HIDING~Finding Quiet in a Busy World

HIDING, written and illustrated by Kate Pugsley is subtitled, “A Story About Finding Quiet in a Busy World”. There was something captivating and refreshing about this seemingly ‘simple’ book. I put that word in semi-quotes because we all know that ‘simple’ does not mean ‘easy’, and is never really ‘simple’ at all in the creation of a successful picture book.

The text is spare. We travel spread by spread learning why, when, and how this little girl hides. It felt nostalgic to me and reminded me of how much I loved to hide as a child. And how I often want to, wish I could, do, hide as an adult. And why wouldn’t we?

The illustrations are very happy. A comforting palette and a plethora of pretty patterns create terrific spaces for our little character to hide. Kids will have a great time finding her on each spread.

The message is that seeking our quiet place is good— It’s okay.

And as the ending says, and so is being found.

Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Jennifer is the illustrator and author of several acclaimed picture books. Most recently is Always by My Side, 'A Stuffie Story', which she wrote and illustrated. She also is both the author and illustrator of Playing Possum, and Blue Ethel. Jennifer illustrated Gondra’s Treasure, written by Newbery award winner Linda Sue Park. As well as, Sometimes You Fly, by Newbery medalist, Katherine Applegate. She illustrated Yaks Yak, Animal Word Pairs by Linda Sue Park, The Inventor's Secret, What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford, by Suzanne Slade, Rabbi Benjamin's Buttons, by Alice B. McGinty, and The Adventures of a South Pole Pig, by Chris Kurtz.

5 Comments:

  1. Oh, this is lovely! I need this book in my life. And the quiet.

  2. This book–and quiet time–is just what the doctor ordered!

  3. This book looks charming!! Thank you so much for sharing!

  4. Just lovely! And so necessary for kids (or anyone, really) to understand that it’s okay to seek out quiet and solitude whenever they need it. The world is a busy place and the beautiful illustrations and sparse text make me feel calm Love it!

  5. So lovely! Thank you, Jennifer. Yes, even as a child I needed my quiet and alone time, esp. since we lived in one room and a kitchen. QUIET by Susan Cain is an adult book but a much needed one for us introverts.

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