The Safe Return
Illustrated by Abigail Gray Swartz
April 16 – 19
- Purchase
link: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B08GSS6H1T
- Goodreads
link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55135509-the-safe-return
- Genre:
Children’s picture book
- Print
length: 27 Pages
- Age
range: Baby – 12 years
- Formats
available for the Tour: pdf, mobi, epub and jpeg [sorry, no
paperbacks]
About The Safe Return
★ Face
masks on or off? This e-book contains both versions. It’s two books in
one. ★
It’s a
topsy-turvy world that children live in today, but the adventures must safely
return. Face masks on or face masks off, this fast-paced book takes kids
through the ups and downs of a balance bike ride with friends. A stuffed
bunny is temporarily lost, but a community is found. No matter which way you
read it, the book reinforces the joys and freedoms of childhood and advocates
for a safe return to the fun. Print copies of this book flip over so that the
book can be read either way.
Perfect
for Covid-19 and to normalize the wearing of masks. Yet, this book will remain
in your collection when the crisis has ended.
“A lovely, reassuring tale for children set during and after the
Covid-19 pandemic.” – Kirkus Reviews
My Review
The Safe Return is a unique children's book that can be read one of two ways: with masks on or with masks off. The story is set during today's times, while Covid is still a thing. It follows a little girl and her dad as they return to some semblance or normalcy by enjoying a day outside on bikes (well, her dad is jogging alongside while she rides). She meets up with friends, and depending on which way you read, the children are either wearing masks or not, but the story does enforce social distancing regardless of masks. And when one child loses his stuffed bunny, the group of friends bands together to help find it, all while keeping safe so they can still have fun.
I thought the story was really nicely done. It's illustrated well, and while the text may be a bit small and harder to read for younger kids, older kids will find it to be a quick, easy read.
I also liked that it can be read both ways, showcasing kids having fun outdoors without masks and with masks, depending on preference (especially since I'm sure some children (and adults) would rather see the normalcy of pre-covid times rather than what we're living now).
Overall, I thought The Safe Return was a simple, yet unique children's book.
4 stars!
About the Authors:
Ashley is
a writer and lawyer on the central coast of California. She loves books,
especially children’s books, and began her book career as the then youngest
editor-in-chief of her elementary school’s press. She dreams of marshmallows
and witches.
Arwen is
a PR executive. Her mission is to raise strong girls, which is important as she
has three of them. She spends her commute embroidering elaborate gifts while
dreaming up her next story. Arwen is a member of SCBWI.
Abigail
Gray Swartz is a fine artist, muralist, and illustrator. Her work has appeared
in The NY Times, countless magazines, and most notably, she painted the Women’s
March cover for The New Yorker magazine (Feb 9, 2017 issue). Her cover went on
to win several awards. Abigail is also the founder of City of Hidden Figures a
national public art program that seeks to celebrate local hidden figures
through murals, statues, and the renaming of streets while providing art
opportunities and equal pay for female-identifying artists. Abigail earned her
MFA from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She lives in Maine with her
young family and a handful of chickens, where she loves to garden, go swimming
and breathe in the salty sea air.
Media links:
@wheelock.ashley
@arwenhanna
@graydaystudio
@houseoftomorrowbooks
@Ashley_wheelock
@GrayDayShop
@HOTBooks1
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please try not to spam posts with the same comments over and over again. Authors like seeing thoughtful comments about their books, not the same old, "I like the cover" or "sounds good" comments. While that is nice, putting some real thought and effort in is appreciated. Thank you.