Touch the Sky

Praise for Touch the Sky by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic, illustrated by Chris Park:
Booklist Editor's Choice
A Kirkus Best Picture Book
NPR Best Books of the Year
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids

Vern longs to be one of the kids who swoop until their toes touch the sky. He heads to the swings and desperately tries to pump his legs, but he just can't get it. A chance encounter with precocious (and hilarious) Gretchen gives him just what he needs to know, and he finally learns to soar.

A story for every child on the cusp of learning something new who just needs an extra push to get there.

ALA Notable Children's Book NPR Best Books of the Year Kirkus Best Children's Book of 2024 Booklist Editor's Choice Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids The Endies Endpaper Awards Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended Title CYBILS Award Nominee

"This is a book that soars on multiple levels, grounded in the sense memories of the playground while not only serving as a practical guide but also capturing the challenge, excitement, and wonder of conquering your first swing."—starred, Booklist

"Lucianovic demonstrates a keen, child-friendly understanding of what it's like to master a new skill. . . The energetic, loosely drawn mixed-media illustrations zing with color. . . It's swing, hit, and no miss with this rip-roaring charmer."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

"This lovely, dynamic picture book would be an excellent choice for libraries needing stories about the path of learning, step by step, the small joys along the way, and sharing in that joy with others."—School Library Journal

"Readers of all ages will relate to Vern's experience of mastering something new, all the stops and starts included. Lucianovic's vigorous text captures the joy of soaring high into the sky on a swing . . . Park's illustrations are magnetic, drawing viewers' eyes to each page."—Horn Book Magazine

"This is a wonderfully engaging and supportive must-read about personal growth through persisting, trying again, succeeding, and helping others pitched perfectly to resonate with the target audience's age, context, and interests. Reviewer Rating: 5"—Children's Literature

Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic writes books in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. Her work includes The End of Something Wonderful, Hello Star, and The League of Picky Eaters. Chris Park has been a professional illustrator for over twelve years. Some of his previous clients include TBS, Team Coco, Rolling Stone, American Greetings Co., Cloudco Entertainment, Pro Publica, Sleeping Bear Press, Usborne Publishing and Lightspeed Magazine. He co-authored and illustrated his the picture books Little Sock and Little Sock Makes a Friend with his wife Kia. Chris lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.

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