A simple, imaginative story depicting the complex emotional reality of a girl whose father no longer lives at home.
The girl conjures up an imaginary companion - a lion - who will join her on the long walk home from school. He will help her to pick up her baby brother from daycare and shop at the store (which has cut off the family's credit), and he'll keep her company all along the way until she is safely home. He will always come back when she needs him, unlike her father whom she sees only in a photograph - a photograph in which he clearly resembles a lion.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
A little girl imagines a lion taking the place of her father who no longer lives with her family, an animal that keeps her safe on her travels from school to home.
Praise for Walk with Me
Kirkus Prize Finalist
Kirkus Best Picture Books 2017
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids
School Library Journal Best Books 2017
ALSC Notable Children's Books
Cooperative Children's Book Center Best of the Year
"Emotionally resonant in the loveliest of ways." - Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW
"With guided discussion, youngsters can see beyond the deceptive simplicity of this poignant story. A strong choice for all collections." - School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
"The duo behind Two White Rabbits returns with another compassionate portrait of a child negotiating difficult circumstances with grace." - Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
"The richly colored, expressionistic multimedia illustrations add a great deal of depth to the minimal text." - Booklist
"Buitrago and Yockteng present a beautiful and complex story of courage and hope where there seems to be none." - Horn Book
"Walk With Me is refreshingly original, consistently entertaining, and very highly recommended." - Midwest Book Review
Praise for Two White Rabbits by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng
Kirkus Best Picture Books of the Year
School Library Journal Best Picture Books of the Year
NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children, Recommended Book
“This simple, yet poignant picture book beautifully illustrates the life of one migrating family … An important and timely picture book for every library collection.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“A masterpiece of understatement. In leaving readers with much to wonder about, the book packs the most powerful of punches.” — Kirkus, starred review
“Hope and hardship coexist in this haunting look at refugees fleeing home in hopes of a safer, more secure life.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Praise for Jimmy the Greatest! by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng
Kirkus Best Children’s Books
Horn Book Fanfare
School Library Journal’s 100 Magnificent Children’s Books
“Eye-opening inspiration in this unassuming import from Colombia.” — Kirkus, starred review
“This gentle tale of self-fulfillment and acceptance will be a winning addition to collections.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“In a world where so many must leave their homes to find work, it’s inspiring to see Jimmy able to do a truly great thing, right where he wants to.” — Horn Book, starred review
