A Gift of Feathers

WINNER, Children’s Book Award, Florida Literacy Association

“This spe-cial pic-ture book is filled with warmth and wis-dom. It may help chil-dren process their grief and teach them to make their own tra-di-tions dur-ing hard times. From the sweet and detailed illus-tra-tions of the two sis-ters and their grandmother’s feath-er col-lec-tion, to the author’s final note about his own expe-ri-ence with his mother’s death and a jar of feath-ers, read-ers will find great com-fort in this book dur-ing times of need.”--Jewish Book Council

“Found feathers become a source of solace for two siblings following the death of their beloved grandmother in this remembrance-focused picture book. …Time at Grandma Dot’s apartment meant viewing the vases of special feathers that she collected as an act of memorial–“Every time I find a feather, I think about my parents watching over me,” she says. When Grandma Dot dies, Talula recounts the family’s experience mourning and reveals the special way that she and Rhea remember their grandmother with feathers of their own. Galotta’s ink, watercolor, and colored pencil art balances playful scenes of Grandma Dot and her family with grayscale images that convey a thoughtful, somber tone.” –Publishers Weekly

“Though the narrative presents Jewish ways of mourning, both Jewish and non-Jewish readers can relate to the central concept of honoring those we cherish through our memories.” –Sydney Taylor Schmooze

“Sisters Talula and Rhea enjoy their visits to Grandma Dot, who collects feathers… The feathers figure prominently into their last visit, and Grandma Dot explains that they make her think of her late parents watching over her. The text also implies connections with a beloved chicken whose death Talula is grieving. Soon, Grandma Dot dies. As the children process their feelings, more feathers appear in their lives and provide comfort.”–Association of Jewish Libraries

Ken Schept, a father and grandfather, wrote this debut children’s book following a successful career as a journalist and business writer. He received his MFA from Columbia University, and lives with his wife in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he writes children’s books and literary fiction.

Romina Galotta is an illustrator, ardent animal lover, passionate foodie, and world traveler. Books she has illustrated include Dear Librarian by Lidia M. Sigwarth, which School Library Journal praised in a starred review as “using an array of media … to lovingly reflect the heroine’s inner emotions and thoughts in the details and background on each page.” She lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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