Faraway Things (2021)

Author: Dave Eggers | Illustrator: Kelly Murphy | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Ages 4-8

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Kelly Murphy's new picture book, Faraway Things, written by Pulitzer prize winner Dave Eggers and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, has received three starred reviews, from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly.

From a bestselling author comes an evocative, classic-feeling adventure tale about a boy and his sword, and how giving away something precious leads to an even more important discovery.

Lucian's father called them faraway things, those mysterious objects orphaned upon the windswept shore, their stories long lost in the shroud of ocean fog. Lucian's discovery on the beach this particular day, though, is no ordinary faraway thing. It's a cutlass: strong, shiny, and powerful. As its history comes to light, Lucian faces a choice: cling to the sword he loves or accept a gift that shines farther, wider, and deeper than he could have ever dreamed.

Stunningly illustrated with evocative art by Kelly Murphy and written by award-winning and bestselling writer Dave Eggers, here is a profound and resonant tale about the reward of letting go.

STARRED Review from Publishers Weekly: “Sweeping multimedia art by Murphy gives the galleon, its crew, and the ocean grandeur.”

STARRED Review from Kirkus: “An evocative picture-book bildungsroman with equally atmospheric illustrations.”

STARRED Review from Publishers Weekly: “Murphy makes effective use of shadow and light in pictures that convey the expressive animals’ apprehension and eventual change of heart—and underscore the importance of trust and acceptance.”

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