Billie's Blanket

An important and relatable story about accepting the loss of a precious belonging. I wish I'd had this book when I lost my beloved toy duck! Sweet illustrations and a beautiful colour palette. * Ruby Wright *
Katie Vernon's striking two-tone illustrations are so warm and full of character (her sunbathing blanket is a triumph). This funny, heartfelt tale of loss and love is a perfect book to share with young children to help navigate difficult feelings about change. * Jono Ganz *
A sweet story with characterful illustrations that's sure to resonate with young children, about the comfort of a treasured object and learning to embrace change. * Harry Woodgate, Grandad's Camper *
Losing a special friend can be tough.even if that friend is made of yarn. Frankie, a blanket knitted by Billie's beloved Gran, is the perfect pal. Frankie is Billie's favorite color, orange, but best of all, Frankie is up for every adventure, from fighting imaginary pirates at sea to doing chores and listening to Billie confide her hopes and dreams. The two are inseparable until one morning, Billie's beloved blankie isn't there. Although Billie and her family look in all the usual (and "not-so-usual") spots, Frankie can't be found. Sometime later, Billie and her family gather around a photo album to reminisce about the good times with Frankie. That's when Gran reveals a surprise and Billie begins to plan new adventures, suggested in the illustrations on the final pages and endpapers of the book. Vernon's cartoonish illustrations in the complementary colors of oranges and blues subtly reinforce the relationship between Billie (who wears blue clothing) and Frankie. And though a thread of humor runs through the narrative, Vernon displays a deep understanding of the importance of toys and imaginative play-as well as an awareness that losing a comfort object can be incredibly difficult. Billie, her mother, and Gran are pale-skinned; her father is brown-skinned. Heartening and relatable. * Kirkus Reviews *