When You Need Wings (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
This book is exactly what my younger shy self needed. Playful, poignant, and beautifully illustrated -- this book is perfect for when a child might be feeling anxious or nervous in a new situation. Recommended by Julie
— From Staff Picks for Little Kids
In the tradition of Where the Wild Things Are, beloved author-illustrator Lita Judge brings us a soaring story about the power of imagination.
On a day when you feel
like no one is listening,
and you wish you could just disappear,
shut your eyes and listen.
Do you hear it?
That isn’t your heart.
That is the sound of your very own wings
beating within.
Acclaimed author-illustrator Lita Judge takes readers on a wonder-filled exploration of a child’s imagination, thoughtfully weaving in a gentle suggestion of how to explore that bountiful inner world and let it help them shine with courage in the real one.
On a day when you feel
like no one is listening,
and you wish you could just disappear,
shut your eyes and listen.
Do you hear it?
That isn’t your heart.
That is the sound of your very own wings
beating within.
Acclaimed author-illustrator Lita Judge takes readers on a wonder-filled exploration of a child’s imagination, thoughtfully weaving in a gentle suggestion of how to explore that bountiful inner world and let it help them shine with courage in the real one.
Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children’s books, including Flight School, Penguin Flies Home, Red Sled, Red Hat, Good Morning to Me!, Born in the Wild, Even the Smallest Will Grow, When You Need Wings, and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary’s Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.
Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children’s books, including Flight School, Penguin Flies Home, Red Sled, Red Hat, Good Morning to Me!, Born in the Wild, Even the Smallest Will Grow, When You Need Wings, and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary’s Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.
Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children’s books, including Flight School, Penguin Flies Home, Red Sled, Red Hat, Good Morning to Me!, Born in the Wild, Even the Smallest Will Grow, When You Need Wings, and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary’s Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.
“Delightful, energetic pencil-and-watercolor illustrations. . . . This sweet book offers a comforting and reassuring idea to help children through a tough time—or any time.”
— Kirkus Reviews
"Judge’s visual jewel is an exquisite close-up of the reassured girl’s face, in which she confidently locks eyes with the reader. A tender tale about coping with first-day jitters.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Evoking Sendak's wild rumpus. . . . Every appealing full-bleed double-page spread, done in pencil and watercolor, offers lifelike and realistic details of welcoming children at play.”
— Booklist
“The spare, poetic text pairs with delicate but lush watercolors to create a reassuring tale that acknowledges fear and anxiety but encourages strength and confidence. . . . The message here isn’t necessarily limited to kiddos dreading the first day of school, so the book might be handy for any youngster heading into an unfamiliar situation.”
— BCCB
— Kirkus Reviews
"Judge’s visual jewel is an exquisite close-up of the reassured girl’s face, in which she confidently locks eyes with the reader. A tender tale about coping with first-day jitters.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Evoking Sendak's wild rumpus. . . . Every appealing full-bleed double-page spread, done in pencil and watercolor, offers lifelike and realistic details of welcoming children at play.”
— Booklist
“The spare, poetic text pairs with delicate but lush watercolors to create a reassuring tale that acknowledges fear and anxiety but encourages strength and confidence. . . . The message here isn’t necessarily limited to kiddos dreading the first day of school, so the book might be handy for any youngster heading into an unfamiliar situation.”
— BCCB