About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the fear of being unwanted or feeling small in a world that feels overwhelmingly large. It is a soul-stirring fairy tale about a tiny girl named Evangeline who is adopted by a kind shoemaker but discarded by his jealous wife. As she navigates a journey through the wide world to find her way home, she discovers her own inner strength and the power of unexpected friendships. Kate DiCamillo masterfully handles themes of displacement, parental love, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a gentle yet profound choice for families looking to discuss adoption, sibling or parental jealousy, or the courage it takes to start over. The story provides a safe, metaphorical space for children to process feelings of loneliness and the hope of belonging, making it an ideal read-aloud for ages seven to twelve.
