Jean E. Pendziwol’s newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on nature and hope.
The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes — sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring.
Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that carries us through the year and through our lives.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
Jean E. Pendziwol’s newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on nature and hope.
The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes — sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring.
Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that carries us through the year and through our lives.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Sep 1, 2020 |
| Specifications | |
| Keywords | optimism; imagination; hopeful; perseverance and determination; poetry; seasons; nature; uncertainty; appreciation; courage; positive attitude; figurative language; personification; simile; child as narrator; first person narration; poetic language; metaphors; imagery; determining importance; connecting; Common Core aligned; CC Literature Key Ideas and Details; CC Literature Craft and Structure; CC Literature Integration of Knowledge and Ideas; grade one; kindergarten; picture book; gift book; |
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Supporting Resources
(select item to download) |
Teacher's Guide |
| Written By |
JEAN E. PENDZIWOL is the author of Skating Wild on an Inland Sea, illustrated by Todd Stewart (Governor General’s Literary Award, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award). She has also written When I Listen to Silence, illustrated by Carmen Mok; I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nathalie Dion; and Me and You and the Red Canoe, illustrated by Phil. She lives in Northwestern Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. |
| Illustrated by |
NATHALIE DION is the acclaimed illustrator of The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine (Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books, USBBY Outstanding International Books); I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree by Jean E. Pendziwol (Globe 100 Books, OLA Best Bets); and Kumo: the Bashful Cloud by Kyo Maclear (Golden Kite Award, Mrazik-Cleaver Honour); among others. She is the author and illustrator of My Mad Hair Day, which has been translated into French and German. Nathalie lives in Montreal, Quebec. |
| Written By |
|
JEAN E. PENDZIWOL is the author of Skating Wild on an Inland Sea, illustrated by Todd Stewart (Governor General’s Literary Award, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award). She has also written When I Listen to Silence, illustrated by Carmen Mok; I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nathalie Dion; and Me and You and the Red Canoe, illustrated by Phil. She lives in Northwestern Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. |
| Illustrated by |
|
NATHALIE DION is the acclaimed illustrator of The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine (Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books, USBBY Outstanding International Books); I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree by Jean E. Pendziwol (Globe 100 Books, OLA Best Bets); and Kumo: the Bashful Cloud by Kyo Maclear (Golden Kite Award, Mrazik-Cleaver Honour); among others. She is the author and illustrator of My Mad Hair Day, which has been translated into French and German. Nathalie lives in Montreal, Quebec. |
| Audience | ages 3 to 7 / grades P to 2 |
| Reading Levels |
Fountas & Pinnel Text Level M
Guided Reading M |
| Common Core |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2 |
Long-listed, World Illustration Award, 2020
Winner, 3x3 International Illustration Annual Merit Award, 2020
Commended, Globe 100 Favourite Books, 2020
Commended, 49th Shelf Canadian Books of the Year, 2020
“Along with Pendziwol’s poetic text, Dion’s illustrations shimmer with hope.” — Globe and Mail
“[T]he text is poetic and the artwork is riveting.” — Postmedia