“A story will help,” Umpa said. “Stories make everything grow.”
A child’s Umpa teaches them to read and to follow the words, out the garden gate and all the way to the sea. Every day is a new adventure. They visit castles in the air, feast with friends and sail away on the rains. But then one day, Umpa isn’t there… This incredibly moving tale from acclaimed author-illustrator Victoria Turnbull speaks of the power of books to bring people together, and to help us remember loved ones when they’re no longer with us.
‘Utterly magical visual storytelling from Turnbull, one of my favourite picture book creators, exploring bereavement and grief but ultimately hope and the legacy shared stories can bring.’
Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
‘Victoria Turnbull’s visionary art in this book of few words is really the star of the show… the power of stories to transport us to magical other worlds, and the power of shared imagining and closeness that comes with reading aloud.’
Booktrust
‘An absolutely beautiful, gentle but powerful story of love and of loss.’
Red Reading Hub
‘The illustrations are magical and the language is simple but incredibly effective. A perfect book to share with children suffering a loss in their family.’
Reading Zone
Published by —
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2019 (UK)
Victoria Turnbull 