"Using magical realism and dreams, this lovely picture book shows how the main character Tali gains courage to try the things she has been too afraid to attempt. . . A good choice for libraries needing books to support social-emotional learning, persistence, and confronting fears."
Description
Follow Tali in this heartening tale where children are encouraged to face their fears and embrace bravery with wide-spread wings.
"Using magical realism and dreams, this lovely picture book shows how the main character Tali gains courage to try the things she has been too afraid to attempt." —School Library Journal
"Validates children’s fears before gently encouraging them to face them." —Foreword Reviews
Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco, Tali and the Toucan follows a young girl whose fears hold her back from joining other kids as they tumble, swing, and play across the city—from the neighborhood park to the gymnastics studio and the aikido dojo. At night, however, Tali can soar freely in her dreams—until one evening, a surprise guest swoops into her imagination and inspires her to turn those dreams into reality.
With lush, captivating illustrations that evoke the charm of San Francisco’s landscapes and Tali’s vivid inner world, Tali and the Toucan speaks to every child (or parent) whose worries stand between them and their dreams—whether that’s trying a new sport, making a friend, or conquering the jungle gym.
Reviews
"Emotive illustrations track the transformation of a girl as she moves through her fear and finds resolve. Tali longs to tumble and soar like the other children at gymnastics or the dojo, but fear always stops her from trying. Through a series of dreams, she discovers her courage—and herself. The illustrations artfully capture the shifting, high-stakes sensation of dreams and the all-consuming nature of anxiety in this picture book that validates children’s fears before gently encouraging them to face them."
"In this soulful and beautifully illustrated tale, a humble chicken becomes a magical toucan, a fearful child becomes confident, and dreams become an obtainable reality. Tali and the Toucan will enchant, comfort, and inspire dreamers of every kind."
". . . a stunningly illustrated tale of nighttime inspiration and transformation that will do young readers the great service of filling them with hope and tuning them into their dreams."