A nonbinary child is whisked off on a spellbinding adventure for their birthday in this dazzling tale of friendship, community, and self-love.
It’s Robin’s eighth birthday and it seems like everyone has forgotten. But things take a sudden turn when the Cat-Headed Wanderer shows up and sweeps Robin away to a magical party in a fantastical treehouse. It’s a joyful celebration full of song, dance, and newfound friends, but Robin soon realizes there’s another reason they’ve been brought there. To uncover that reason, all Robin needs to do is walk through the half-open door in the back—but what lies beyond?
Rainie Oet’s enchanting language and Mathias Ball’s stunning illustrations will sweep young readers off their feet, as they follow Robin on this fantastical and deeply moving adventure of discovering themself through the joy of new friends and the memory of loved ones lost along the way.
It’s Robin’s eighth birthday and it seems like everyone has forgotten. But things take a sudden turn when the Cat-Headed Wanderer shows up and sweeps Robin away to a magical party in a fantastical treehouse. It’s a joyful celebration full of song, dance, and newfound friends, but Robin soon realizes there’s another reason they’ve been brought there. To uncover that reason, all Robin needs to do is walk through the half-open door in the back—but what lies beyond?
Rainie Oet’s enchanting language and Mathias Ball’s stunning illustrations will sweep young readers off their feet, as they follow Robin on this fantastical and deeply moving adventure of discovering themself through the joy of new friends and the memory of loved ones lost along the way.
Book Details
Format:
Hardcover
Price:
18.99 USD / 24.99 CAD
Published: 2024-12-03
ISBN: 9781662620027
Imprint:
Astra Young Readers
Page Count: 32
Trim Size: 8-1/2 x 11
Grades:
Preschool - 3
Ages:
4-8 years
"Lengthy, affecting narration from Oet, making her picture book debut, explores layers of grief and joy, while vibrant hues and detailed character designs from Ball...breathe life into each dreamlike scene as the evening tenderly paves the way for a solitary child to find connection in the real world." —Publishers Weekly
"A child dreams of friendship...Ball’s swirling comic images set an enchanting tone." —Kirkus Reviews
"Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity." —School Library Journal
"This book is for the non-binary kids. The kids who have lost someone they love and feel alone. The kids who can forget that there are others who love them, and more people out in the world waiting to get the chance to love them... The illustrations of the creatures are beautiful and fantastical... It’s a love letter to those needing a reminder that they are loved... I would strongly advocate for any and everyone to give this picture book a read." —Makayla Hicks, Assistant Children's Supervisor, Framingham Public Library, Youth Services Book Review