real and the fanciful within the story?
• position Rosa on the page to create meaning?

How does the pacing of the events of the story contribute to the emotional tone conveyed?

Why did Mathers decide to leave the father out of the final version of the story? Might it have been because it could detract from the focus on the mother-daughter relationship?

To what extent is the folk art style a contributing factor to the impact of the story?

What details does Mathers use to strengthen the sense of belonging?