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Sonia Sanchez Books

In an ode to the power of music and community, this vibrantly illustrated picture book steps out on the balcony for a shared moment of spontaneous joy and celebration.
In a quiet neighborhood, a single note trills through the air. Another note joins, and then another. One by one, curious people are drawn to their windows, doorways, and balconies to support the medley. Professional musicians play instruments from around the world, while others bang pots and pans. All are welcome as the notes swirl and dip and crescendo, coming together to make one sweet song. And when the music fades, and this diverse neighbourhood is once again silent, the reverberations of unity remain. Written by a kindergarten teacher and inspired by the balcony singing in Italy during the pandemic – with a countdown from one to ten and back gently woven in – this rhythmic synergy of text and art is a buoyant, global-minded celebration of how music connects us, even in the darkest of times.

In this wordless picture book Here I am, Patti Kim and Sonia Sánchez bring the awe, the unfamiliarity of a new city to a young immigrant. As there are no words, children who are in similar situations (sadly more of them nowadays), can fill it in with their own unique stories. It’s a great book to initiate questions and discussions, interpret feelings and importantly be empathetic – wear the shoes of an immigrant or a refugee as you walk through your own city – what do you see?

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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