Additional information
by Charlotte Agell (Author), Ana Ramírez González (Illustrator)
This affectionate, deeply soothing story exemplifies how to comfort someone who is hurting. A wonderful gift for any occasion, perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened.
"[Offers] hope that the world can be beautiful place." --School Library Journal
Elba has a big block. She's been dragging it around for a long time. It makes her walk slowly. It makes her think darkly. It is heavy.
Norris dances everywhere he goes, even uphill. He is always surrounded by a happy cloud of butterflies.
When the two meet, Norris wants Elba to accompany him on a trip to the ocean. But she just wants to sit on her block.
"I feel something in there," Norris says.
"What?" asks Elba, who doesn't feel a thing.
"Something sad," says Norris. "I think it wants to come out."
In time, Elba agrees to let Norris help her carry her block. Is it possible that once they finally reach the shore, Elba's block has grown smaller?
This tender exploration of grief will resonate with anyone who has experienced hardship, sensitively demonstrating the healing power of a friend who can see, listen, sit with, and love us through all our feelings.
Author Biography
Charlotte Agell was born in Norsjo, Sweden, and grew up in Montreal, Canada. She is the mother of two grown children and is a retired public-school teacher living in Maine. Charlotte is the author and illustrator of several picture books, chapter books, and young adult fiction published in Canada and abroad. Her Scholastic Press debut, Maybe Tomorrow? was hailed by School Library Journal as a story that offers "hope that the world can be a beautiful place." Learn more at charlotteagell.com.
Ana Ramírez González is a New York Times bestselling illustrator, as well as a film director, production designer, and visual development artist who has worked on many high-profile films, including Pixar's Academy Award-winning Coco. Ana grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lives in San Francisco, California. Learn more about her work at anaramirezgonzalez.com.
