Solitude, quiet, and independence are celebrated in this tender picture book about making friends with silence, perfect for SEL conversations about mindfulness, self-regulation, or alone time.
When her mother leaves the den, Little Fox expects to spend the next few hours by herself. But then she hears a knock at the door--she has a visitor.
At first, Little Fox is scared: Silence is so big and strange. Then they share a snack, and Silence helps her hear her heartbeat, even her own thoughts. Maybe time spent with Silence isnt so bad after all. Maybe Silence can be her friend.
This allegorical story from Spanish author Nuria Figueras was inspired by the first time she stayed home alone as a child--and by her experiences working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young readers will welcome the book as a gentle exploration of solitude and independence.
Illustrated by Spanish artist Anna Font, the original edition of The Visit was selected for the White Ravens list and received the Fundacion Cuatrogatos Award and Compostela International Award. Translated from Catalan by Lawrence Schimel.
Nuria Figueras has a graduate degree in journalism and is currently the editor of the Spanish childrens magazine El Tatano. Her writing has been recognized with the Merce Llimona and Comte Kurt prizes. The Visit is Nurias English-language debut and has been translated into over ten other languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, Slovenian, Portuguese, and Dutch. Nuria lives in Barcelona, Spain. Visit her website at nuriafigueras.com.
Anna Font is a Spanish illustrator who has thrice been shortlisted as a finalist at the Bologna Childrens Book Fair. She previously worked with Nuria on the magazine El Tatano, and she was delighted when Nuria reached out to collaborate on a new project for the Compostela International competition--the original version of The Visit. Anna lives in Barcelona, Spain. The Visit is her English-language debut. Visit her website at annafont.net and follow her on Instagram @annafontgarcia.
Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 300 books, including Ninos, 9 Kilometers, and the Batchelder Honor Book Different (all Eerdmans). His works have received many awards, including three PEN Translates Awards, two SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards, and two Americas Award Honors. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Bluesky @lawrenceschimel.bksy.social.
"A valuable lesson in a world dominated by screens and media. Simple prose moves the story along while double-page spreads convey the vast size of Silence, with multiple pages containing no words, just the delight of Little Fox and Silence dancing together...Little Foxs new friendship may inspire young listeners and adult readers alike to listen to their thoughts and remember the value and joy that can be found in the quiet." --Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books(STARRED REVIEW)
"Affecting....A subtle counterpoint to noise and excess that makes the absence of sound a companion worth knowing." --Kirkus Reviews
"Pensive...thoughtful." --Booklist
"Recommended for purchase specifically for the SEL and meditation shelves." --School Library Journal
