João by a Thread

Praise

“A jewel box of a book . . . Mello embraces a bright, lacquer red to tell the story of a boy alone in bed at night . . . Directly and honestly, Mello faces the fear that grips so many of us, even well into adulthood . . . João startles awake and discovers that he is exposed, laid bare: In his terror, his blanket has unraveled. With touching resourcefulness, he reweaves his blanket out of scattered words, making up a lullaby as he goes. Such is the solace of language.”
–Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, New York Times

“We love the uniqueness, culture and free thinking this book offers. The detail in the pictures is so intriguing and we do recommend to really take the time to look at the illustrations and ask your child what they see in the tapestry. It will become an adventure just to hear what is seen.”
—Melanie Braga, Momma Braga

“Taking a patterned blanket as focal point, Mello narrates a child’s nighttime experience in this entrancing, question-filled book, which gestures toward the way connection (to family, to nature) can be felt, even when one is ‘alone with myself.'”
—Publishers Weekly

“In bed, João, an abstract figure who appears entirely black or white on various pages, tugs at his homemade blanket, submerged in his thoughts. Evocative in its execution, this Brazilian import invites readers to ponder the scenarios it casts (and those it doesn’t). A moody, ingenious masterstroke.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A trippy and imaginative bedtime story that would certainly prompt discussion and reward re-readings . . . The beautiful drawings and the complexity of the text (are) intriguing . . . I would recommend this to families who have enjoyed books by Peter Sís.”
–Susan Harari, Youth Services Book Review

“Playing with proportions both in its illustrations and in its language, this picture book uses intricate line drawings in a stark red, black, and white palette to illustrate its dreamy tale of a boy drifting off to sleep . . . Musing, wondrous, and weird, it’s a story that stands to charm young ones, yes, but to enchant adults, too.”
–Michelle Anne Schingler, Foreword Reviews

“We can vividly see white line drawings ripple with intricate patterns, shapes, animals, & figures, all of them blooming around João & his blanket. There is a sense of charm & wonder. I love how each design inspires little ones to dream big & create their own masterpieces.”
—Stylish Modern Mother