Welcome the much-anticipated finale of Caldecott Honoree Aaron Becker’s wordless trilogy—a spectacular, emotionally satisfying story that brings its adventurer home.
Failing to get the attention of her busy father, a lonely girl turns back to a fantastic world for friendship and adventure. It’s her third journey into the enticing realm of kings and emperors, castles and canals, exotic creatures and enchanting landscapes. This time, it will take something truly powerful to persuade her to return home, as a gripping backstory is revealed that will hold readers in its thrall. Caldecott Honor winner Aaron Becker delivers a suspenseful and moving climax to his wordless trilogy, an epic that began with the award-winning Journey and continued with the celebrated follow-up Quest.
“This breathless finale to Becker’s Journey trilogy takes readers back to the intricate interior of an alternate world where crayons wield power…The father and child’s mutual adventure unspools silently but with urgency. Readers remember the dad’s distraction, which started both this book and the trilogy itself. When cave paintings depict the dad as the hero, casting out the villain, hearts swell and eyes well.A fantastic final leg to a reading journey that altered, expanded, and enriched the landscape of children’s literature—and surely many young people’s lives”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“In this satisfying conclusion to the magnificent picture book trilogy…Becker’s stunning watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations depict a breathtaking world that captivates without a written narrative—and one that readers will want to come back to again and again. Though this title relies somewhat on the audience’s knowledge of the previous books, it is an absolute must for any collection and will draw new fans just as it will delight those who enjoyed the previous two installments.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)
“The dazzling, wordless picture-book trilogy that began with “Journey” (2013) and “Quest” (2014) comes to a rapturous conclusion with “Return”, as Aaron Becker brings children ages 4-9 back to the hushed, lantern-hung woods and fantastical turrets and waterways of a marvelous realm. Rich indigos, purples and golds predominate in Mr. Becker’s captivating pictures of a child and her surprise companion whose love and ingenuity win the day in a setting of magical beauty.”
— The Wall Street Journal
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