Toby's Very Important Question (Formac First Novels) [Paperback]

Jean Lemieux (Author), Sophie Casson (Illustrator), Sarah Cummins (Translator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Formac First Novels

On the morning after Christmas, Toby's family begins the day like any other holiday. All of a sudden everything changes when someone phones to tell them that Toby's aunt has died in a car accident. They pack up and drive to his grandparents' house in the country where all the family are gathered.
After the ceremony at the funeral home, everyone goes to the family home. Toby notices that although everyone is very sad, they are also able to smile, chat and even sing. He wonders why people can be both happy and sad. He also wants to know what happens when a person dies.
This story brings out all the questions a curious child might ask when someone dies in a family.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This novel contains not only an interesting plot but proves thought provoking and informative. The characters are appealing ... ideal for beginning chapter-book readers." (Resource Links )

"Jean Lemieux tells Toby's story with great sensitivity and care. He leads children through the emotions Toby experiences in this situation from fear, anger, and helplessness through to acceptance. Sophie Casson's black and white drawings illustrate the emotions Toby experiences and the comfort he takes in his family. Toby's Very Important Question is an excellent book to introduce children to the emotions they might experience and the questions that they might ask in the face of the death of a loved one." (CM: Canadian Review of Materials )

About the Author

JEAN LEMIEUX is a doctor, as well as an author of many popular and award-winning children's books. After working for many years on the Magdalen Islands, he now resides in Quebec.

SOPHIE CASSON is a graphic designer, specialising in illustration. She lived for many years in Africa, but more recently in Montreal.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Formac (November 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887806368
• ISBN-13: 978-0887806360
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,622,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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