Verbal and Visual Representations of Nostalgia in Two Contemporary Cypriot Picturebooks

This paper draws on Svetlana Boym’s highly influential distinction between “restorative” and “reflective” nostalgia in order to explore verbal and visual representations of nostalgia in two picturebooks: Savel’s Red Dress and White Uniform, written by Marina Michaelidou-Kadi and illustrated by Daniela Stamatiade and Renia Metallinou, respectively. Savel is forced to relocate to a foreign place. Her strong attachment to a dress, the only item she was able to take with her, exhibits restorative nostalgia. On the other hand, in White Uniform, nostalgia arises as reflective nostalgia. The textual and visual elements in both books work together to create an emotional connection with readers and immerse them in a nostalgic journey. As the textual storytelling provides context and depth, the visual narrative enhances the nostalgic experience through evocative imagery. The distinctive way nostalgia manifests itself in the two picturebooks serves different functions in the visual and verbal narrative and effectively conveys the theme of each book. The exploration of the two books in the relatively unexplored area of Cypriot children’s literature aims to enhance understanding of nostalgia in picturebooks.