Staff Pick
Elba has a block that she must drag around with her all the time. It's no fun, but she has to do it. Norris is followed everywhere by butterflies. He doesn't quite understand Elba's block, but he wants to help. This story is one of the most helpful depictions of dealing with loss and supporting a friend that I've seen. Grief doesn't go away, as this book shows, but it changes with time and patient friends can help ease the journey. Elba has lost a friend, but this book could be helpful to kids dealing with a range of situations like moving, being away from people you love, divorce, or other family changes. It will also help kids be more compassionate friends. A must-have for any professional who works with kids and a great addition to any family library. I hope kids everywhere read this book! Recommended By Christine R., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
A heartwarming story about loss, healing, and how to be a friend during hard times. Offers] hope that the world can be beautiful place...an excellent purchase. --
School Library Journal Demonstrate s] the power of patience, listening, and simply showing up. --Kirkus Reviews
Elba has a big block. She's been dragging it around for a long time.
Norris dances everywhere he goes, even uphill. He is always surrounded by a happy cloud of butterflies.
Can Norris and his butterflies help ease Elba's sadness and convince her to join them on a trip to the ocean?
This tender exploration of loss illuminates the sustaining power of kindness, empathy, and friendship. It will resonate with anyone who has experienced hardship or grief, from the death of a loved one or a pet, to the transition to a new home, family situation, or learning environment. It is especially comforting during this time of social distancing and the uncertainty around what the future holds, sensitively demonstrating that together we can make it through anything if we take care of one another.
Synopsis
A heartwarming story about loss, healing, and how to be a friend during hard times.This tender exploration of loss illuminates the sustaining power of kindness, empathy, and friendship. It will resonate with anyone who has experienced hardship or grief, from the death of a loved one or a pet, to the transition to a new home, family situation, or learning environment. It is especially comforting during this time of social distancing and the uncertainty around what the future holds, sensitively demonstrating that we are stronger together.
Offers] hope that the world can be beautiful place...an excellent purchase. --School Library Journal
Demonstrate s] the power of patience, listening, and simply showing up. --Kirkus Reviews
Elba has a big block. She's been dragging it around for a long time.
Norris dances everywhere he goes, even uphill. He is always surrounded by a happy cloud of butterflies.
Can Norris and his butterflies help ease Elba's sadness and convince her to join them on a trip to the ocean?
Synopsis
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.