The Silence Slips In

February 1, 2019
Sometimes silence is what you need most in this hectic, bustling world.A young girl lives in a noisy world: There are parties and younger siblings, thunder and raucous birds, and a crowded, chaotic playground. When the fun becomes too much, that's when the Silence slips in, gentle and comforting in a soft, white, animallike form, to help the girl find balance and inner quiet. Always coming when called, the Silence offers a peaceful rainbow, "long hugs. And mugs of hot chocolate by a peaceful fire." The Silence and its friend the Dark tuck the girl in at night, safe and warm, and tend to her dreams. This ode to mindfulness, with its poetic text, offers reassurance to children often overwhelmed by their busy days so that they can find their own way back to calm and steady waters. The illustrations, done in pencil and charcoal and then digitally colored for a classic, old-fashioned feel, evoke the contrast between ruckus and serenity through their combination of fuzzy lines and sharp details. Full-page spreads draw readers into deep, earth-toned, impressionist backgrounds. The girl has pale skin and straight, black hair. The French edition, Le Silence se glisse près de toi, is beautifully translated by Rachel Martinez and has its own lyricism and lilt, perfect for Francophone parents and caregivers wanting bilingual options for their children.Just right for busy families who seek balance and mindfulness. (Picture book. 4-8)

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