Nevin Knows - by Mireille Messier (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this sweet picture book, Nevin and Grandpa Frank are going to the park on a spring day, and Grandpa lets Nevin lead the way, from choosing what shoes to wear and which direction to walk in to deciding where to play and, finally, which flowers to bring home for Nana.

Book Synopsis

Nevin and his grandpa are heading to the park on a spring day, and Grandpa checks with Nevin about what shoes to wear.

Should he wear boots? NO! Sandals? NO! Slippers? NO! Running shoes? YES! YES! YES! Throughout the book, Grandpa lets Nevin choose which direction to walk in, what to play on at the park and, finally, what flowers to bring home for Nana. Nevin has fun getting to choose for himself, and he shows Grandpa that he might be little, but he knows a lot.

Praise for Mireille Messier:

★ "From tiny discoveries to one big treasure, the natural world delights at every turn...A gentle exploration, using a child's words and told at a child's pace, of a marvelous world." --Kirkus Reviews for Treasure

"A wonderful way of rediscovering ancient, life-giving treasures." --David Suzuki for Treasure

★"Scenes unfold with cinematic flair...Bonheur's tenacity and determination will resonate with children, whether or not they're familiar with her art."--Quill & Quire, starred review for No Horses in the House!

"Readers will revel in the lifelike animal paintings...The artwork here sprawls beautifully across spreads, showing...a tiny but confident Rosa surrounded by naysayers as well as her beloved animals, potential creations swirling around the scenes as they pour from her mind." --Booklist for No Horses in the House!

From the Back Cover

Nevin and his grandpa are heading to the park today.

Should Nevin wear boots? NO! Sandals? NO! Slippers? NO! Sneakers? YES! YES! YES! At each part of their adventure, Nevin chooses for himself and shows Grandpa just how much he knows.

Review Quotes

"Mireille Messier demonstrates that young children, even those with limited vocabularies, can share their feelings and needs if there are only those who would ask and listen...Nevin is given the capacity to make choices. With that gift of empowerment, even in allowing him to make the simplest of choices, his grandfather bolsters his little grandson and provides him with opportunities for building his confidence and his voice, and for strengthening their relationship."

-- "CanLit for Little Canadians"

"What a fun book for a grandparent and toddler to share! Elena Comte's digital illustrations complement the repetitive tone of the story, always keeping Nevin front and center with his grandfather as they thoroughly enjoy an outing together."

-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"Repetitive pattern puts Nevin, and readers, in charge or the day's activities--an empowering choice sure to please the toddler set. Comte's geometric artwork pairs well with the simple text. A delightful day in the life of a curious tot."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Perfectly mimics the experience of taking an independent toddler to the park, and the book will be enjoyed by children and the adults reading to them. Nevin Knows allows children to consider their own experiences of getting ready and walking to the park and is sure to become a favourite...Nevin Knows is engaging and enjoyable and is a perfect book to pair with a walk to the park. Recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Mireille Messier knows:

• how to write fun stories for kids (she has published over thirty books)
• how to speak French and English (and a tiny bit of Spanish)
• how to make a really nice cup of tea
• how to hula-hoop for at least a minute (sometimes more)
• how to ride the very busy subway in her hometown of Toronto

Elena Comte is a Canadian illustrator who loves to create illustrations that communicate joy through color. She is inspired by the shapes that surround her in her daily life and likes to simplify to capture what's essential. Her work is influenced by naive art, collages and gouache paintings.