Out of the Blue

A Picture Book

Rebecca Bach-Lauritsen author Michael Favala Goldman translator Anna Margrethe Kjærgaard illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Enchanted Lion Books

Published:25th Apr '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Out of the Blue cover

A boy's life takes an unexpected turn when a bear appears, leading to themes of surprise, change, and new friendships in Out of the Blue.

In a world where routine reigns supreme, a boy enjoys his quiet, solitary life, meticulously following the same schedule each day. However, everything changes when a bear unexpectedly appears, disrupting his peaceful existence. This surprise encounter sets the stage for a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and adaptation in Out of the Blue, an award-winning Danish picture book by Rebecca Bach-Lauritsen, illustrated by Anna Margrethe Kjærgaard.

As the boy navigates this new and unfamiliar territory, he learns to embrace the unexpected, stepping out of his comfort zone. The story beautifully captures the essence of change, encouraging young readers to welcome surprises and the friendships that may blossom from them. With every turn of the page, Out of the Blue invites children to explore the value of flexibility and openness in their lives.

The poetic text, skillfully translated by Michael Favala Goldman, combined with Kjærgaard's captivating illustrations, creates a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. This picture book not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about trust and the joys of new connections. The journey from solitude to companionship is illustrated with sensitivity, making Out of the Blue a delightful read for children and parents alike.

Selected for the Children’s Book Council Spring 2024 Showcase on Transformation

One of Betsy Bird’s Top 15 Translated Children’s Picture Books of 2024!
"A sweet, strange tale of finding unexpected friends. I always like it when a book works on its own internal logic and damned be the consequences. Here we have a boy living entirely on his own, as seen in such books as Bink Gollie. He’s drawn in rather a standard, illustrated manner. The bear who comes to occupy the house with him reminded me a lot of how someone like Matthew Cordell will suddenly place a highly realistic wild animal into a picture book, surprising and delighting the reader. At its heart, this is a story about loneliness and finding a kindred spirit. Plus who doesn’t want their own bear to play airplane with? A subtle, sweet delight."

-- Betsy Bird * A Fuse #8 Production (A School Library Journal blog) *

STARRED REVIEW! ★ “Warm and lovely. The prose uses simple repetition, sound effects, and onomatopoeia to artfully set the boy’s lonely stage. The illustrations are as poetic—simultaneously sparse and detailed—as the thoughtful and limited text… The elegant and softly rendered style is a wonderful juxtaposition to the surprising brown swaths of luxurious bear fur. Translated from the original Danish, the storyteller and illustrator take their time luxuriating in this wholly original tale… Every page is a tiny treasure.”

* Booklist *
"Reassuring to reflective readers facing life or family changes." * Kirkus *
"This Danish import is a gentle testament to friendship, the potential for growth and change, and the sheer exhilaration of letting go." * The Horn Book *
"Gorgeous and thoughtful... [With its] delicate sepia-toned pencil drawings [and a] brief, poetic text, ... children will be begging to spend a few more minutes lingering over each intricate page, catching the numerous cactus paintings and looking for eagle feathers, frisbees, and blue scribbles... Recommended for children who dream of an imaginary playmate and appreciate nontraditional formats and stories." * Susan Harari, Keefe Library, Boston Latin School, Youth Services Book Revi

ISBN: 9781592704019

Dimensions: 244mm x 192mm x 17mm

Weight: 212g

92 pages