Publishers Weekly
12/24/2018
Hughes treats silence—which can connote loneliness and solitude—as a source of solace and strength in this quiet story. In hazy, jewel-toned spreads, Pelletier personifies Silence as a fluffy, cloudlike being with round ears and rosy cheeks. The figure accompanies a child with dark hair as she sweeps up after a birthday party, makes snow angels, practices yoga, and embraces other solitary moments. Silence isn’t the only visitor. At bedtime, Silence “greets its friend the Dark. They bring warm, soft blankets and settle in.” Hughes gently alludes to the benefits of finding contentment in quietude and how learning to do so might benefit readers for years to come. Ages 3–5. (Mar.)
Must Read Literature
"As a bedtime book, this book will calm the most rambunctious after a long day. A lovely topic that promotes both the beauty of language and the power of symbolism has a wonderful message for children. Excellent Book of Note."
Kiss the Book blog
"Such a nice reminder of the joy that is find in quiet moments. A nice introduction to or supplement of mindfulness. Pelletier’s illustrations add to the dreamy atmosphere every time Silence makes an appearance."
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"A lovely book about finding the silence and calm in life…Fits well when discussing self-regulation and mindfulness with children. Highly Recommended."
Youth Services Book Reviews
"A needed edition in our world today where children rush from one activity to the next, an environment where children with sensory overload issues may need calming and simply a pleasant story for the end of a long day. It will leave a child feeling protected and ready to rest."
Resource Links
"This thoughtful story focusing on mindfulness…will provide an important viewpoint for adults to share with young children."
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"A lovely book about finding the silence and calm in life…Fits well when discussing self-regulation and mindfulness with children. Highly Recommended."
Kirkus Reviews
2019-01-15
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)
