I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness

by Kerascoët

Vanessa is alone for much of her first day at a new school. But on the way home a... read more

Vanessa is alone for much of her first day at a new school. But on the way home a boy begins yelling at her. Another girl sees what takes place, which includes Vanessa running home in tears. Throughout the evening the girl who witnessed what happened is clearly upset. The next morning, she goes to Vanessa’s house to walk to school with her. One by one, other kids join them, until it seems the entire school—with one exception—has decided to walk with Vanessa. It’s easy to follow the main arc of the action in this purposeful wordless picture book, but there is still space for readers and listeners to think and talk about how various characters might be feeling and what is happening on each page spread, and to consider what they might do in a similar situation. Information about bullying for children and adults is included at volume’s end. There are engaging details in ink-and-watercolor illustrations that show a diverse cast of characters, including brown-skinned, curly-haired Vanessa and the brown- skinned, straight-haired girl who can’t stop thinking about her. All are rendered in a friendly, squat style. (Ages 5–8)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2019

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