‘Into the Uncut Grass’ and into our hearts
By Libby D’Orvilliers
The world needs a hug. I need a hug. Trevor Noah’s latest book gave me the metaphorical hug this month required.
On Oct. 8, readers saw the release of one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2024: “Into the Uncut Grass,” written by Trevor Noah and illustrated by Sabina Hahn.
Noah tried his hand at crafting a fable — quite the departure from his 2016 No. 1 New York Times bestselling memoir: “Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood.” I was justified in my excitement for this book release, as it was everything I had hoped for — Noah did not disappoint.
“Into the Uncut Grass” follows a young boy and his sleepy, waffle-loving bear named Walter as they go on an imaginative adventure far away from the rules and chores of the house. The young boy and Walter encounter a series of characters that each, in turn, offer them some valuable life lessons. For example, a pair of snails teaches them the power of trying somebody else’s way and perspective. Even anthropomorphic coins explain the benefits of being wrong and the downsides to being right when faced with decisions.
In the vein of “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy and “The Little Prince” by Antione de Saint-Exupéry, “Into the Uncut Grass” is written for the kid in all of us. Noah notes in the introduction that “[the book] is a picture book, but it’s not a children’s book.” While youthful in appearance, the messages that are strewn throughout the book are deep and universal. Readers of all ages can appreciate and connect with different aspects of Noah’s work. It would make a great gift when looking for something new and thoughtful to give a loved one.
Hahn’s colorful illustrations are simplistic and cute, offering imaginative stills that capture the essence of a child’s curiosity. I could not help but be swept up in the whimsical nostalgia that came over me as I remembered what it was like to go exploring in my backyard, trusty stuffed bear in hand.
The book encourages us all to explore and understand the “uncut grass” in our own lives, the areas often overlooked. We as a society need to practice understanding and tolerance of others viewpoints. “Into the Uncut Grass” really emphasizes this point and could not have been released at a more pivotal time. As a talking garden gnome reminds readers, “Every person is just an obstacle unless you try to understand them.”
Noah writes that the book was inspired by conflict. However, it acts as a bandage to the wounds of conflict, reminding readers that it is OK to be curious — yes, even as a “grown-up” — and that it is more than OK to explore beyond and see the world through another point of view.
Heartfelt and thought-provoking, “Into the Uncut Grass” is an enjoyable hidden gem of a book for all ages. Noah certainly did not disappoint me with this publication and I have a feeling it will be one of my favorite reads of 2024.
Libby D’Orvilliers is a junior psychology major
