One Word From Sophia
by Jim Averbeck, Illustrated by Yasmee Ismail
Atheneum Books for Young Readers (June 16, 2015)
Fiction * Humor * Communication
Audience: Ages 4 to 8
IndieBound | WorldCat
About the Book:
Sophia wants a pet giraffe for her birthday. It is her one true desire. However, she has a problem. In fact she has four problems— she must first convince her mother (a judge), her father (a businessman), her Uncle Conrad (a politician), and her very strict Grand-mamá to approve.
Determined, persistent, and creative, Sophia uses all her wiles to persuade each one . . . but to no avail. “Too many words,” they complain after each elaborate presentation. Undeterred and undefeated, Sophia rethinks her approach – editing and revising it to its essence until she finds just the right word. Simplicity, directness, and sincerity prevail. True desire triumphs in this funny, warm-hearted confection that celebrates words even as it shows that less of them can often be more.
Check out the book trailer for the book:
My thoughts on the book:
Since I had a chance to originally see ONE WORD FROM SOPHIA in January 2015. Months before it was available to the general public. I remember reading it and laughing. Always a good thing to have positive memories of a book that you read for the first time. And equally good when it holds up to re-reads.
Sophia is an articulate, intelligent, creative child who has her heart set on a giraffe as a birthday present.
Did I say articulate? Sophia is going to argue her opinion to any and all who will listen. It isn't easy to convince everyone that a giraffe would be a great pet.
Did I say creative?
Of course, if all else fails an emphatic "please" might work.
One Word for Sophia is filled with humor, a diverse family, and a lesson that fewer words may be better than more.
So, what are you waiting for? Please, pick up a copy of One Word From Sophia from your favorite indie bookstore or community public library.
About the creators:
Jim Averbeck works, plays, and evades the law in San Francisco, California. His first book, In a Blue Room, was a Charlotte Zolotow Honor book. His popular books Except If and Oh No, Little Dragon! feature charming protagonists with pointy teeth. His book, The Market Bowl and his middle grade novel A Hitch at the Fairmont were Junior Library Guild Selections. His most recent book, One Word From Sophia, was an IndyNext Top 10 for Summer 2015. website | twitter
Yasmeen Ismail is an award-winning illustrator and animator who has a love of inks, paints and watercolours. "Time For Bed, Fred!" is her debut picture book. Originally from Ireland, Yasmeen now lives in London. website | twitter
Resources & Related Media:
Teacher's Guide | Free Skype Giveaway | PW & We Need Diverse Books
Check out the previous blog tour posts:
10/19/2015 - Jen at Teach Mentor Texts
10/20/2015 - Jennifer at Reederama
10/21/2015 - Franki and Mary Lee at Two Reading Teachers
10/22/2015 - Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers
10/23/2015 - Crystal at Reading Through Life
10/24/2015 - Alyson at Kid Lit Frenzy