Carry the Quiet

A child finds a way to access inner peace—when the world around her feels anything but peaceful—in this uplifting new picture book by acclaimed author-illustrator team Jacqueline Woodson and E. B. Lewis.

Sometimes it seems like you can’t get away from the noise. Especially in a busy school on a rainy day when everyone’s stuck inside. The gym is full of kids shouting, balls bouncing, and rain pelting, and Simone notices that being cooped up in class is making everyone cranky.

Fortunately, their teacher knows how to help them find their calm again, using a shiny bowl and a wooden stick to create a beautiful sound that rises above the noise. And as they all close their eyes and breathe, Simone is surprised to discover that even when life feels stormy, she can find the quiet she carries within herself.

With lyrical prose and luminous paintings highlighting the power of visualization, this is an empowering story for readers of all ages.