Elliot's parents love him very much, but all is not well. When he cries, they do not understand why. When he yells, they do not know what to do. When he misbehaves, they do not know how to react. One day a social worker named Thomas comes to visit, and Elliot's world turns upside-down. Manon Gauthier's soft collage illustrations feature approachable rabbit characters, while Julie Pearson's soothing, repetitive text guides Elliot gently through the foster child system. The new families that care for the little boy are kind, but everything is strange and new, and the sudden changes make him want to cry and yell AND misbehave. Then, when it becomes clear that Elliot's parents will never be able to take him back, Thomas sets out to find Elliot one last home - a forever, forever home with a family that will love and care for him no matter what.

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised in the Blogger Besty Bird's Books with a Message category by the School Library Journal Awards. It was recognised by the Best Books for Kids & Teens. It also was recognised by the Resource Links the Year's Best. It was recognised in the Best Bets category by the Ontario Library Association Awards.

This book has been graded for interest at 5-8 years.

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2016 by Pajama Press .

Julie Pearson conceived of Elliot, her first picture book, during her first months as an adoptive mother. She has worked as an educator in child and youth centers for over twelve years, and is passionate about children and their development. Julie lives near Sherbrooke, Quebec. Manon Gauthier is a graphic artist who made the leap to picture book illustration in 2006. After her first book was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award for Children's Literature, she dedicated herself entirely to illustration, and to giving presentations and art workshops in schools across Quebec. A flexible artist, Manon works in many media, including gouache, pencils, and paper collage. She lives in Montreal. Erin Woods has been translating children's books since 2015, and has loved them all her life. She would like to thank her parents for forcing her into French Immersion, even though at five years old she was sure it was the end of the world-or at least her social life. Erin lives in Toronto, Ontario. Andree Poulin is the award-winning author of more than thirty books for children. Formerly a journalist, she now enjoys spending much of her time giving workshops for young people in schools and libraries. Andree lives in Gatineau, Quebec. Anne-Claire Delisle has been drawing her whole life. After studying graphic design at university, she became an illustrator for books, magazines, and advertising. Today she also teaches illustration at Cegep de Sainte-Foy in Quebec City. Erin Woods has been translating children's books since 2015, and has loved them all her life. She would like to thank her parents for forcing her into French Immersion, even though at five years old she was sure it was the end of the world-or at least her social life. Erin lives in Toronto, Ontario. Victoria Allenby has been writing poetry and stories for as long as she can remember. Her debut picture book, Nat the Cat Can Sleep Like That, won the 2014 Preschool Reads Award and was nominated for the 2015 SYRCA Shining Willow Award. Timo's Garden was a New York Public Library Best Books for Kids & Teens selection. A freelance writer and editor, Victoria lives in Toronto, Ontario. Manon Gauthier is a graphic artist who made the leap to picture book illustration in 2006. After her first book was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award for Children's Literature, she dedicated herself entirely to illustration, and to giving presentations and art workshops in schools across Quebec. A flexible artist, Manon works in many media, including gouache, pencils, and paper collage. She lives in Montreal.