"Once there was a girl, much like any other," curious and full of wonder; able to explore and discover because the man was there. Expansive environments illuminate the deep and abiding bond between child and elder. Then-an empty chair, a darkened room, a waiting child. Grief-stricken, the girl places her heart in a bottle for safekeeping, but "in truth, nothing was the same," and so it remains into adulthood until someone "smaller and still curious about the world" finds the key to unlock her heart. Emotions, thoughts and memories pour forth, and the chair is empty no longer. The author beautifully weaves themes of love, loss and healing into a stirring story. Tender illustrations, dense with detail when the protagonist's imagination is thriving and sparse when her heart is disembodied, deftly delineate the character's emotional state. The sophisticated palette creates a consistency across the pages, and the artwork, meticulously constructed and edited with a uniquely minimalist aesthetic, is signature Jeffers. Heartbreaking, witty and filled with hope, this will perhaps rings most true with children whose parents have recently suffered a loss. (Picture book. 4-8)
Award-winning picture book star Oliver Jeffers explores themes of love and loss in this life-affirming and uplifting tale.
Once there was a girl who was full of wonderment at how the world worked. She shared all her dreams and excitement with her father, who always had the answer to every question. That is until one day when his chair was empty, not to be filled again - how would the girl ever find meaning from her life again?
This juvenile fiction, short-listed for several awards, is a touching portrayal of a young girl's journey through grief and depression. It's a story of resilience, self-esteem, and the enduring power of love, making it a top pick for children and adults alike.
For fans of Rachel Bright (The Whale Who Wanted More), Jim Field (The Christmas Pig), Tom Percival (Finn's Little Fibs), Kes Gray (Daisy and the Trouble With Unicorns), and Axel Scheffler (Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes).
Award-winning picture book star Oliver Jeffers explores themes of love and loss in this life-affirming and uplifting tale.
Once there was a girl who was full of wonderment at how the world worked. She shared all her dreams and excitement with her father, who always had the answer to every question. That is until one day when his chair was empty, not to be filled again - how would the girl ever find meaning from her life again?
This juvenile fiction, short-listed for several awards, is a touching portrayal of a young girl's journey through grief and depression. It's a story of resilience, self-esteem, and the enduring power of love, making it a top pick for children and adults alike.
For fans of Rachel Bright (The Whale Who Wanted More), Jim Field (The Christmas Pig), Tom Percival (Finn's Little Fibs), Kes Gray (Daisy and the Trouble With Unicorns), and Axel Scheffler (Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes).
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940170184460 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperCollins UK |
| Publication date: | 02/03/2011 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Age Range: | 5 - 8 Years |
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