Reading Zone
Read an interview with myself and illustrator Allison Colpoys on the Reading Zone Website
The Irish Times
The Irish Times – Children’s Book Round up
“Coelho, best known for his poetry for young people, has crafted a subtle metaphorical story about the life cycle, offering memory as a comfort in the face of the death.”
Booktrust
Booktrust – What it’s like to love and lose a granddad as a child
“This picture book tugs at the heart strings but strikes the right tone for little ones.”
The Bookseller
The Bookseller Fiona Noble’s June previews
“A poignant lyrical celebration of the love between a grandfather and a child, also an excellent starting point for conversation with young children about death and dying.” 16 March
Financial Times– Children’s Book review by James Lovegrove
“A picture book about death and grief may not sound like an enticing proposition , but If all the World Were.. Approaches the subject matter sensitively and delicately … the illustrations by Allison Colpoys are lustrous and joyous…this might not be a laugh-our-loud bedtime read , but it’s a nice gentle way of broaching a difficult topic with a pre- schooler.” 16/17 June.
Achuka
“A very moving picture book about the special place a grandparent plays in one child’s heart, both in life and death.” 31 May
“This is a really beautiful book to help us all understand the concepts of death and dying and coping with loss.” June issue
“Beautiful illustrations and rhyming story about the very special bond between a grandparent and grandchild, Tear-jerking but ultimately uplifting.” Summer issue
LoveReading4Kids
– book of the month and debut of the month plus staff pick.
“Joseph Coelho is a fine poet and this is a joy to read aloud; Allison Colpoy’s illustrations make it beautiful to look at too and it deserves a place in every child’s collection.” Andrea Reece, June.
Red Reading Hub– review
“I’m sure that like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for that box of tissues as you read this beautiful, lyrical book. Joseph’s Coelho’s poignant text in combination with Allison Colpoy’s tender illustrations infused with nostalgia and love, are a celebration of life as well as a perfect starting point for a conversation about loss and dying….Soul music in a picture book, this.” 11thJune
“A flowing and easy narrative, alive with poetic intention, vibrant with the feelings conveyed by the narrator…both powerful and a joy to read.” July 18
Bookwitch– blog
“It’s a book that should help children deal with loss, whether it’s already happened or when it does.” 18 June
Parents in Touch– review
“A moving, lyrical picture book about a young girl’s love for her granddad and how she copes when he dies, written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho. This beautifully illustrated, powerful and ultimately uplifting text is the ideal way to introduce children to the concept of death and dying, particularly children who have lost a grandparent.” 17 June
Read it Daddy
“Death is a tough subject to get right, to give it enough weight and importance in a story but not to scare the living bejesus out of kids. Just to stimulate enough of a thought-provoking inner dialogue that will remind them just how amazing their elders are, and not to take them for granted.” 31 May
Good Reads 5 star review
“Gorgeous artwork using a vivid yet limited palette illustrate the tender, love-filled relationship between a young girl and her ailing grandfather. Together they experience the changing seasons, admiring every beauty and sharing each other’s company with contemplative ease. This poignant story promotes imagination and creativity as a way of harbouring precious memories whilst simultaneously moving on with life. Coelho’s poetic prose addresses death and the cycles of life in an open, honest and supremely beautiful way. An exquisite book to share with grandparents and carers.” 28 may
