Once Upon a Memory written by Nina Laden and published by Little Brown
Does a feather remember?
Does a feather remember it once was a bird? Does a book remember it once was a word? A boy is swept away to a world where fantasy and reality come together in surprising and playful ways. From the cake that once was grain to the ocean that once was rain, whimsical before and after scenes offer readers a peek at the world as seen through the eyes of a curious child.
Nina Laden's poetic and cleverly woven text is perfectly paired with artist Renata Liwska's captivating illustrations.
Booklist
This poetic ode to memory begins when a feather flutters through an open window into a little boy’s room. As the boy picks up the feather, the text asks, “Does a feather remember it once was . . . a bird?” On the right-hand side of the page, kids will see a barbershop for birds, with feathers on the floor … the text has a lyrical quality, and Liwska (The Quiet Book, 2010) uses white space effectively, and her animal characters, as always, are soft and inviting. Contemplative and poignant. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ann Kelley
Tender and genuine
A Bank Street College Children's Book Committee Best Book
* "Tender and genuine. These musings on memory and change are thought-provoking, yet the piece also works as a lullaby. Reflective and peaceful."―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"[A] gentle, dreamy picture book...a lyrical series of questions that play with the concept of memory and origins."―School Library Journal
