Author/Illustrator: Júlia Sardà
Publisher: Candlewick Studio, 2022
Age: 4-10
Themes: dreams, adventure, growing up
Opening: “Does anyone else feel… strange?” asked Franca.
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Once upon a time there were three sisters: Franca, Carmela, and Tomasina. This is their story of adventure and discovery. A tale of hidden mysteries and new wonders, of finding a strange world beyond home and unlocking the secrets inside themselves.
I picked this book because: it feels like the version of Alice I would have appreciated more as a child, perhaps because siblings were involved, or perhaps because the story feels more contemporary? The illustrations are absolutely delicious in any case and were reason alone for me to pick up this book. And who doesn’t love a fantastical adventure, especially as days are getting shorter and cuddling up to read is something to look forward to!
Resources/activities: Prepare a lasagna to have in the oven if you’re reading together, especially on a day that feels like “when it’s Sunday and it’s starting to get dark out.” You’ll find out why!
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 