a children's picture book publishing company
A Girl Named October
by: Zakieh A. Mohammed
art by: Andrea Tripke
Hardcover picture book
36 pages
8.5 x 11 inches
$17.99
ISBN: 978-0-9990249-5-9
Release date: April 2, 2019
About the Book
Can empathy be taught? The importance of empathy and its impact are explored in A Girl Named October. The title character, October, is ever present as the narrator navigates a life without realizing how even the smallest memories, interactions, and expressions can impact a very large, and often imposing, world. Touching the world is no longer an abstract idea, but a concrete action that reveals how everything we do affects everyone around us.
Lighthearted in its approach, but powerful in its message, A Girl Named October tells a story that will spur conversations with children and adults alike.
Click here to download a coloring sheet from A Girl Named October.
About the Author/Illustrator
Zakieh A. Mohammed has always felt fortunate to be surrounded by inspirational stories found along the boulevards of Chicago, the hills of Pennsylvania, and the villages of the Middle East. An educator for over twenty years, she is an award-winning teacher and Chicago public school administrator. Zakieh resides with her family in Chicago.
Andrea Tripke is a German-born illustrator. In 2003, she moved to the United States to pursue her dream in the arts. Andrea received her formal education as an artist at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio. She lives in Florida with her husband, Dirk; her daughter, Lily Blu; and her incredibly stubborn Lhasa apso, Frankie. Visit her website at andreatripke.com.
Reviews and Mentions
From Prairie Wind, Illinois SCBWI, Winter 2019":
Click here for a PDF of Tales from the Front “Finding Focus” by Zakieh A. Mohammed
From Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2019:
Mohammed and Tripke’s engaging debut book invites a conscious and compassionate interaction with people and the environment around us while celebrating the poetry of everyday life.
From Midwest Book Review, March 12, 2019:
Lighthearted in its approach, but powerful in its message, "A Girl Named October" deftly tells an engaging and entertaining story that will spur conversations with children ages 5-7 and is very highly recommended, especially for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for young readers.
From Foreword Reviews, March 13, 2019:
STARRED REVIEW - October’s insightful questions and worldview inspire those around her to see, feel, act, and react with intention in this whimsical, thought-provoking guide to cultivating empathy. Dreamy watercolors and moody shadowed sunsets reflect the changing seasons as summer flowers fade to autumn leaves and intricate snowflakes fall from a stormy winter sky. As October touches the world in her own unique way, children will learn to recognize the value and connectivity of everything around them.