Once Upon a Memory

Even very young children recognize the signal phrase, Once upon a time so when they read Nina Laden’s evocative picture book Once upon a Memory, they will intuitively prepare for a magical story. The gorgeous illustrations by Renata Liwska have a soft-focus, watercolor-type glow that perfectly serve the story and capture a dreamy, time-traveling mood. Detailed drawings expand the spare text and invite further expansion of the thematic ideas.Simple rhymes lilt softly on the ear, enhance the dreamy mood and encourage young readers to explore beyond the obvious into their own personal experiences. Colored font highlights key words and further spotlights the connection between the item in its current state back through time to a former state. For example,“Does a feather remember it once was …a bird?”Each page offers a chance to delve deeper into the questions and discuss how change occurs in people, places and things. One could simply enjoy this wonderful chance to ride the magic carpet of imagination and fantasy. Or one could use it as a path to some simple STEM activities—science, technology, engineering and mathematics.#AAQ Lens: For adopted children this book can offer a path to conversations about their past. For example, the final pairing, “Will you remember you once were … a child?” could naturally evolve into discussing their thoughts about their life story before they were adopted. Older children might wish to express any what if thoughts about how their lives might have been different had they never been adopted, or if they’d been adopted by other parents.(Many adult adoptees say they had these thoughts but felt afraid or unwelcome to share these somewhat scary and unsettling thoughts with their adoptive families because they did not want to hurt their adoptive parents and/or seem disloyal.}Parents can nudge children towards a conversation like this through indirect questions like, “Some kids (note the absence of reference to adoption,) wonder how events in their lives might be different, for example, if they didn’t have their family pet…” Kids can then decide if they want to make the conversation real personal or keep it general.Sharing a book like Once upon a Memory, reassures a child that his thoughts are safe to share and allows parents to comfort and reassure their child with unconditional love and acceptance. While it can be awkward to have such Difficult Conversations, it is important to do so. And to offer the possibility on a regular basis.We never want to force a child to talk but it is essential that we sincerely convey are willingness to do so as well as our ability to be strong enough to hear our children’s thoughts. Don’t mistake a child’s resistance as disinterest. (And please do not breathe an audible sigh of relief when they decline to talk about adoption “stuff”. Parent and child both need courage, empathy, and compassion.) Use your best adoption-attuned intuition to identify what is behind their reluctance. They may simply need more convincing that our invitation is genuine or may not be ready at that moment. Children are interested–and probably a bit wary and uncomfortable–but they still benefit from such conversations. __Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me: A Multicultural Picture Book"

I was looking for a book that dealt with the origins of things.. like milk comes from cows and seeds grow into trees. This book does not really meet that goal and definitely not as well as other books. Instead this book is far more profound. For example, does a book remember it once was a word? At first, that statement seems a bit weird, but then if you think about it for a second... yeah a book really starts off as one word and grows word by word until its an entire book. Think about all the effort, planning, time, and editing it took to complete that book and sell it to customers... even a book is a profound and special thing... so when a kid writes a report, do they reflect back on all they did to reach the end and are they proud of the hard work they just did? I think the line could have been worded differently instead of personifying the book - but I guess the author wanted a repetitiveness in the question throughout. I strongly suggest this book be used to have in depth discussions... because just reading through quickly will not give a child much learning and they may not even understand it.Overall, this book is not just about the profoundness that a giant tree came from a tiny seed.... but also for other profound things we overlook like books, chairs, and feathers.

This book is lovely to look at with beautiful art by Renata Liwska. And the text by Nina Laden is lyrical and lovely. It's quiet and thoughtful and well worth re-reading. The list of memories at the end by the author and illustrator are a very nice touch, and I'm sure it will inspire classroom discussioins and activities of a similar nature. I buy some books to read and then give away. This is one I'm reading and keeping.

Another great book to have sitting around the house for when friends come for tea. It's beautiful message and pictures make it a joy for all ages. A great gift for teachers too!

This is the second time my girls and I have checked out this beautiful, philosophical, and enchanting book, from the library, written by the incredibly talented Nina Laden and illustrated by Renata Liwska.This book will haunt you and take you to a place of fantasy and open doors you never thought existed. It deeply has you ponder, and wonder..."Does a feather remember it was once...a bird? Does an ocean remember it once was...rain? Will you remember you once were...a child?"These are questions this boy asks after a feather drifts through his window and is swept away...A book you will definitely want to add to your child's library to help grow his or her imagination.

I loved this picture book when I read it at the library so I had to have my own copy. Love the rhyme and the sentiment.

A wonderful children"s book with a fabulous ending. It's nice to know that such books are still being published instead of ones that rely on smutty language or just plain silliness to "entertain."

Purchased for Christmas, we love this book for our daughter. It's perfect for snuggling before bed. The illustrations are beautiful and my daughter loves naming all the animals. This will be a favorite for a long time.

Soft illustrations act as a compliment to poetic language. Lovely book.Recommend to read aloud to children from 2 onwards

This book will make readers think. It is challenging and yet gently done. Quite aunique idea.

Lovely book.

A very precious book. Made me teary. Everything we all wonder about.

Beautifully illustrated, nostalgic, touching, and thought-provoking.