What can I say about a book that is so lyrical, so beautifully (and classically) illustrated, and holds up to read after read after read that there is nothing left to say?
Well, I do have more to say:
This is a story about Ruth Krauss, a child who always finds a way to be herself, whether playing music, drawing, or breaking rules. A child who becomes an author. A child, and then adult, who doesn’t stop at a no, one who figures out a way. And isn’t that a superb take-away without hammering at the reader with a lesson that is good for us?
Here’s the opening:
Born
a baby
late at night
there’s no parade
just crashing rain
She listens listens
writes and draws
stitches pages
sews a book
She finds another way
to tell a tale
You’ll want to pre-order it so you can read it as soon as it hits the shelves in October.
Activities:
Write a poem that uses repetition similar to the way the author does in this story.
Pair this book with Ruth Krauss’ The Carrot Seed. Can you find similarities between the two books, both in the story and the illustrations?
Pair this book with The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett. From what you learn in these two books, do you think these two authors would have been good friends? Why or why not?
Title: A Story Is to Share: How Ruth Krauss Found Another Way to Tell a Tale
Author: Carter Higgins
Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault
Publisher: Abrams, October 2022
Themes: biography, being yourself, persistence, writing
Ages: Elementary school
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
Wow! This looks amazing, Jilanne! What language! Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
It is! I think you’ll enjoy it, Susanna!
This looks so interesting. I added it to my TBR pile. Thanks Jilanne for featuring it!
I’m betting the farm that you’ll like it Maria. Fingers crossed!
Well you know how to send us looking for a good book — share a lot of cliffhangers. I’m not familiar with Ruth Krauss, but I will be soon. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, you will be soon, Lol!
This book sounds so fascinating! Thanks for sharing.
She was a very interesting person. One who definitely did her own thing!
Oh wow! this looks like it will be fun to read!