"Somewhere is where I wanted to go. Somewhere new. Somewhere I had never, ever been before." A young girl and her father walk through familiar streets on a brilliant, sun-drenched day. When they reach a park, the girl lets go of her father’s hand. It is time for her to journey out on her own.
As her father keeps watch, she finds an unfamiliar place — an extraordinary forest that blooms around her, lush and larger than life. She plays among gigantic leaves, discovers treasures, and thinks of how her father would love this place, too. She retraces her steps to a happy reunion with her father and a recounting of her exploration.
Brought to life in soft, vibrant watercolors by renowned Cuban artist Armando Mariño, this lyrical story by Robie H. Harris captures the magic of a child finding her inner strength and curiosity — and discovering somewhere new all on her own.
"In watercolor and ink illustrations with dappled textures, debut illustrator Mariño paints the child as they find treasures along the way ('a shiny peso!/ And a big green leaf!') and arrive at last in a place that feels initially 'somewhere new./ Somewhere so nice./ Somewhere so quiet,' and soon enough, uncomfortably remote. Sure their father is 'lonely without me,' the figure takes a moment to retrace their steps until good thinking and confident self-talk offer the way. Daddy’s affectionate gestures are welcoming as the child puts the found flower into his hair. Harris (It’s Not the Stork!) writes a familiar story about experimenting with independence, and Mariño’s paintings give it visual richness." — Publishers Weekly
Recommended Age | 4 - 7 |
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Author | Robie H. Harris |
Illustrator | Armando Mariño |
ISBN | 1536207357 |
Publication Date | Feb 1, 2022 |
Publisher | Candlewick |
Language | English |