The Knowing

Illustrated by Julia Mathew
$10.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Rise x Penguin Workshop
On sale Mar 07, 2023 | 9780593657874
Age 3-5 years
Reading Level: Lexile NP | Fountas & Pinnell N
Sales rights: World
From the Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, political activist, and feminist icon comes a picture book with purpose, with heart, and with words that sing.

Singer-songwriter, activist, feminist, and best-selling author Ani Di Franco has written something for her youngest audience: a picture book that invites young readers to ponder the distinction between outer forms of identity and the inner light of consciousness that is even more central to our being. In her signature folk style, Di Franco weaves a story that incorporates themes of individual power and collective responsibility. First-time illustrator Julia Mathew paints universal scenes of childhood in her family’s native India, glowing with honesty and love. Designed to be read aloud or sung, and pored over, this picture book is rich with meaningful text, poignant illustrations, and a unique message that will resonate with all.
“The interconnectedness of humanity shines throughout this affirming picture book from singer/songwriter DiFranco....A sweet, lyrical book perfect for bedtime sharing.” –Kirkus


"A book that is well worth revisiting, with a comforting tone to the whole project that speaks to love and connection, with others and with your own personhood in the world." –The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


“Di Franco’s debut picture book offers up a rhyming reverie on selfhood and collective consciousness....presented with an genuine openheartedness that should both intrigue and reassure.” –Publishers Weekly

About

From the Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, political activist, and feminist icon comes a picture book with purpose, with heart, and with words that sing.

Singer-songwriter, activist, feminist, and best-selling author Ani Di Franco has written something for her youngest audience: a picture book that invites young readers to ponder the distinction between outer forms of identity and the inner light of consciousness that is even more central to our being. In her signature folk style, Di Franco weaves a story that incorporates themes of individual power and collective responsibility. First-time illustrator Julia Mathew paints universal scenes of childhood in her family’s native India, glowing with honesty and love. Designed to be read aloud or sung, and pored over, this picture book is rich with meaningful text, poignant illustrations, and a unique message that will resonate with all.

Praise

“The interconnectedness of humanity shines throughout this affirming picture book from singer/songwriter DiFranco....A sweet, lyrical book perfect for bedtime sharing.” –Kirkus


"A book that is well worth revisiting, with a comforting tone to the whole project that speaks to love and connection, with others and with your own personhood in the world." –The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


“Di Franco’s debut picture book offers up a rhyming reverie on selfhood and collective consciousness....presented with an genuine openheartedness that should both intrigue and reassure.” –Publishers Weekly