Finding François
A Story about the Healing Power of Friendship
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Penguin Putnam Inc
Published:7th Jul '20
Should be back in stock very soon
This heartwarming story follows Alice as she discovers the importance of friendship through her bond with François, showcasing resilience and healing.
In Finding François, readers are introduced to Alice, a young girl who longs for a sibling but discovers that what she truly needs is a friend. This beautifully illustrated tale unfolds along the picturesque River Seine, where Alice meets François, a companion who brings joy and comfort to her life. Their friendship blossoms, offering a gentle exploration of the emotional landscape that children navigate, including the complexities of loss and the importance of connection.
Gus Gordon, the award-winning author and artist, masterfully weaves humor and warmth into the narrative, creating a story that resonates with both children and adults. The journey of Alice and François is not just about friendship; it also addresses the grief that accompanies losing a loved one. Through their adventures, readers witness the healing power of companionship, as Alice learns that friends can help soothe the pains of growing up.
Finding François is a tender reminder of the significance of friendship in overcoming life's challenges. With its exquisite illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, this book invites young readers to embrace their feelings, celebrate the bonds they share, and find solace in the friendships that enrich their lives. It’s a gentle adventure that reassures children that they are never alone in their struggles.
"[A book] to help kids navigate life during a pandemic. [Finding François] touches on relevant topics like grief and long-distance friendships." —HuffPost
★ “Gordon’s sly humor and understanding of child logic (very reminiscent of William Steig’s) shine forth. . . . Elegant language, endearing characters, and irresistible images will warm hearts and minds with each reading.” —Kirkus (starred review)
★ “Endearing . . . Expressive . . . The precisely worded text, full of intriguing details, reads aloud beautifully. A heartening, memorable picture book.” —Booklist (starred review)
“A beautiful, fun and redemptive story of friendship, loss, love and kindness.” —Books to Borrow, Books to Buy
“Triumphant . . . Leavened throughout with gentle, tongue-in-cheek humor [amid a] central theme of enduring love.” —Publishers Weekly
“[A] balance of joyful warmth and contemplative pathos, and the book is particularly respectful of Alice’s grieving process, subtly underlining the fact that simply waiting for a friend to work through feelings is a form of support. The watercolor, pencil, and collage art pops . . . [A] timely message that friendships can be maintained over distance and time, and that there is value in both solitude and company.” —BCCB
"Charming . . . [A] soothing, kid-friendly approach to life after loss. . . . This is a warm, gentle story about resilience and how the bonds of friendship can mend the heart." —SLJ
"Loss is overwhelmed by love [in this] story about the healing power of friendship." —Florida Times-Union
"Strikes just the right balance between earnest and playful. A tender and inviting reflection on the hope and renewal found in friendships." —The Horn Book
ISBN: 9780525554004
Dimensions: 262mm x 239mm x 10mm
Weight: 449g
40 pages