Hold That Thought!

by Bree Galbraith, Lynn Scurfield (Illustrator)

Overview

An inspiring look at how ideas form, grow, and connect us all


In the middle of the night, Finn wakes up with something buzzing around in their head. It isn’t heavy like a worry, it doesn’t swirl like fear, and it isn’t shaped like a question. It’s something more exciting—an idea!


The next day at school, Finn shares the idea with friends, who nurture it and help shape it into something even more fantastic. But not everyone is excited about Finn’s idea. When a bully knocks it to the ground, Finn begins to doubt the idea. And as Finn’s doubt grows, their idea shrinks. But just before the idea disappears, Finn realizes that it’s exactly as it should be! Confidence renewed, Finn shares the idea with more kids, who add their own thoughts until the idea flows—and even the bully becomes inspired to contribute.


Grounded in childhood curiosity and helmed by a gentle, inquiring main character, this story about the power of ideas fosters creativity, perseverance, inclusion, and a collaborative spirit.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771472944
Publisher:	Owlkids Books
Publication date:	08/15/2021
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,142,941
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD610L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

BREE GALBRAITH likes writing stories that inspire kids and adults to think critically about the world around them. Her books include Usha and the Stolen Sun, Milo and Georgie, and the Wednesday Wilson series. Bree holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, and a Master’s degree in Communication Design from Emily Carr University. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family.

LYNN SCURFIELD is a mixed media illustrator who lives near Toronto, Ontario with her dog Taro. She received her Bachelor of Illustration from Sheridan College in 2015, and her work has been published by Google, The New York Times, The Walrus, The Atlantic and The Globe & Mail.

Editorial Reviews

"The story is told in lyrical style which will definitely appeal to young children ... Finn’s infectious enthusiasm helps readers to relate to the situation."

From the Publisher

"The idea zips and curls energetically through the air just as Finn remains optimistic and driven to give their idea life outside their own mind ... Hold That Thought! encourages kids to express their original ideas and make constructive contributions."

Quill & Quire

09/01/2021

K-Gr 3—In an indigo night, an idea "bright with hope" wakes a child joyfully, in the sky blue bedroom they share with their brother, Otis. Finn, with tan skin and shoulder-length black hair, seven-ish, is not tied to a gender, just as the wonderful idea isn't tied to any particulars. Depicted as a spark of light, it is any inspiring thought to hold until it develops and gets buy-in—as it quickly does, expanding and multiplying when shared with Finn's group of friends who are of many races. Only freckled Otis resists, knocking the idea from Finn's hand and claiming that all ideas should look like his own. Finn retrieves the "cold, still" idea, overcoming self-doubts with his friends' help, until finally Otis changes his idea and contributes to the whole, so "there's no telling where this one would go." The writing is sensitive, and the messages of openness, sharing, and intellectual excitement are affirming. With figures delineated simply, the pencil-and-ink art is clear enough to share at read-alouds, but is wonderfully detailed close up, especially as the idea "takes wing" at the end: glowing colors intensify with the idea's acceptance. VERDICT Like Bree Galbraith's Usha and the Stolen Sun, text and illustrations celebrate youthful persistence and confidence despite obstacles, appealingly presented.—Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly St. George's Sch., Newport, RI

School Library Journal

2021-07-14
Finn awakens at night with “something rustling around inside their head.”

While Finn uses they/them pronouns, other children in the text are assigned gender-specific pronouns; the casual, intentional use of the nonbinary is welcome validation for many readers. But this concept book is not about gender—it is an exploration of how one person’s seminal idea can blossom large and beautiful, especially when friends support and/or collaborate. The stylized line-and-color illustrations feature children of varied racial presentations, their expressive faces rendered with simple lines of ink. Finn, who has pale skin and black hair, shares a bedroom with similarly complexioned brother Oscar, sleepy-faced as Finn excitedly reveals their idea, which “slid to the top of their tongue and begged to be shared.” The accessible text uses a captivating combination of words synonymous with thinking and imagery that makes an idea appear tangible. As Finn trots happily to school and begins discussing their idea with other students, the art shows its expansion with bright, sunny colors, swirling patterns, and shapes suggesting positive feelings. Frowning, freckle-faced Otis, a White boy, insists Finn’s idea is weird and that only his gray, rocklike idea is valid. Finn rallies after a moment of self-doubt and then invites all the children to contribute. Will Otis come around? What is this exciting, burgeoning idea? On the final page, vibrant, colorful artwork eases the tension introduced by the text’s open-endedness. Immediate discussion is demanded.

Unique, playful, provocative. (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews