
My Story Friend
Kalli Dakos, Author
Dream Chen, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, May 2021
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Boy, Compassion, Listening, Self-acceptance
Opening: “There is the person who tells the story. This is the story teller. / And there is the person who listens to the story. This is the story friend.”
Publisher’s Synopsis:
When a child treks across the land in search of someone to tell his sad story to, he meets a gruff mountain man who can’t stand unhappy stories and a too busy to be bothered farmer. Finally he meets an old woman, who tells stories herself and is willing to listen. She becomes his story friend. The act of telling the story leads the child to look at the other side and make what was dark lighter and full of hope and positivity.
The true potency of needing to express one’s unhappiness and the power of having someone else listen and help is a strong message for young readers. Like a favorite teacher or mentor, they may not be around forever, just for a short but meaningful time.
What I like about this story:
My Story Friend is beautifully written in free verse by poet Kalli Dakos. Her gentle and compelling storytelling will capture the hearts of readers of all ages. Kids will cheer for the boy when he finds the old woman who will let him unload his burden. When the old woman patiently listens, the boy gains some of his own insights about himself. Dream Chen’s textured illustrations are colorful and emotive and perfectly suit the boy’s journey.
Everyone has a story to tell, whether it is sad, joyful, or humorous. Everyone needs to have someone to listen. Dakos’s story encourages children to listen with empathy and compassion when their friends and siblings need to talk. And it also encourages readers to seek out a trusting friend or tteacher if they want to share something that is troubling them.
Favorite quote: “We talked all afternoon, and I learned that when we tell our stories over and over again to someone who listens with a big heart, then our stories become softer like butter melting in the sun, and if we are really lucky, the story tells us what to do.”
Resources: This is a perfect classroom book. Encourage children to write about their own lives. Sharing is up to them. But, pairing kids with a buddy might work well. It is also an excellent book for parents to use if they think their child is being bullied or is troubled about something. The book will guide discussions.
Kalli Dakos is a children’s poet and educator. She visits schools across the United States and Canada to encourage children and teacher to write about their own lives. She has written many collections of school poems that include six ILA?CBC Children’s Choice selections, such as If You’re Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand, and They Only See the Outside. She lives in Ottawa Canada, and has an office in Ogedensburg, NY. Visit her Dakos at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by Magination Press in exchange for a review.
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, from Simone Weil: “Attention is the rarest and purest forms of generosity.” Will definitely be looking for this one.
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What a beautiful quote. THank you. I have always believed kids and young people need other mentors/wise persons in their lives to talk to. Always encouraged my daughter to have other people she can talk to — wise women — and she has two. And, I’ve also benefited from mentors and wise friends throughout my life, as I also have been that person for many others, as you know.
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Might be a good book to read with the, Rabbit Listened. Great review, Pat!
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Perfect suggestion!
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I agree!
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I haven’t read that book, but it sounds like a great book to pair with! Thanks for the suggestion!
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This sounds so lovely and meaningful. So perfect for a poet storyteller. I’ll see if I can find it at our library!
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I really loved this story! And I love the author. I’ve also reviewed her poetry book for kids 8-12 — and may share on Monday. She has quite a mission to help kids express their feelings and share their lives.
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What a special story and reinforces my passion to be a good listener. I love when kids unload and I can be a non-judging receiver of their thoughts. They know someone cares. I’ll be sure to pass this title along to teachers working with this age group.
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Thank you! You are so right. The key to the story is “someone cares enough to listen to the boy’s sad thoughts.” Something we all need to be more conscious about doing for others. Glad you liked the story and want to recommend it.
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That cover is stunning. I am very intrigued by your review and look forward to getting a chance to read this one. Thank you!
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Yes, the cover is beautiful — gives the feeling of a fable. Important story about being a good listener. Thanks for visiting!
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Listening is such an important gift to others, and this seems like a perfect picture book to showcase that. I love your favorite quote.
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I really enjoyed Dakos book! Such an important message for kids.
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What a lovely premise!
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I thought so too!
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Every story needs a listener… a story friend. Perfect!
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I love the idea of the boy seeking someone who would listen. Every child needs a mentor, teacher, friend, who they can talk to and be heard!
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