This selection is one of seven finalists for fiction picture books, and I am a participating judge for round 2. Which means I have to read them. Tough work, huh? For information on the Cybils Awards, click HERE
Author: Daniel Beaty
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2014
Ages: 3-6yrs (according to Amazon, but, again, I think it’s for older children)
Themes: fathers and sons, separation, diverse books
Opening: Every morning I play a game with my father. He goes KNOCK KNOCK on my door, and I pretend to be asleep till he gets right next to my bed.
Summary: (from the publisher) A boy wakes up one morning to find his father gone. At first, he feels lost. But his father has left him a letter filled with advice to guide him through the times he cannot be there.
I like this book because: it’s powerful and beautiful, both in the writing and the illustrations. For a variety of reasons many children have to deal with separation from or the absence of a parent, and this selection deals with incarceration, though it’s not mentioned. I believe it would make a good addition to classroom shelves, helping kids understand and navigate the difficulties some are forced to deal with and to encourage hope. The multi-layered mixed-media illustrations are rich and warm, and invite the reader to take time to see there are often more layers to life’s complexities if we take a closer look.
Resources/activities: check out this pinterest board on building self-esteem.
For more PPBF selections including resources and activities, go to Susanna Hill’s blog: HERE
Glad this book made the Cybils list – it is powerful.
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What a mood in the art- haunting and beautiful. And it’s such an important book that will hopefully bring comfort to many readers. I am curious how it resolves. Will have to check it out!
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Please let me know what you think!
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I reviewed this for Perfect Picture Book Friday when it came out! Love it! Lucky me, I sat next to Bryan Collier at a PA SCBWI event the week before it came out and he had “early” copies. Have to say “love it” again. http://www.wendygreenley.com/2013/12/knock-knock-perfect-picture-book-friday.html
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I remember, Wendy! And how jealous I was! Ha!
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I so welcome this story. There are one or two others out there on this topic, but this one feels so sensitive and empowering.
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I’d like to see more by this a+i pairing!
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What a moving book! Glad to hear this book made round 2.
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I’m sure Pat has showed us one like this. I love the illustrations, so dark and rich. Important topic.
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God memory, Catherine!
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The summary already made me cry. I will need to read this one on a day where I’m feeling upbeat and optimistic. Dittoing Robin in saying that I’m glad it’s in round 2.
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Can’t imagine you being downbeat and pessimistic, Teresa!
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This is indeed a very powerful and moving book, and I like Collier’s art.
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The pictures look beautiful, I’ll have to get this from the library. I hope it’s not too emotional though, I get all choked up when I read to the kids and then we all just end up crying together.
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You might read it on your own first. My son was a bit angry that the boy didn’t know what happened to his father for months.
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I will take that advice!
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One of my favorite books last year. So glad it made the Cybils list. It can be used in so many situations with an absentee father.
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This book is wonderful! So glad you featured it for PPBF, Julie.
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Thanks for sharing, Julie. I haven’t seen this book but it seems like an important resource.
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Wow! This is very powerful both in text and in the illustrations. Think I saw it on Pat’s blog, but i’s a must read again, for sure. Such a sensitive topic. Thanks Julie. Lucky you for sure!
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A great one to feature on many levels. Happy reading/judging.
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Thanks, Stacy!
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Okay – I went and requested this one from my library BEFORE I posted this response. I NEVER do that. Didn’t want to forget. This one looks, and sounds, fabulous and fascinating! Can’t wait to get my hot little hands on it. Thanks so much for featuring it, Julie!
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Would love to hear your impressions, Joanne.
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sounds like an absolute “must read”. gonna check out the library system right now
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Wow, what an amazing book. It looks like it handles a tough topic without being too preachy.
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