The Boy and the Gorilla (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780763698324)

This profoundly moving tale about a grieving boy and an imaginary gorilla makes real the power of talking about loss.

On the day of his mother's funeral, a young boy conjures the very visitor he needs to see: a gorilla. Wise and gentle, the gorilla stays on to answer the heart-heavy questions the boy hesitates to ask his father: Where did his mother go? Will she come back home? Will we all die? Yet with the gorilla's friendship, the boy slowly begins to discover moments of comfort in tending flowers, playing catch, and climbing trees. Most of all, the gorilla knows that it helps to simply talk about the loss--especially with those who share your grief and who may feel alone, too. Author Jackie Az a Kramer's quietly thoughtful text and illustrator Cindy Derby's beautiful impressionistic artwork depict how this tender relationship leads the boy to open up to his father and find a path forward. Told entirely in dialogue, this direct and deeply affecting picture book will inspire conversations about grief, empathy, and healing beyond the final hope-filled scene.

Author: Jackie Az俉 Kramer
ISBN-10: 0763698326
ISBN-13: 9780763698324
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Language: English
Published: 10/13/2020
Pages: 48
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.60h x 10.90w x 0.60d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 1.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513066 / Boy and the Gorilla


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2020
Publishers Weekly 09/14/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2020 - Book Of Special Distinction
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2021 pg. 61
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2021 - Superior,Well Above Average