Hello, everyone!
One of my critique partners was the late great Kate Dopirak.
Even though my life and the lives of countless others have not been the same without her, Kate left behind a wonderful message for for all of us. That message can be found in her new book, HURRY UP! A Book About Slowing Down which is illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal.
The book opens with a character who is in a rush.
As the story continues, however, the character realizes the wonder and beauty that can be found by slowing down.
And just look at this glowing STARRED review from Kirkus:
“The spare, rhyming text is fun to read aloud, and it conveys a too-familiar feeling of helter-skelter frenzy that settles into a friendlier pace suited to attention to the world and then relaxation. The illustrations use rows of chairs, rows of houses, crowds of children, and flying papers to represent chaos, competition, and stress, then close-ups, panoramic views, and saturated colors to show the sources of calm and restorative slowness. This story is sure to strike a chord with many a modern family; it’s a wonderful addition to a bedtime collection to settle in with at the end of a hectic day.
Hurry up and buy this charming book. (Picture book. 3-8)“
I interviewed Kate a couple of times here at Picture Book Builders.
I think her warmth and personality shine through in these posts. I hope you will revisit them.
This post features You’re My Boo, illustrated by Lesley Breen Withrow.
This post features Twinkle, Twinkle Little Car, illustrated by Mary Peterson.
Now HURRY UP and grab a copy of Kate’s new book. You can find one right here!
Then slooooow downnnn and enjoy the read.
GIVEAWAY:
For a chance to win a copy of Hurry Up!, just comment on this post and/or share on Twitter. Please include @SauerTammi with your post. Special thanks to Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster for providing the book.
What a perfect book for this moment. Kate was so talented, and left behind such lovely gifts. Thanks for sharing them here, Tammi.
Thanks so much for sharing a wonderful book. Kate left a beautiful legacy.
Sounds like the perfect book for right now, Tammi. What a beautiful legacy Kate left behind.
Love the concept: slow down and enjoy life -a great message for all of us! Congrats!
This looks like a book that most everyone could use these days.
Thanks for sharing. Sad that such a talent was taken all too soon.
Such a beautiful message Kate left behind for all of us to enjoy as we remember her.
Thank you, Tammi, for this lovely post
I love that concept. So simple. So big. So beautifully told.
What a great concept for a book, such an important message! (For parents too)
Would love this book for my twins!
Going to go post on twitter now too for that extra entry!
Aww this would be perfect for my nieces or nephews!
This is a perfect book for the times we are livingin. My two young granddaughters would love it. As would their adults!
I love Kate’s writing – simple, direct, heartfelt . . . This book would be a wonderful addition to my bookshelf!
OMG, looks like such a wonderful book. I can’t wait to read it!
We all know the nesssge; many of us would like to convey the message; and this book does that in an ingenious way. Thanks for the post. Looking forward to spending time with this book.
I think adults need this too!
This looks wonderful in every way. Thanks so much for sharing this!
So sorry for your loss, Tammi! It must be very bittersweet to have this beautiful book, and hear your friends voice, but not have her here anymore <3… Love Chris's art & the book's message!!
Gah! So lovely! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a wonderful reminder to slow down. I think many of us have done that lately with covid19 and staying home and spending time with family.
I like her rhyming text and charming illustrations!
Thank you for recommending this book!
This looks like a perfectly adorable book. Thanks for showing it to me. I will be checking it out.
I’ve read Twinkle Twinkle Little Car and remember loving the writing. this featured book is perfect for today’s world. Thanks for the post and chance to win a copy.
Ahh… this is so good, and so needed. Well done!
This looks like such a lovely and important book, with a beautiful message for all of us.
It’s a shame it took a deadly virus to slow some of us down. Maybe we can learn something from that and from this delightful read aloud.
Looks like a lovely book, written by a lovely person.
This book is like a breath of fresh air!
A perfect bedtime book, as the slow down and relax features kick in!
This is a beautiful book that we need.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Looking forward to this one
Yes, someone mentioned above that we seem to be slowing down while quarantined–I read an article that said people are even buying churns to make their own butter! It’s the perfect time to connect over this book.
Such a wonderful legacy. I loved Little Car and I know I’m going to love this one.
This looks like a perfect book to gift to a retiring principal at our school! I hope she will have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy many moments with her grandkids.
This book is such a perfect example of the kind of book that is very needed in today’s world. I am saddened to know that such a bright light left ou world to soon. I am glad she left such an amazing story behind.
Looks like a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.
This book looks adorable! How fitting it is during this time. Thanks for sharing with us, Tammi.
Love this. My son could use this book. Thank you for getting books into kids hands.
This book looks like the perfect reason to slow down. Thanks for the introduction. : )
What wonderful book to have to teach us all to slow down and enjoy what’s around us.
I’ve just recently discovered Kate. She makes rhyming look so easy! How fitting that her last work is something the world needs right now.
One gift of the pandemic is realizing the value of slowing e v e r y t h i n g down. Love the concept of this book. Thanks for sharing it.
I love the scene where they are looking skyward from the green grass! Gorgeous!
I recognise the character flying down the stairs, it me. Although we are all living through the craziest time of our lives, I am grateful for discovering the calm in slowing down. This sounds like a beautiful must read for everyone.
What a lovely tribute to Kate. She lives on in her beautiful books. ❤️
A timely message for us all. Thanks for sharing Kate’s lovely book.
This book looks so beautiful! Plus it’s a great message for kids, and maybe even more so, the adults reading to them.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your book is a wonderful tribute to your friend. The message is just what we need right now. xo
Congrats, Kate! Sounds like a book many of us could use right now.
Beautiful book.
What a beautiful message- I can’t wait to read this book!
I echo what others have written- This release of this book is perfect timing. We’ve all been forced to slow down, but as businesses and activities start up again, maybe we should continue with our slower pace?
What a beautiful tribute to Kate and how wonderful to see your joyful work together! Will buy and send to all my little lovebugs… thank you!
Rebecca
Miss Kate. Thank you for this post.
As our world begins to reopen, many of us will be caught up in “hurry-and-catch-up” mode. Here’s to the perfect reminder not to forget the benefits of slowing down! Those moments are a blessing.
What a wonderful message she has left for everyone during this time.
I met Kate at a conference. Her energy and enthusiasm was so inspiring. Glad we get another book of hers to savor.
Very cute! Look forward to reading this new book! Thanks for sharing.
Love it! Thanks for sharing, Tammi!
Love being introduced to these books. Thank you.
What a tremendous concept for a picture book! I cannot wait to read to my kids!