"Okay, let's make a
deal: If you act like
you're NOT here for
half the day ...
then I'll acknowledge
that you ARE here
for the other half."
On front endpapers, readers meet a little girl and learn quite a lot about her by looking carefully at the artwork. She's sitting on a beanbag whale with a Do Not Disturb noticed attached to its tail; she is reading a book about whales and is surrounded by other books in a bookcase-lined room; she is part of a family of five as is shown in a picture on the wall; she has a toybox with scuba gear and a horn; there are party decorations strewn about; and stuffed animals as companions. A close look occasions questions, as well as a chance to make some assumptions about her.
The title page shows that same girl, microphone in hand while quietly announcing "Once upon a time ... I dreamed of a world that was quiet'. A turn to the first spread shows a noisy living room filled with happy children, party paraphernalia, two adults and a lot of noise! She is not at all pleased with the goings-on. Outside a rainstorm and deafening traffic add to the cacophony of sounds bombarding her ears.
After reading about the blue whale, she has an idea. Using artistic skills, she fashions a blue whale for herself. Its mouth is wide open and ready to welcome the child and the boat she has built to transport her many belongings. Her imagination then allows her to sail the seas, and make a home for herself in the belly of that whale. The silence inside is a balm for her soul ... until another kid shows up. He is the very antithesis of what she feels she needs.
He is very loud and dramatic, talking constantly without much worry about whether she is listening or not. He finally acquiesces to her offering an opinion on what they should be doing. Her response is the above opening to this post. Surprisingly, he agrees and keeps his promise! She is impressed and keeps hers as well. She reads to him, and he listens. His only wish is to hear more and more stories.
" ... stories I made up ...
... and even stories from my life, stories
I had never told anyone outside the whale."
I had never told anyone outside the whale."
Knowing her wish to live quietly, the boy offers grand advice and helps her learn to make room for those needed moments of calm. Even though they don't last ...
Lovely digital artwork, created using pencil, watercolor and gouache, is a gift to the senses for all who share this story. Young readers will see themselves in some of the scenes. For all, learning to find your voice and using it for storytelling is joyful.
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