Where You Came from - by Sara O'Leary (Paperback)

About the Book

This critically acclaimed, award-winning picture book, from powerhouse talents Julie Morstad and Sara O'Leary, is now available in paperback!

Book Synopsis

Now available in paperback! In this second book in the acclaimed Henry Books series, curious little Henry has a new question for his parents: "Where did I come from?" His parents, trying to remember, come up with many hilarious, imaginative and whimsical answers.

The hardcover edition of Where You Came From was the third prize winner at the 2008 Alcuin Awards for Excellence in Book Design, an AIGA professional association for design 50 books / 50 covers selection, and a finalist for the 2008 ForeWord Magazine 2008 Book of the Year Award (Children's Picture Book category).

Review Quotes

Praise for the hardcover edition of Where You Came From:

"These full-page illustrations with ample white space, crosshatched line illustrations, and delicate, minimal watercolors elicit both a soothing mood and retro feel...This gentle picture book may be used to satisfy the curiosity of very young children who have begun to ask the age-old question or as a discussion starter for children who are ready for a more complete answer. Where You Came From would also make a handsome gift for new parents awaiting their own dream to come true."
Foreword Reviews

"Playful, delightful picture book offers a number of possibilities about a small child's provenance."
Globe and Mail "Top 10 for '08", Susan Perren

"Sara O'Leary has a supple style which conveys the fondness in the parents' teasing, and rises to a moment of real poetry at the end. Her text is well matched with the gentle-coloured line drawings of Julie Morstad, which show baby Henry confidently beginning life in various absurd situations - even peering out of a mailbox, or balanced on top of tins of food on sale in the supermarket - innocent and ready to greet the world."

Quill & Quire

"This is destined to become a classic...beautifully illustrated."
Georgia Straight

"This is a simple text with a myriad of answers to the age-old question: 'Where did I come from?' O'Leary tackles this question with much aplomb and humour, ably assisted by Morstad's beautiful illustrations. Children will adore the humor in this book and wonder whether they too were found by their parents in a bird's nest or floating through the air holding on to a giant red balloon. The book is good for read-aloud, and will enchant groups of younger elementary students, who will enjoy thinking of other ways in which they were 'made.'"
Resource Links, Claire Hazzard

"Where You Came From might not serve as a substitute for the big "birds and bees" talk, but, if you have young children in your home, this is a book not to miss."
CM Magazine

About the Author

Sara O'Leary is an author, playwright, and literary journalist. She is the author of the award-winning Henry Books, including Where You Came From, When You Were Small, and When I Was Small, as well as the picture book This is Sadie (Tundra). She teaches Writing for Children and Screenwriting at Concordia University in Montreal, QC, Canada.

Julie Morstad is known for her surreal, whimsical work. Her books have garnered many accolades, including the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Picture Book Award, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize at the BC Book Prizes, and First Prize at the Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design; they have been shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Illustration, Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year Award, Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award (Picture Book Category), and Chocolate Lily Award (Picture Book Category). She lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada.