You Are a Beautiful Beginning - by Nina Laden (Hardcover)

About the Book

Children play cooperatively in a forest, and their stick creations draw the interest of small gnome-like creatures, who make their own additions.

Book Synopsis

It is not the destination, but the journey.

Inspired by this timeless adage, You Are a Beautiful Beginning combines lyrical storytelling and lovely art, blossoming into a celebration of self-love, friendship, and community. With beautiful simplicity and hidden depth, this meditative and magical picture book encourages readers old and young to discover their own endless potential. Kelsey Garrity-Riley's inviting, gently magical art pairs beautifully with a lyrical, deceptively simple text by Nina Laden to create a picture book that is equal parts inspirational story and peaceful lullaby.

It is not wishing to be different.
It is learning to love being you.

It is not the end of your story.
It is a beautiful beginning, too.

This is another uplifting and magical book from bestseller Nina Laden, the creator of Peek-A-Who and the author of If I Had a Little Dream and Yellow Kayak. It's the perfect gift for graduation, new babies and baby showers, or anyone in need of an inspirational story.

Review Quotes

"The children's story emphasizes a positive sense of self and optimism for what the journey tomorrow will bring. On discouraging days, this book will help readers find their place in the world with greater love for themselves and others." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Nina Laden is an award-winning, bestselling children's book author and illustrator. Her many books include The Night I Followed the Dog, Peek-a-Who, When Pigasso Met Mootisse, Roberto the Insect Architect, Once Upon a Memory, If I Had a Little Dream, and Yellow Kayak. When she is not writing or drawing, she paddleboards, takes long beach walks, hunts for agates, forages for mushrooms, makes jewelry, and cooks up a storm, amongst other things. Nina was born and raised in the New York City area, and now lives on a little island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State with her husband, Booth, and their Siberian cat, Marley.

Kelsey Garrity-Riley is an illustrator living and working in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in Germany and Belgium before moving to the US to pursue her love of art at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Kelsey's picture books include Goldie Takes a Stand, Other Wordly, Born to Ride, and Frankie's Favorite Foods.