About this item
Highlights
- A moving story about making tough choices when disaster strikes Malia and her family are spending a day outside when they notice something strange.
- 4-7 Years
- 11.5" x 9.2" Hardcover
- 32 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Science & Nature
Description
About the Book
"Malia is enjoying a summer day in her backyard when she glances at the sky -- and it looks very strange. A forest fire is sweeping into the area where she lives, and Malia soon learns that she and her family will have to evacuate their home. As they quickly get ready to leave, Malia's mother tells her to pack only what's important. At first, Malia struggles to decide what to take with her. She wants everything - and the "to bring" pile in her room grows and grows. But as the urgency and chaos swirl around her, Malia is able to come to an understanding of what is truly important and knows exactly what to bring with her."--Book Synopsis
A moving story about making tough choices when disaster strikes
Malia and her family are spending a day outside when they notice something strange. Huge white-and-gray clouds fill the sky, planes zoom overhead, and the air smells funny. A forest fire is sweeping the area, and they need to evacuate their home.
Daddy tells Malia that she needs to choose what to bring. "Pick small things. Things important to you," he says. But there's so much that Malia wants to take with her! Her pillows and blankets. Her family of teddy bears. LOTS of books. As the pile in her room grows, and chaos swirls around her, Malia comes to realize that what is most important to her won't fit in a backpack: her little brother, her cat, and her dog.
This heartfelt and powerful story explores a rare perspective: experiencing a natural disaster through the eyes of a child. Malia's authentic voice will resonate with readers, and the book's challenging subject matter is balanced with gentle lessons in communication, problem-solving, and family.
Review Quotes
"A scary subject is addressed sensitively here ... A gentle story that affirms big feelings and prioritizes relationships."
-- "Booklist""Reassuring to children facing a similar situation, this selection also offers a subtle, heartfelt message to all about the importance of family that young listeners can discuss ... A straightforward and comforting exploration of an emergency evacuation."
-- "Kirkus Reviews""Textured artwork brings the emotional impact of the evacuation front and center, while also showing readers it is a situation that can be managed with patience and understanding ... Will certainly provide fodder for conversations."
-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction""With wildfires a fact of life, more children will be facing the question of what to bring. This book has some answers, but more, offers a forum for gentle preparation. A necessary title for young readers."
-- "School Library Journal - STARRED REVIEW""Written and illustrated by two women who have experienced the local threat of wildfire in the Okanagan Valley, What to Bring is an effective and timely story about love, family and community during our age of climate crisis."
-- "Canadian Review of Materials"