Little Wonder

by Claire Keane

A mama's wishes for her brave Little Wonder tell a tale as old as time in a whole new world perfect for new graduates, gift-givers, and anyone who wants to share a splash of courage with a loved one.

Wake up, Little Wonder! The whole wide world awaits you!

A love letter from a mother to her child accompanies him on a journey of unbelievable fantasies. It's a day full of breathtaking adventures, exciting twists and turns, and unexpected friends. With an imagination stronger than the tide and a mama's love deeper than the ocean, Little Wonder can do anything he believes he can.

And he will!

The positive messaging of this book, its gorgeous marine setting, and the gentle, reassuring narration will resonate with parents, grandparents, and children alike, with the universal appeal of undersea adventures setting all imaginations on fire. Adults will be attracted to the book's encouragement of open-mindedness and determination in the face of uncertainty, and kids will love the lush illustrations and call to fantastical adventures.

A BOOK FOR EVERY KIND OF KID: This book will appeal to young readers who love underwater worlds, fantasy and adventure.

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR BABY SHOWERS AND GRADUATIONS: Like The Wonderful Things You Will Be but set at sea, this book is the perfect baby shower gift, or preschool or kindergarten graduation present!

TIMELY, REASSURING MESSAGE: This sweet story offers an inspiring, reassuring message: we can choose to meet new experiences with flexibility and grit. Young readers will be encouraged to embrace new challenges.

A GREAT READ-ALOUD: The positive messages, the gorgeous underwater setting, and the calm, soothing narration will spark imagination and enthrall children at story-time and read-aloud events.

YOU ALREADY LOVE CLAIRE KEANE! If you loved Enchanted, Tangled, or Frozen, you've been admiring Claire Keane's work for years. Her family is full of artists—including her grandfather Bil Keane, the creator of Family Circus—and she spent many years in the animation world before becoming an illustrator.

AMAZING ART FOR LOVERS OF THE SEA: The art gorgeously captures ocean-floor environments, depicts sea creatures both mythic and real, and evokes the truly unknown, unexplored nature of the sea that makes underwater settings so ripe for adventures and possibilities.

Perfect for:

• Parents, Caregivers, Grandparents
• Educators & Librarians
• Kids who love books set underwater

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Love

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 2022

About the author

Claire Keane is known for her work as a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where she made significant contributions to the popular films Tangled and Frozen. She studied graphic design at the École Supérieure d'Arts Graphiques in Paris, France. Claire lives in Venice Beach, California, with her husband and children. She is the creator of the picture book Once Upon a Cloud.
—From the jacket flap of A Fairy Friend

Reviews

[Sarah BT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun take on the usual parents love/child's adventure genre. This is unique and features a boy living in an underwater world and the various magical and imaginative things he encounters throughout his day. The art is gentle and calming, making this a great bedtime read, and the text is lovely and reads like a lullaby. A nice book to gift to new parents who are tired of the same old books.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story I read in Baby Time about the adventure, the exploration, the always being there for your child

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the artwork in this book, and I liked that the mom was encouraging and there for her child, but for the most part I found this to be kind of "Oh the Places You'll Go," which I find kind of meaningless.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical and rich read aloud for young children explores all the adventures a day in the life of an imaginative and beloved child might face. The text alludes to the mother's wishes for her son as he approaches his day -- the illustrations depict the boy exploring the depths of the ocean (but walking around with no scuba gear, as it's just an imagination). The illustrations really celebrate a child's dream-scape while the narrative points to emotional undertones children will resonate with: e.g. the need to be brave and sharing stories with those who love you. Beautifully done!

**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Chronicle Books. Opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An underwater boy, named Little Wonder, spends his day exploring and experiencing his world. The narration is a "letter" from his mother, which complements the illustrations. "High and low, near and far, your curiosity leads the way."

I think this would make a nice bedtime story - the adventure is what dreams are made of - finding treasure, a mermaid, monsters (which are friendly) and some little bit scary situations - like finding the skeleton of a huge fish and then walking inside! A good first day of school book, one that will send the child off and assure them that mother will be their biggest cheerleader.

Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main genre in "Little Wonder" by Clay Keane is fantasy exploring a world of illustrations. The story brings out a sense of wonder and encouragement. It's a heartwarming narrative that reassures a young reader. The author, Perry, reminds the little wonder that there's no limit to what they can achieve, emphasizing the power of curiosity and courage. The story encourages a sense of adventure, reminding the reader that there's always a guiding presence, even in challenging moments. It's a beautifully crafted narrative with a comforting message for young readers. There's no apparent bias in the text, making it an inclusive and reassuring story for children.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are so beautiful! Unfortunately, I didn't love the story so much. As a school librarian with a limited budget, I have to be very selective about the books I purchase for my library and this is one I won't purchase. However, I do see it being a wonderful addition to a home or public library since it is essentially a love letter to a son from his mother about always having a safe place to come home to.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about a mother encouraging her child to go out and have adventures and be themselves. The underwater photos are engaging, telling a little story in the background with every page as the mother inspires the child to succeed. A wonderful gift for Mother’s Day or Graduation, whether it be from elementary or high school.

[Bee (BacchusVines) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, this one is freaking adorable with a wonderful message from a mother to their child.

Claire Keane has a great style of illustration that really sell the adventure the young child is having. The fantasy comes to life as the child explores the depths of the sea and the endless sky above. Very beautiful and one to present at bed time.

[Melissa Swistek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children are so powerful and contain boundless wonder and joy to explore the world around them. As a gift to us adults, children offer us an opportunity to see the world anew again.

This book is positive, beautifully illustrated, and encourages child-like wonder and exploration of the self while maintaining a positive attachment/relationship to the parent figure.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A letter to a son from a mother filled with words of encouragement and wonder to guide him through his day, and future endeavors, with the knowledge and comfort of him knowing that she will always be there for him.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet and had a very positive theme. I was suckered in by the cover illustration, though the actual book illustrations are more charcoal-y and abstract. An uplifting read, though pretty run-of-the-mill as far as memorable goes.

[Yadhira Linares]

I enjoyed reading this book. this books is like a little reminded that you will always have a loved one with you. I feel liek this would be good to read to a group of students who has justed stared school.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of a mother encouraging a child to explore the world around them with an open heart, an eye for adventure, and the comfort of knowing a parent will be waiting to welcome them home.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of a mother to her child in which he encounters many adventures. A great with story with good illustrations to spark a child’s curiosity.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture book that seems like it is written to be a kind of graduation gift, rather than a book that you'd really read to a young child.

[CMH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations are engaging and so fun, but the text is not as impressive.

[BreAnna (Bre'sBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful!!!

[Elaine Fultz, kinda retired librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cool illustrations about a young person exploring the world. Simple message, pretty spectacular artwork.

[SamSamSam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This concept has been done, and done, and done. I wish this actually told a story.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty illustrations, but not much story. More like lofty inspirational quotes. Still enjoyable.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations do have a sense of wonder in them.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had a child, I’d read this to them.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every day is an adventure with little Wonder. Curiosity, courage, making friends, and always mom’s love.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received a finished hardcover of this book from the publisher at the ALA Annual 2022 conference.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would make a beautiful wall hanging in a nursery or little kids room. A good book to give and own. My 4yo son got confused at times though.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of love and encouragement between a mother an their child.

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable read. The illustrations are phenomenal and the reason I picked the book up.