Book details

Macmillan Children's Book

Cape

Author: Kevin Johnson; illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Cape
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Cape

Cape

$18.99

About This Book

A young child learns that even superheroes hurt too in this heartrending story about loss and love, written by debut author Kevin Johnson and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling...

Page Count
40
Genre
Children’s Literature
On Sale
06/20/2023
Age Range
4-8

Book Details

A young child learns that even superheroes hurt too in this heartrending story about loss and love, written by debut author Kevin Johnson and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Kitt Thomas.

When a child loses the person in his life that he loves more than anything, he uses his cape as protection from his grief. On the day of the funeral, he uses it to block out the pictures and stories people share, refusing to acknowledge the memories that keep bubbling up. He won't think about them. He doesn't want to.

He avoids the memories, until he no longer can.

He remembers then. Their laugh, their smile, the moment they gave him the cape. The cape transforms, becoming a source of comfort and strength as the child navigates the sadness and joy that these memories bring up.

In Cape, Kevin Johnson has crafted an achingly beautiful and honest story about processing and redefining grief after the loss of a loved one. With evocative illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Kitt Thomas (Stacey’s Extraordinary Words), Cape is a powerful, unforgettable, and necessary story.

Imprint Publisher

Roaring Brook Press

ISBN

9781250840509

In The News

A 2024 ALA Notable Children's Book
A NYPL 2023 Best Book for Kids - Top Ten Book
A Kids' Indie Next Pick
Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of 2023
A BCCB Blue Ribbon List Selection
A 2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Book

★ "A resonant child’s-eye view of grief—and hope." —Kirkus, starred review

★ "Our young Black protagonist knows the day ahead will be hard, so after getting dressed in his new suit, he makes sure to also put on his bright red cape. He’s hoping the cape will hold off any unwelcome memories... Of course, even his best efforts can’t stop the grief, and as he finally lets himself remember his father, he also remembers the love they shared." —Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books, starred review

★ "This book is a very welcome and ­approachable way to discuss grief and death with young readers." —Horn Book, starred review

"Purchase for help with social-emotional learning and to give greater guidance to the trauma of loss for young children; this need not be used solely in cases of extreme grief, but to encourage empathy, understanding, and articulation of loss." —School Library Journal

"Cape takes us there and brings us back, leaving us better and more hopeful than we were before. A necessary read for ever-present grief." —Antwan Eady, author of Nigel and the Moon

About the Creators

Cape

Cape

$18.99