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Beginning

Illustrated by Melissa Castrillon
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About The Book

In this magical and poetic picture book, a father and child see all the wonders and connections in nature and in life as they go about their day.

From a seed to a plant, from an egg to a chick, from a caterpillar to a butterfly, a child and father observe the cycles of nature and come to see that as each journey ends, new adventures begin.

About The Author

Shelley Moore Thomas is the author of the Good Knight series of picture books and easy readers. In addition to writing books, she works as an elementary teacher and as a professional storyteller. Ms. Thomas lives with her family and dogs in Oceanside, California.

About The Illustrator

Photo courtesy of the illustrator

Melissa Castrillon studied at the Cambridge School of Art where she earned a first class honors degree in illustration and a master’s degree in children’s book illustration. She is the illustrator of If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden. She is also the author-illustrator of The Balcony, which received the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. Her book Dear Little One, by Nina Laden, was a School Library Journal best picture book of the year. Her books have been published all over the world. She lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband.

Why We Love It

“This celebration of nature and love focused on a father and child and is lyrical and touching.”

—Paula W., Publisher, on Beginning

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (September 27, 2022)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534494435
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"Graphite and digitally colored illustrations with a soft palette of blues, purples, yellows, and greens create a peaceful atmosphere that underscores the comforting message that each ending brings something new for the child to experience."

– Booklist

"A gentle, winsome reminder that an ending is just an opportunity for a new start."

– Kirkus

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More books from this author: Shelley Moore Thomas

More books from this illustrator: Melissa Castrillon