Sarah's Song

by Rosie J. Pova

Sarah searches for the perfect song to sing to her grandma--one that will make her well so they can share music and dance together again, just like they used to do. Sarah practices every day and tries different songs, but Grandma isn't getting better and the cane she's started using is not going away. Will Sarah find the perfect song? And could her song work in an unexpected way?

44 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2017

About the author

Rosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children's author and kidlit Writing Coach. She's the creator of Picture Book Mastery System that is proven to help emerging children's writers advance their career and get closer to their publishing goals.

Rosie's picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine. Her upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in the spring of 2022 in both China and the USA.

Rosie also loves to visit schools and her interactive workshops empower students to unleash their creativity and grow in confidence through reading, writing, and creating. Teachers and librarians love Rosie for her bubbly, upbeat personality which captures students' attention, encourages them to think creatively, and motivates them to pursue big dreams.

She has been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media, and also speaks on women's and moms’ topics, sharing her journey from a Bulgarian immigrant to a published author.

Find out more about Rosie's online courses, mentorships, and her work by visiting her website: RosieJPova.com

Reviews

[Alayne Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Grandma are quite the pair especially when they dance and sing at the annual Fall Festival. But as Sarah grows older, Grandma grows older, too. Grandma starts using a cane, she grows tired, and she sings and dances less and less. No matter how hard Sarah tries to keep their good times going, Grandma’s singing voice gets weaker and her dancing legs get wobblier. And if Grandma can’t perform at the Fall Festival, then Sarah can’t perform either. At least, that’s what she thinks until she gets an idea or two that can make this Fall Festival even more special than all the rest. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a lovely way to bring comfort to children who see their grandparent slipping away. It might even open up some dialogue about what it feels like to see the changes in a grandparent and how the child might cope.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully illustrated story with a message that is similarly touching. Mira Reisberg of The Children's Book Academy introduced me to this book yesterday, and I loved its heartfelt take on the aging process, as well as the close-knit relationship between main character Sarah and her grandmother. The prose was lyrical, and Sarah's facial expressions were particularly nuanced. This would be a great book for a child who has elderly relatives struggling with issues of mobility.

[Shelley Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book all around! Beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations. Highly recommend, especially if you have a little one who is dealing with a grandparent who is aging.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story with beautiful illustrations.

[Maria Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sheer joy felt by both Sarah and her Grandmother in singing together everywhere, culminates in their performance at the Fall Festival. But "Grandma’s voice got weaker and her legs got wobblier." When no song or dance heals Grandma, Sarah begins to dread this year's Fall Festival. Until she helps create the perfect dress (from grandma's dress) and writes her own special song. 
Without being overly cloying or didactic, Rosie Pova creates a story of a young girl coming to terms with the physical decline of her grandmother. Sarah's discovery, allows her and her grandmother to continue sharing their joy of music and their time together. Emma Allen's colorful illustrations are both tender and poignant. Look for Emma's additions of the family's cat and dog, which mirror Sarah's emotions. It is a sweet story of learning to accept change.

[Kirsti Call]

Sweet story filled with heart.

[T.l. Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. Absolutely lovely book.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and her Grandma share a special bond, and they both love to sing and dance. But Grandma's getting older, and while she still loves watching Sarah sing and dance, she doesn't sing along or dance with Sarah anymore. Can Sarah find the song that will inspire Grandma to sing and dance again? A beautiful book to open a discussion on aging, relationships, and the loving bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.

[Lauren Kerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story that captures the beauty of the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter.