We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Saturday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday (or Saturday, depending on the week)! Feel free to join the fun and create a post on your own site with the same name. I'd love to see any linked up in the comments! Anywho...back to the matter at hand.
Today's featured title is celebrating its BOOK BIRTHDAY THIS TUESDAY (May 6th, 2025) via Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. It's beautiful, it's touching, it's something that will pull at the heartstrings of readers while its message transcends generations. It's the final work of a beloved author, and a touching tribute to a beloved friend. Ladies and gents, I give you today's book of choice...
by
Tomie dePaola
Illustrated by
Barbara McClintock
9781534418509
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
RELEASE DATE: May 6th, 2025
This illustrated work of the heart not only shares the timeless characters of a talent that has passed, but the true depths of love that are felt, and the endless connection of spirit that exists between family. I read this story immediately when it arrived, and just as immediately was in tears. The warm feelings and simplicity bring joy to my heart, but the beauty and message of love continuing on stole my breath. I was so moved, I couldn't even begin to share anything about the book at the time, and, quite frankly, am having a hard time right now with the same after rereading it.
That's the thing about our fur babies. They steal their way into our hearts one look, one lick, one moment of cuteness, mischief, or sweetness at a time. Sadly, over the course of my own life, I've had to experience that separation more times than I care to count, and yet for all the tears it brings at a moment's notice, I wouldn't trade the time shared nor the memories for the world. The loss is felt every day in the strangest of ways and moments, but the smiles, laughs, snuggles, and wiggles are priceless. There's a saying I saw somewhere in all the social media hullabaloo, and while there are many memorable ones, this particular one stuck with me.
"To the world, you may be just one person......but to your dog, you are the world."
Honestly, I feel the same way about my fur kiddos. They are the world, and I'd do anything for them...and, in my opinion, that's just how it should be. This story shares the joy of the initial meeting, the fun moments while getting to know one another, the understanding needed in later years, the moment no one wants to consider, as well as those that come after and how to carry one. For pet lovers at large, and trying to explain this sadly inevitable part of life to little ones, this story serves more than its purpose by adding more beauty, and tenderness to the world. The tale will move you, while the illustrations enchant. Keep an eye out for familiar faces from the past during the dinner party.
💖💔💖💔💖💔💖💔💖
About the author...
Photograph © Laurent Linn
Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
About the illustrator...
Barbara McClintock is an American illustrator and author of over forty books for children. Her books have received numerous awards and selections, including five New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, four ALA Notable Book selections, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Award, a China Times Open Book Award, and a British Fantasy Award. One of her books is a bestselling title in Japan. She has lectured about her work nationally and internationally and is currently teaching classes on creating children’s books at Wesleyan University. Originally from New Jersey and North Dakota, she now resides in northeastern Connecticut with her partner, the illustrator David Johnson, and their three overly helpful cats.
💖💔💖💔💖💔💖💔💖
.gif)
Special thanks to Alex at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the copy for review (THANKS!). For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is set to release THIS TUESDAY May 6th, 2025, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today! SPECIAL NOTE FOR THOSE IN THE NYC AREA...Barbara McClintock will also be celebrating the book’s publication at a public, in-store launch event at NYC’s Books of Wonder on May 5.
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
No comments:
Post a Comment