Description
Jean E. Pendziwol’s newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on nature and hope.
The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes — sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring.
Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that carries us through the year and through our lives.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
Author Bio
JEAN E. PENDZIWOL is the author of Skating Wild on an Inland Sea, illustrated by Todd Stewart (Governor General’s Literary Award, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award). She has also written When I Listen to Silence, illustrated by Carmen Mok; I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nathalie Dion; and Me and You and the Red Canoe, illustrated by Phil. She lives in Northwestern Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior.
Nathalie Dion is an award-winning children's book illustrator. Her picture book The Big Bad Wolf in My House (Le grand méchant loup dans ma maison) won the 2021 Prix Espiègle and was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award and the Harry Black Picture Book Award. Nathalie graduated from Concordia University in design arts. Her Intuos tablet and numeric paintbrushes are her favorite tools. Nathalie is based in Montreal.
Prizes
- 49th Shelf Canadian Books of the YearCommended 2020
- Globe 100 Favourite BooksCommended 2020
- 3x3 International Illustration Annual Merit AwardWinner 2020
- World Illustration AwardLong-listed 2020
Review Quote
“Along with Pendziwol’s poetic text, Dion’s illustrations shimmer with hope.” — Globe and Mail
Review Quote
“[T]he text is poetic and the artwork is riveting.” — Postmedia
Review Quotes
“[T]he text is poetic and the artwork is riveting.” — Postmedia
“Along with Pendziwol’s poetic text, Dion’s illustrations shimmer with hope.” — Globe and Mail
