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When the snow falls, Charlie misses his brother more than anything else in the world. Daddy says that any time it snows Charlie can write down his five favorite things to do with Benjamin. The only problem is there are hundreds of things to remember! Like playing in the pool, eating dessert before dinner, running in socked feet, planting daisies in the garden, and so much more.
As Charlie remembers Benjamin, he remembers a loving and playful big brother, and a house filled with happiness and joy. He soon discovers that Mom and Dad each have their own lists, and they can find their way by relying on one another.
From debut picture book creators Chris Clarkson and Annalise Barber comes an honest and authentic exploration of grief, hope, and family strength.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
September 19, 2023 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781647004316
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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November 1, 2023
An illustrated love letter to a lost loved one. On a snowy day, young Charlie is solemnly reminiscing about big sibling Benjamin until Daddy suggests that the young narrator make a list of things about Benjamin: "My top favorite things to do with you." Watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations depict memories of the two smiling brown siblings--one tall, with cornrows and long, protective, curvy arms, the other smaller, wide-eyed, with short locs. Musical notes, flowers, and a football flow behind them. Charlie's list is a long one that ranges from pickling vegetables to watching dolphins; it also includes "carousels / and bumper cars / and funnel cakes." Benjamin's absence is felt by Mommy and Daddy and even the piano, according to Charlie, who remembers the good times but visibly struggles today. As Charlie reflects on the pool game Marco Polo, the illustrations heartbreakingly show the child searching for a sibling who can no longer be found beneath the bed or in the bathroom. Both readers and Charlie are left to wonder, "Where did you go, Benjamin?" Though there isn't a clear answer, the focus on the warm, flowery, exciting, and loving memories is as effective as it is bittersweet. Big grief in a small package shows us a complicated sort of healing. (Picture book. 4-8)COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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