In all the blog posts I’ve published in the last 13 years, I’ve never delved into one subject because I thought it was near impossible to successfully broach it in a picture book. But author Jackie Azùa Kramer has, and the result is miraculous.
The subtle coloring on the cover by illustrator Cindy Derby should give you a clue as to what awaits inside.
Jackie, death is the toughest subject to discuss with children. Why did you want to venture into that territory?
Sadly, the story was inspired by true events as a result of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 which left two little sisters fatherless. But if it’s all the same with you, Tara, I’d like to reframe your question.
Why not write stories that reflect a diversity of experiences that children are facing today? We are living through challenging and difficult times on so many levels. I have the utmost respect for young readers, and I strive not to talk down to them. I feel we need to meet children where they are with hope and love.
As a creator, I’m inspired and emotionally moved by what’s happening in the world today. Children around the world are living unique and diverse experiences. I’m encouraged to see more of these books published recently. Books which allow children to see themselves…their lives reflected in books. We all have a need to be understood, accepted and loved.
In the story, the gorilla represents the boy’s deep grief and sadness at the passing of his mother. Why a gorilla? Was this your first choice for the metaphor?
Yes. The Gorilla character came to mind as a I learned about how some children are affected by loss. In the story the loss of the boy’s mother left him confused about the complex feelings he was experiencing along with the questions he had about death and dying. However, his unspoken feelings become the metaphorical idiom of the eight-hundred-pound gorilla in the room. It was a fascinating visual to imagine this huge and imposing gorilla who’s also kind, honest and supportive.
What does it mean to you to have three starred reviews (so far)?
Tara, I’d be a pompous ass if I didn’t admit that it feels good. And you know, as much as me, if not more, about receiving great reviews! However, the reasons it feels good to me goes beyond the good reviews and stars.
It’s also about all one’s hard work being acknowledged, as well as, the village that made the book possible. Agent, illustrator, editor, art director, sales and marketing…each played an important role.
And in the end, all that matters is that books gets into the hands of readers. That books are read over and over, pages get worn and dog-eared and tucked under pillows. That books make readers feel something. Feelings of joy or sadness, happy, silly or even mad. Perhaps thoughtful or dreamy and wondrous. That each page turn is like a theatrical experience. That stories welcome readers and say, “Come on in, all are welcome, understood and accepted.”
Then we as creators have done our jobs well.
What I’ve learned from reading THE BOY AND THE GORILLA is that we writers shouldn’t shy away from subjects just because they are difficult. Children experience the width and breadth of the world, just like we do, and they deserve answers. They need to be heard and understood. This book fills a void by bringing comfort to children who are struggling to cope with loss.
Blog readers, you can win a copy of THE BOY AND THE GORILLA by Jackie Azùa Kramer and Cindy Derby.
Leave one comment below.
A random winner will be selected soon.
Good luck!
Jackie is an award-winning and internationally translated children’s author. She earned her MA in Counseling in Education, Queens College. She has worked as an actor, singer, and school counselor. She is a member of the Bank Street Writers Lab. Her picture books include, The Green Umbrella, “2017 Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year”. If You Want to Fall Asleep and That’s for Babies. Jackie’s upcoming books- I Wish You Knew (Roaring Brook, 2021); Dorothy and Herbert- The Story of the Postal Clerk and the Librarian and their Extraordinary Collection of Art (Cameron Kids, 2021); We Are One (Two Lions/Amazon,TBD); Manolo and the Unicorn (Cameron Kids, TBD) and Miles Won’t Smile (Clavis, TBD). She lives with her family in Long Island, NY. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, watching old movies and traveling to her family’s roots in Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Spain. Visit her at jackieazuakramer.com.
119 comments
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October 21, 2020 at 10:59 am
Rachana Dhaka
Beautiful
October 21, 2020 at 11:03 am
Paulette
This is a truly lovely and moving book. I love the illustrations.
October 21, 2020 at 11:05 am
Angie
This is such a beautiful book! Congratulations! Great topic!
October 21, 2020 at 11:05 am
lmconnors
I’ve wanted to publish a book about death for a while now; have two ideas drafted. Thank you for this book. It looks beautiful!
October 21, 2020 at 11:06 am
Carol Coven Grannick
I truly appreciate the validation of writing important subjects that children face, in ways that engage and provide the opportunity to feel along with the characters. As someone who met with years of “concern” because I wrote a story that explores the high percentage of dieting and disordered eating among young tweens, it was important to try to find a courageous editor and publisher. We can wish all we want that the children in our professional and personal lives did not have to go through these immensely difficult experiences, but they do—and with caring guidance, their resilience shines through. Thank you, Tara, and Jackie Kramer/Cindy Derby for what looks like a beautiful story.
October 21, 2020 at 11:07 am
tpierce
What a beautifully illustrated story. It sounds poignant and sadly, timely. Congratulations, Jackie and Cindy!
October 21, 2020 at 11:09 am
tpierce
Reblogged this on Terry Pierce and commented:
Another beautiful and timely picture book.
October 21, 2020 at 11:10 am
Mary Lou Johnson
I wish my father could have had this book. He was 3 when his mother died in 1921. I can only imagine how that was handled. I feel her death and coping challenges changed the trajectory of his life and likely my own. Bravo for writing such a superb picture book on such a sensitive topic!
October 21, 2020 at 11:11 am
Ellie Langford
If every a book on death of a parent was needed it’s now.
October 21, 2020 at 11:13 am
Alicia Z. KlepeisK
This looks like an incredible book. I cannot wait to read it. Congrats on the wonderful reviews!
October 21, 2020 at 11:19 am
Michelle Mullen
I love the analogy of the gorilla in the room! It’s very unexpected but really does show, literally, how big, and foreign a child’s feelings are with the loss of a parent. In fact, it seems universal for us adults as we witness so much loss these days. I can’t wait to read this emotional story and it’s gorgeously illustrated! Thank you both for your gifts.
October 21, 2020 at 11:20 am
Nancy Furstinger
This book sounds and looks amazing–it’s already on my list; and I’m also intrigued by the gorilla. Congrats on all those starred reviews!
October 21, 2020 at 11:22 am
Laurel Neme
This looks like an absolutely lovely book on so many levels. Sure to be incredibly helpful for so many. The perfect book at the perfect time.
October 21, 2020 at 11:23 am
readmybook2002
It will be an endearing book for years to come. Simple and eloquent.
October 21, 2020 at 11:26 am
Cindy Clemens
Great post! I can’t wait to read this book.
October 21, 2020 at 11:27 am
Melissa Coffey
Beautiful and powerful. Thank you for writing it!
October 21, 2020 at 11:29 am
CindyC
This book looks wonderful! Thanks for another great post, Tara.
October 21, 2020 at 11:34 am
katiemillsgiorgio
How wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
October 21, 2020 at 11:40 am
Paige Cunningham
Thank you for writing this book. Many children and families need this.
October 21, 2020 at 11:47 am
Samantha Berger
This was such a wonderful post – and I cannot wait to read this book.
Thank you for meeting readers where they are and never talking down to kids.
This world needs more of THAT!
Here is another star. ⭐️
October 21, 2020 at 11:53 am
Susan Gruidel
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Couldn’t agree more that children deserve the answers to questions about so many difficult topics. Love that you tackled this one. Can’t wait to add this lovely book to my collection. Just beautiful.
October 21, 2020 at 11:53 am
stiefelchana
So touching and beautiful! Thank you for bringing this much-needed story into the world, Jackie.
October 21, 2020 at 11:53 am
johannah Luza
So good to see a book written about a difficult topic . Thank you!
October 21, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Kristen Donohue
This sounds like a really important book! I can’t wait to read it!
October 21, 2020 at 12:15 pm
TerriMichels
Great story and the art work regarding the gorilla is perfect. Congratulations!
October 21, 2020 at 12:22 pm
deblod
The world needs more books like this for children. Thank you for putting in the hard work to bring it to the marketplace for our young readers. The illustrations are amazing too. Love the idea of a gorilla representation! Can’t wait to read this book. Congrats!
October 21, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Kari Lavelle (@KariALavelle)
This looks beautiful! Congrats!
October 21, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Gayle Taylor Davis
Unspoken pain touches even the smallest hearts
October 21, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Jenn
What a lovely way to approach this topic. The illustrations are gorgeous too. Congrats!
October 21, 2020 at 12:35 pm
rosecappelli
What a comfort this book will be to many. Thank you!
October 21, 2020 at 12:41 pm
colleenrkosinski
Congratulations!
October 21, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Suzanne Lewis
What a thoughtful and sensitive way to help children explore the questions, thoughts and emotions surrounding death and dying. Thank you so much for this!
October 21, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Barbara Senenman
Looking forward to reading this. Congratulations.
October 21, 2020 at 12:47 pm
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
So wonderful.
October 21, 2020 at 12:51 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I so admire authors who are willing (and aptly able) to tackle the realities of life. Bravo, Jackie! Definitely adding this one to my TBR list.
October 21, 2020 at 12:54 pm
kaleegwarjanski
I can not wait to read this. What a wonderful resource for children and their family going through rough times.
October 21, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Sheri Delgado Preston
Thank you Jackie for writing this amazing picture book. Thank you Cindy for the incredible illustrations. What a blessing this story is for children experiencing death and loss.
October 21, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congratulations on your book!
October 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Laura Perdew
I look forward to reading this – tackling hard subjects is, well, hard. But, so very necessary. No matter the subject, picture books can be great launching points for deeper discussions and exploring emotions.
October 21, 2020 at 1:03 pm
Michele Manning
Cannot wait to read this!
October 21, 2020 at 1:27 pm
mariagianferrari
This book looks so lovely and poignant! Thanks for sharing your story, Jackie. I absolutely love the cover & Cindy Derby’s art, and I’m sure with your words and Cindy’s arts there will be more stars to come. There is so much loss now–thanks for writing this book! ❤
October 21, 2020 at 1:29 pm
Christine Pinto
Thank you for sharing the story of this book. The title is perfect. I didn’t know what the 800 pound gorilla was, but I knew the “truth” that it was something big right away. I can’t wait to read this.
October 21, 2020 at 1:29 pm
Sheri Radovich
Wow, this is a delicate subject that is hard to deal with and find comp titles for and I’m glad that an author with a background of counseling has written one. I will look into this book as a story for all children dealing with this in their lives and during this time of Covid.
October 21, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Mary York
Congratulations, Jackie, on writing this sensitive, beautiful book. Your metaphor is spot on!
October 21, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Wendy Greenley
Thanks for sharing this, Jackie, Cindy and Tara. As Red Rogers said–children have big feelings.
October 21, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Sharon Coffey
As so many more children and families are dealing with death brought about by Covid, books like this can make a difference in children’s lives in a profound way. Can’t wait to read this.
October 21, 2020 at 1:33 pm
Shutta Crum
Sounds like a winner. And the illustrations are lovely and soft. Thanks for letting me know about this one. Folks often ask for recommendations on difficult topics.
October 21, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Marilyn
I very much want to read this book and help spread the word. It’s a topic many of us hesitate to talk about to the kids in our lives. Marilyn
October 21, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Kim
Books help children (and adults) through difficult times. Thank you for sharing this wonderful book. I’m looking forward to reading it.
October 21, 2020 at 2:04 pm
Susie Sawyer
What a beautiful book, Jackie! Congratulations on what is obviously well-deserved recognition. I can’t wait to read it!
October 21, 2020 at 2:12 pm
kirabigwood
Wow. What a beautiful, powerful book. Thanks so much for sharing.
October 21, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I am so, so, sooooo looking forward to reading this book! Actually, to owning this book, so I can read it whenever I want to. I’ve seen Cindy Derby’s illustrations about her process in creating these gorgeous spreads. She works so intuitively, and said that when she found that particular shade of purple, it felt like she’d found something special. I agree!
October 21, 2020 at 2:18 pm
marsha weiner
Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Thank you to all who brought to fruition
October 21, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Anne C. Bromley
I too cannot wait to own this book! You tackled a difficult and important subject in a unique and beautiful way. Wishing you all the best as this book goes out into a world that needs it.
October 21, 2020 at 3:06 pm
joycekls
Months before COVID hit, I was talking to an employee in the children’s section of Barnes & Noble, asking her where she saw a “hole” in the picture book market. And, even then, she said people often came into the story looking for books to help children navigate the death of a loved one. So I can’t wait to see how Jackie helps kids with this difficult issue.
October 21, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Krista Harrington
Wow, Jackie, I cannot wait to hold this beautiful story.
Well done, and fantastic interview:)
October 21, 2020 at 3:34 pm
Erin Varley
Wow!! I was already interested, but now I know I need to get my hands on this book.
October 21, 2020 at 3:42 pm
Julie M. Evans
My son was 3 when he lost his dad in an accident. This is the kind of book I wish we’d had. Thanks for this important contribution.
October 21, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Amy Mann
I already love the art. I can’t wait to read the story!
October 21, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
I love the Gorilla being the one who is able to comfort and listen to the boy. I’m looking forward to adding this to my library. It’s beautiful.
October 21, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Kelly Roberts
I love the author saying we don’t talk down or avoid subjects. I will definitely have to check this book out!
October 21, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Kaye Baillie
Oh my, that spread where the boy says his mother died and the gorilla responds – so powerful and perfect. I can’t wait to read this book.
October 21, 2020 at 4:23 pm
lillyarts
The words and art touched my heart deeply instantly and in a soft beautiful way. thank you
October 21, 2020 at 4:25 pm
romontanaro
Love this! Thank you for the interview Tara. Can’t wait to read this book. I’m from Canada so just saying congratulations! I’ve requested from my library too. Such an important book. All the best! Rosanna
October 21, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Kimberly Marcus
This looks beautiful. I can’t wait to add it to my bookshelf. Thank you.
October 21, 2020 at 4:49 pm
claireannette1
This is a beautiful and important book. I am so glad it is in the world. Congratulations.
October 21, 2020 at 4:55 pm
debobrienbookscom
This article moved me. The art is so tender and gentle. I love Jackie’s idea to use an 800 lb gorilla to show tenderness and compassion to this small boy. And Cindy’s soft watercolors work so well with the sentiment. Congratulations. The editor did a great job of pairing you two up. Really nice.
October 21, 2020 at 5:13 pm
Gail Hedrick
Wow, congratulations, and thank you so much for this lovely book….
October 21, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Andree Santini
I love this, looks like a beautiful and tender story
October 21, 2020 at 6:21 pm
Dawn Young
❤️Thank you for treating little readers with respect and grace.❤️
October 21, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Teresa Daffern
I can’t wait to read this. I saw copies of it at our local bookstore in Canmore and will pick it up immediately. Thank you Jackie- this is needed.
October 21, 2020 at 7:31 pm
michele rietz
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your thoughts on this lovely book with us.
October 21, 2020 at 7:43 pm
Shirley Timberlake Fadden
I’m already crying. Thanks for taking the courage to write about a difficult topic.
October 21, 2020 at 7:55 pm
rosihollinbeck
This looks like a lovely book. The illustrations are gorgeous. Thanks for the post.
October 21, 2020 at 7:58 pm
Karin Larson
What a beautiful cover and book. Congratulations, Jackie and Cindy! I look forward to reading it.
October 21, 2020 at 8:02 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a beautiful cover! I look forward to reading this book!
October 21, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Judy Shemtob
This is a wonderful interview, Tara. I was moved to hear Jackie talk about her thoughts in creating The Boy and the Gorilla and concern for readers. Cindy Derby has created gorgeous illustrations. I too look forward to reading it.
October 21, 2020 at 8:38 pm
Josie Gawlowski
Beautiful book and such an important topic. Thank you!
October 21, 2020 at 9:23 pm
Cheryl Johnson
I cannot wait to read this! Looks and sounds like a heartwarming/wrenching, beautiful read.
October 21, 2020 at 9:36 pm
Dee Leone
Starry, starry, starry night! Here’s to more starred reviews. Congratulations, Jackie! Thanks for the wonderful interview, Tara.
October 21, 2020 at 9:46 pm
Trish
So very important to bring difficult topics to light and have a friendly format to discuss them! Great interview and it looks like a wonderful book!
October 21, 2020 at 11:47 pm
Rosalba
So beautiful! Can’t wait to read it 🤗
October 21, 2020 at 11:55 pm
Heather Stigall
This book looks gorgeous! I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations on the starred reviews!
October 21, 2020 at 11:57 pm
Karol Ruth Silverstein
Wow….this book looks amazing. And the illustrations are so lush! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the book!
October 22, 2020 at 6:34 am
58chilihed13
This book looks like a big winner…such glorious art and such a timely subject with our current pandemic…I will be on the look out for purchase!
October 22, 2020 at 6:36 am
Lou Aamodt
Thanks for acknowledging the complexity of emotions for even very little kids. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
October 22, 2020 at 7:05 am
swugar2
I would love this book!
October 22, 2020 at 9:42 am
Tom Barrett
Not sure I could make it thru this book. Just reading the 2 spreads here got me choked up lol! Congrats on the new book!
October 22, 2020 at 10:21 am
Amy Mann
I love the artwork. And the subject matter is something every parent or caregiver will need to discuss with their children at some point. I can’t wait to hold it in my hands and read the story.
October 22, 2020 at 11:27 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
What a meaningful way to discuss a difficult subject.
October 22, 2020 at 11:37 am
Laura LaTour
This book sounds amazing
October 22, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Mary Bleckwehl
Really, all I can say is wow. The gorilla, ever present, looming large-often depicted in movies as a menace – is a very good and needed friend. Way to go.
October 22, 2020 at 12:14 pm
Darcee Freier
Wow! What a great interview. I’m excited to read THE BOY AND THE GORILLA, and so impressed by your comment, “I have the utmost respect for young readers, and I strive not to talk down to them. I feel we need to meet children where they are with hope and love.”
October 22, 2020 at 12:19 pm
danielledufayet
Wow-looks like a beautiful, heart-felt and important book -congrats!!
October 22, 2020 at 12:42 pm
Rita
Grief is as real for kids as it is for adults. This book will be a comfort to many who are experiencing a deep loss. The world definitely needs this book.
October 22, 2020 at 1:44 pm
JC
What a wonderful way to have a childs feelings and emotions addressed. The illustrations give me a soft and gentle feel, great job! I cant wait to read this, congrats!
October 22, 2020 at 4:29 pm
barbarabockman
What a strong metaphor: “the gorilla in the room.” Also, lovely illustrations.
October 22, 2020 at 5:23 pm
gigifantastico
Nice work, Jackie!
Congratulations!
October 22, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Bravo
October 22, 2020 at 7:06 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Ahhhhh! This book looks amazing – the story and the art! Wonderful!! Congratulations to Jackie and Cindy!!
October 22, 2020 at 7:09 pm
Judy Sobanski
This is such a beautiful book both in its text and illustrations. Congratulations, Jackie!
October 22, 2020 at 8:20 pm
seschipper
What a difficult subject to deal with, yet it appears that you have taken this topic above and beyond!!!
Congratulations! Looking forward to reading this book!
Thanks againTara for sharing this with us! 🙂
October 22, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Jennifer Phillips
This looks like a very thoughtful and innovative approach to the topic. Congratulations on this book and I look forward to reading it.
October 23, 2020 at 8:47 am
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Congratulations on tackling a tough subject and doing it so well. I am sure this will resonate with many readers. Look forward to reading this. ♡
October 23, 2020 at 9:26 am
Lynne Marie
What a beautiful and important book. Thanks for sharing!
October 23, 2020 at 10:17 am
Laura Renauld
A gorgeous and much needed book. Congrats!
October 23, 2020 at 10:24 am
Talitha
Looks like an amazing and beautiful book.
October 23, 2020 at 11:00 am
Natasha Wing
Kids need this in times of Covid. Thank you.
October 23, 2020 at 9:29 pm
kathydoherty1
This book is bibliotherapy at its finest!
October 23, 2020 at 10:18 pm
tinamcho
This looks gorgeous. Congrats!
October 24, 2020 at 1:07 pm
jeanjames926
Congratulations on tackling such a poignant subject so gracefully.
October 24, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Meredith Fraser
Such a tender subject that children need to process on their own. Reading this will certainly help.
October 25, 2020 at 9:28 am
srkckass
This looks like a beautiful book and very poignant for our times. There are a lot of children who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 that will benefit from this read.
October 25, 2020 at 10:45 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Oh this looks amazing. Congratulations, Jackie and Cindy. I can’t wait to read it!
October 26, 2020 at 12:29 am
betlw
Death is a hard subject to do in a children’s book, but kids experience loss too. I’d love to read your book, Jackie, to see how you use the symbol of he gorilla and how it helps the boy. Congratulations!
October 26, 2020 at 9:46 am
Carole Calladine
Thanks for tackling such a difficult subject. Congratulations on your starred reviews.
October 27, 2020 at 11:40 am
Brian
Such an emotional two pages you showed. Well done and thanks for sharing.
October 29, 2020 at 10:13 am
Annie Lynn, AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. I knew what the subject of it was, so I wasn’t excited about the Premiere party on Kidlit TV, but I knew I wanted to watch anyway. I’m so glad I did. This book is going to comfort in small ways, so many people. The best thing I like about this book is the illustrations blend with the words so perfectly, like chocolate melting on top of a marshmallow. We’ll make the front and back covers, the graham cracker for this weird analogy, lol. Congratulations. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Good questions, Tara. Stay well all.
October 29, 2020 at 12:47 pm
zebo ludvicek
The cover alone pulls one in. Brilliantly done.
(My mom died too.)