Full of Empty

by Tim J. Myers, Rebecca Sorge (Illustrator), Priscilla Myers

Overview

Princess Claire’s smile has flown away like a bird—and now she feels “full of empty.” But there’s a way to bring that smile back . . . if only . . .

Every child gets bored or lonely—and this warm-hearted story teaches parents and children that a parent’s time and full attention are the best remedy. Full of Empty reminds parents that playing with their children is an important form of love. From award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Tim J. Myers, this beautifully illustrated book will bring home the power of quality time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781942934356
Publisher:	Familius
Publication date:	03/08/2016
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Tim J. Myers is a writer, storyteller, songwriter, visual artist, and senior lecturer at Santa Clara University in Silicon Valley. His work has made the New York Times bestseller list for children's books, been reviewed with art in the Times, and been read aloud on NPR, among other honors; visit him at www.TimMyersStorySong.com.

Rebecca Sorge loves telling stories and drawing pictures, so becoming an illustrator made perfect sense. She recently graduated from Brigham Young University with a BFA in Illustration. She currently lives and works in Utah, creating art for children's books, magazines, posters, cards, and anything else people will let her draw on.

Dr. M. Priscilla Myers Ph.D. is a senior lecturer and reading specialist in education at Santa Clara University. Dr. Myers has been a K-12 reading specialist, a high school and middle school English and French teacher, and a university instructor at three universities and in public and private schools in the United States, France, Norway, England, and Japan. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2003, Myers received the Santa Clara University President's Faculty Recognition Award. She and her husband Tim are the parents of three adult children, all of whom love reading as much or more than she does.

Editorial Reviews

"What to do when you're feeling blue? In this original fairy tale, Princess Claire is feeling out of sorts. When a page notices and informs her parents, she tells them that she is 'full of empty.' Drawings in a rich, jewel-toned palette, which shifts with each double-page spread, show the princess as a variety of solutions is explored. The doctor says she's fine. Food, dance, music, stories, and toys are offered up by various members of the multiracial kingdom—Claire herself is mixed-race—but to no avail. It's not until the page encourages her parents to reassure her that they are not too busy to play with her that things look up. While the intentions here—to give credence to feelings, to encourage parental attention—are laudable, the message seems directed toward parents rather than children; Claire does not learn anything herself. The kingdom in which race is not an issue, the Middle Eastern setting, and the egalitarian recognition of the page's help are all more than welcome. Overall, though, the story seems a vehicle for inclusion of social-emotional issues and often ignored facets of global culture rather than a strong, child-focused tale in its own right. Still, young listeners will enjoy the fairy-tale aspect, the appealing pictures, and the satisfying ending, in which Claire gets the comfort and company she needs. An inclusive tale with the needs of a child at heart."
—Kirkus Reviews

"The husband-and-wife Myers team transports readers to a kingdom whose onion-dome towers, ornately patterned arches and walls, and bustling markets evoke an Arabian Nights-type setting. There, the seemingly oxymoronic idea of being 'full of empty' represents the sadness affecting young Princess Claire. The king and queen pull out all the stops to try to help their daughter feel better, and Sorge makes the kingdom feel like a vibrant cultural crossroads, as fan dancers, Chinese dragons, storytellers, and musicians are paraded in, in an attempt to entertain Princess Claire, all to no avail. A quiet game of jacks with her parents, however, brings Claire’s smile 'flying back like a bird.' Lush illustrations, a culturally diverse setting, a devoted set of parents, and the suggestion that time and togetherness can help heal emotional wounds give the story a strong impact.Ages 4–8. (Mar.)"
—Publishers Weekly

"This beautifully illustrated book . . . will bring home the power of quality time in the lives of children. Superbly crafted and impressively presented." 
—Midwest Book Review

"With lavish and detailed illustrations, this is a well-told cautionary tale for today's busy families."
—Bay Area News Group

From the Publisher

What to do when you're feeling blue? In this original fairy tale, Princess Claire is feeling out of sorts. When a page notices and informs her parents, she tells them that she is "full of empty." Drawings in a rich, jewel-toned palette, which shifts with each double-page spread, show the princess as a variety of solutions is explored. The doctor says she's fine. Food, dance, music, stories, and toys are offered up by various members of the multiracial kingdom—Claire herself is mixed-race—but to no avail. It's not until the page encourages her parents to reassure her that they are not too busy to play with her that things look up. While the intentions here—to give credence to feelings, to encourage parental attention—are laudable, the message seems directed toward parents rather than children; Claire does not learn anything herself. The kingdom in which race is not an issue, the Middle Eastern setting, and the egalitarian recognition of the page's help are all more than welcome. Overall, though, the story seems a vehicle for inclusion of social-emotional issues and often ignored facets of global culture rather than a strong, child-focused tale in its own right. Still, young listeners will enjoy the fairy-tale aspect, the appealing pictures, and the satisfying ending, in which Claire gets the comfort and company she needs. An inclusive tale with the needs of a child at heart.

—Kirkus Reviews

The husband-and-wife Myers team transports readers to a kingdom whose onion-dome towers, ornately patterned arches and walls, and bustling markets evoke an Arabian Nights–type setting. There, the seemingly oxymoronic idea of being “full of empty” represents the sadness affecting young Princess Claire. The king and queen pull out all the stops to try to help their daughter feel better, and Sorge makes the kingdom feel like a vibrant cultural crossroads, as fan dancers, Chinese dragons, storytellers, and musicians are paraded in, in an attempt to entertain Princess Claire, all to no avail. A quiet game of jacks with her parents, however, brings Claire’s smile “flying back like a bird.” Lush illustrations, a culturally diverse setting, a devoted set of parents, and the suggestion that time and togetherness can help heal emotional wounds give the story a strong impact. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)

—Publishers Weekly

This beautifully illustrated book...will bring home the power of quality time in the lives of children. Superbly crafted and impressively presented.

––Midwest Book Review

With lavish and detailed illustrations, this is a well-told cautionary tale for today's busy families.

—Bay Area News Group

Endorsements

With lavish and detailed illustrations, this is a well-told cautionary tale for today's busy families.

Bay Area News Group

This beautifully illustrated book...will bring home the power of quality time in the lives of children. Superbly crafted and impressively presented.

Midwest Book Review

2016-01-09
What to do when you're feeling blue? In this original fairy tale, Princess Claire is feeling out of sorts. When a page notices and informs her parents, she tells them that she is "full of empty." Drawings in a rich, jewel-toned palette, which shifts with each double-page spread, show the princess as a variety of solutions is explored. The doctor says she's fine. Food, dance, music, stories, and toys are offered up by various members of the multiracial kingdom—Claire herself is mixed-race—but to no avail. It's not until the page encourages her parents to reassure her that they are not too busy to play with her that things look up. While the intentions here—to give credence to feelings, to encourage parental attention—are laudable, the message seems directed toward parents rather than children; Claire does not learn anything herself. The kingdom in which race is not an issue, the Middle Eastern setting, and the egalitarian recognition of the page's help are all more than welcome. Overall, though, the story seems a vehicle for inclusion of social-emotional issues and often ignored facets of global culture rather than a strong, child-focused tale in its own right. Still, young listeners will enjoy the fairy-tale aspect, the appealing pictures, and the satisfying ending, in which Claire gets the comfort and company she needs. An inclusive tale with the needs of a child at heart. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews