I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the pictures in this book. They were so warm and soft. The text flowed well. A great story to make you feel calm and relaxed.

The Silence Slips In is a quiet book. In our noisy world, it is important we find quiet to help us align ourselves and reflect on our day. This was a great book to read to my grandson. He has issues with noisy places, in fact when he started school, he had to wear noise dampening headphones to cope. This story is all about finding the quiet in our world. Alison Hughes takes us on a journey of a little girl learning where silence can be found in natural places. There can be silence at night when it's dark, after a party or even when it is snowing lightly. I love how there is a character to associate with quiet. The book uses a white fluffy creature throughout the book that children can identify or picture when looking for quiet.

The prose is beautiful. It has a wonderful flow and cadence that is perfectly partnered with the illustrations. They are soft and serene and colours are used to evoke certain feelings and emotions. This would make an ideal bedtime book to slowly soothe little ones into the right frame of mind for relaxing into sleep. I recommend this book to any families or schools, especially if you have sensitive children who need to know it is okay to be quiet and/or to show those noisy rambunctious children that it is important to have quiet time to reflect and refresh.

Mindfulness is a huge buzzword at the moment. Everywhere you look there are people and company’s extolling the virtues of mindfulness and self care. As adults, we can understand the need to take some time to regroup. For children, who are so busy, it can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are a host of great books to help children take some time for calm. The newest in the stable of mindfulness books is The Silence Slips In by Alison Hughes and Ninon Pelletier.

In a time when noise can be overwhelming and chaotic this lovely meditation will guide your readers and listeners to make room for silence. It is a reminder of the power of silence and the importance of making time everyday for it. Throughout the story, Alison Hughes reminds us of the things we can do when we need to invite the silence in, to have some peace in the chaos. Ninon Pelletier’s illustrations are calming and gentle and provide a concrete quality to the silence as it slips in and out. A wonderful story to have at the ready when a little calm and quiet is in order.

'The Silence Slips In' by Alison Hughes with illustrations by Ninon Pelletier is a beautiful book about the comfort that quiet can bring.

We live in a noisy world, and this book describes that noice as sharp and jagged. Silence is soft and soothing. Silence loves watching the snow fall or reading. Silence and its friend Dark help us sleep at night all warm and snuggled. In the morning, with the noise, the silence slips away, but it is always waiting whenever it is needed.

I loved this book about quiet. It may not be for every child, but it will be for some. It would also make a soothing bedtime book. I loved the illustrations with Silence looking kind of like a large, white bear. The language and pictures were wonderful.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

Wow. The illustrations in this book are perfection. Soft and serene, light and peaceful, warm and beautiful. And the beauty of this book is the writing is just as exceptional. There is a lovely, almost gentle, flow to the prose that suits the theme superbly. The story and the images are perfectly in tune, sending a message about the importance of being quiet, being still, renewing your energy for another day full of the Noise.
The Silence Slips In appealed to me because I’m an introvert who needs a lot of downtime. Downtime for me means quiet and solitude. Being out in the loud, busy world can be overwhelming and it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized how much I needed quiet in my life. As a child, it would have been very helpful to know that needing Silence is normal and healthy, to be told that there are ways to find the Silence even in the midst of all the Noise. And I have kiddos of my own who are rambunctious and energetic and so, so loud sometimes, but who also need what we call “alone time” when they are overstimulated.
This book is geared towards three to five year olds, but I think kiddos upwards of eight or nine would benefit just as much. Heck, I think parents would benefit from the message in this book! I’ll be sending a copy to my daughter for my one year old grandson.
The Silence Slips In is a must read. It’s never too early to teach children to take care of their emotional health!

This book was beautifully written and very relatable. The days are so long and at times feel endless, but each night when everyone is tuckered out and it is night, the silence slips in. This book really hit the nail on the head.

A really beautiful picture book that would be great for bedtime. The illustrations are soft and airy and really tie to the book. I can't wait to purchase a copy for my niece.

I read this book several times and felt different emotions each time. I felt peaceful and sometimes foreboding viewing the creatures. I liked the white silence with its goofy expression and rosy cheeks. The blue one representing the dark and the green one for noise seemed a bit creepy to me.
The peaceful quiet though won out as I finished the story. I feel the author as well as the illustrator is trying to help one find quiet in our noisy and sometimes chaotic world.

What I loved most was the beautiful and soft illustrations and the diversity of children portrayed.

I feel children will enjoy having this read aloud to them and that it has a place in any library.

This was a beautifully illustrated storybook that I recently read with our six-year-old. He often gets overwhelmed and has a lot of worries...especially at night and at times of transition. There were many positive and relatable messages in this book that was gentle enough for a younger child but also just great advice for everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Books for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I hate to give a book a negative review so I feel it necessary to fully explain why I didn't like The Silence Slips In by Alison Hughes, Illustrated by Ninon Pelletier.

I LOVE my silent time. First thing in the morning, before the day gets busy and often chaotic, I have my time while the rest of the house is still asleep to relax, unwind, think, plan, dream, process... and just 'be'. Similar, during the day when I take a moment, just letting everything stop and breathe.

I read this first thing in the morning with my cup of coffee and from the beginning, Silence in the story came across like depression, sadness or grief. Maybe it was the repeated use of 'the Silence' or the idea of it creeping in and taking over-- it felt sad and dark. The illustrations by Pelletier compounded that feeling. One of the first drawings of silence featured a sad expression while the text was mentioning rainbows.

While big white, mostly shapeless Silence is coming in, big scary green monster 'Noise' is threatening in the background. A little scary for children. It read like silence is retreating from the world into isolation.

I'm not a depressed person but that is how, as an adult, this books concept of silence made me feel. Separated and alone.

I applaud the attempt of this book to make children appreciate silence. Unfortunately, I see it could have the reverse effect. My take away is that Silence consumes you in sadness and isolation. Not a concept you want to share with your children.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Silence Slips In is a quiet book. Many of the illustrations are soft and warm, and the book feels rather like a hug. This would make an ideal bedtime book to help slowly soothe little ones into the right frame of mind for relaxing into sleep.

I think this would be a great book for any kid, but I especially think some highly sensitive children will benefit from the gentle tips on how to make your own quiet when the world is just too darn noisy!

4.5 stars rounded up for this little gem.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing me with a DRC of this book.

As soon as this book is on the shelves, I am buying it. This will be a fantastic addition to our school library. As I was reading this, I became calm. The illustrations are great. I like how this book is short, but powerful .

Silence and noise are funny things. Many of us love one over the other.
In today's society it is natural for the average person to like some level of noise. Most of the world lives in human noisy places (like cities) or in naturally noise places (like the rainforest or a farm). In fact there was a study some years ago where a sound-proof room was made. A room where literally being in it you could hear your own heartbeat. Most people could not manage to stand more than 20-30 seconds in the room before freaking out and beginning to lose their mind. If you keep that in mind this becomes an odd book. However I absolutely understand what Alison Hughes is going for and adore it.

The Narrative
Hughes takes us on a journey of a little girl learning where silence can be found. In natural places, like at night while it's dark, after a party, following a storm or when snow gently floats to the ground. These are all very magical types of silence we encounter. Some not very often, and others, like at night in the dark we experience everyday. As a Canadian, who is looking out the window as I type to see snow falling to the ground, I love the page that Hughes has about the snow falling to the ground. One of the most silent moments in urban or rural areas is the morning that snow has covered the ground and is still gently falling. It's like the snow is making this quiet. This is a type of morning that I have trouble explaining as it's so unique in it's own way. So, instead of trying to describe it further I'll just say that Hughes really understands many of the silences of the world that exist.

The Illustration
Without a doubt Ninon Pelletier is an amazing artist. Her children's book art is always wonderful. Pelletier uses colour on each page to evoke certain emotions. Additionally the use of the same fluffy looking silence character on each page is very clever. Giving children a character to think of when they are looking for a moment of silence amongst the noise is very clever. By using this white fluffy character children can imagine it putting it's arms around them (like in the book) and feeling safe. Pelletier does a beautiful job of capturing a moment of silence on the page. Which may seem weird, as pages in books don't make noise; but when you experience the pages of this book I think you would find this to be true yourself.

The Point
I feel very strongly that the best children's book are those that have a point. It doesn't have to be a moving point but it does have to be one that will help teach a child how to handle certain situations or moments they will experience in their life. The Silence Slips In is a perfect book for a child that is quieter. For the toddler that perhaps doesn't like too much noise this is a great story to start helping a child learn and understand that they can create a silence or moment of peace inside themselves. There are places that are naturally quieter in the world and those where you need to be able to enter your head and find silence. This could also be how a child learns to find peace, love or even sanity in this noisy world of ours. A skill that is hard to develop but almost a necessity for life in our loud world.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This is a tender, tranquil book about finding calm in a loud and bustling world. When everything is finally quiet and still that is when the Silence magically appears and brings comfort and peace. It is big and cuddly and ready to share books, help you think your thoughts and help you compose yourself both on the outside and the inside.

It is there to guide you through thundering noises and unending chaos. It knows its friend Darkness very well and together they bring warm, soft blankets and settle you in for the night. Then...

"The Silence holds you in its safe, soothing arms and lulls you to sleep. And gently, softly launches all the boats of your dreams."

In the morning when the world resumes its chatter and noise the Silence slips away back to its home in a quiet room, a peaceful garden, the forest, the mountains, the ocean, or the deep, deep sky. It is always on call and will return in a heartbeat needed anytime, anywhere.

"If you close your eyes and breathe deeply, the Silence will pad in on its soft, furry feet and surround you."

What a lovely bedtime ( or anytime ) story that will bring comfort and happiness to kids who need to withdraw and find that place of solace.

"Sometimes you need help find the Silence."


I highly, highly recommend this book.

The Silence Slips In is a beautiful little story about finding and enjoying the quiet moments in life. The illustrations are soft and dreamlike and fit the text perfectly.

The Silence Slips In by Alison Hughes
Illustrated by: Ninon Pelletier
Publisher: Orca Books Publishers
ISBN: 9781459817067
Publish Date: March 5. 2019

Thanks to NetGalley and Orca Books Publishers for the ebook ARC of The Silence Slips In by Alison Hughes and illustrated by Ninon Pelletier in exchange for an honest review.

When the party’s over and the baby finally falls asleep, when the dog is all barked our and the screens are dark, the Silence pads in on soft, furry feet. A warm, comforting presence, the Silence curls up in a sun-beam like a cuddly cat and helps you read, think and be still. The Silence is friends with the Dark. Together they soothe the jagged edges left when the Noise has rolled on and gently launch the boats of your dreams into the night. When the day becomes overwhelming, and your feelings become too big, the Silence slips in.

I give this book a rating of 3 stars. I read it to my 4 year old daughter at bedtime. I’m not really sure how I feel about this book. I kind of found it a little weird. i really did enjoy the colourful pictures though. I found it kind of scary, even the little girl that is drawn has solid black eyes, no pupils. A bit creepy for a young child.

#TheSilenceSlipsIn #NetGalley

I LOVE this book! While the message may seem to be for Mom and Dad (and me), the illustrations make it lovely for your little one, And it's still a good message told in a spot-on way for young readers. It's a great first book to learning mindfulness and self-care, creating good habits for life. Many of the scenes will make good discussion starters as well, at home or in school. The 'Silence' is a bit similar to Francesca Sanna's newest, ME AND MY FEAR, so they might make interesting companion reads.

Alison Hughes has created an imaginative personification of the concept of "silence." This concept comes fully to life through the amazing illustrations of Ninon Pelletier.

The story opens with the line, "The Silence is shy and soft. Shaggy and Still." Those words are placed within a serene double page spread of girl sitting under a tree beside a lake with the most beautiful reflection of a sunset. She has a dog with her and peeking through the branches above her head the character of "Silence" is introduced.

Pelletiers illustrations offer a very beautiful combination of softened, pastel backgrounds with other images drawn with sharper detail and clarity. Sort of a contrast between the vivid objects of our life being surrounded by a gentle force and softened beauty.

The concept of embracing silence could be a good illustration for children who difficulties with being still. The story, when read aloud in a comfortable, quiet place (on a comfy couch or snuggled into bed), can have a calming affect. The illustrations offer a gentle, quiet beauty to explore on each page.

Children are often afraid of the dark and may balk at bedtime. I loved how Hughes personified "Dark" as a partner to silence--working together as a team in these lines: "The Silence slips in at bedtime and greets its friend the Dark. They bring warm, soft blankets and settle in." What a marvelous image for children to fall asleep to--the idea that the dark envelopes us in warmth and the silence is part of that magic.

I loved the contrast of the character, "Noise" which is a pointy-looking creature that sort of jars and jolts people. Noise and Silence cannot exist together so Silence slips away to quiet places where a child can always join it: enjoying nature, fishing, or reading a book. Even in the midst of Noise, a child can summon the Silence by closing one's eyes and breathing deeply--good advice even for grownups.

As a Christian, I found that the use of a friendly companion called "Silence" could be a good way to explore the concept of quieting one's mind and heart to be more aware of God's benevolent presence and love for us--always present in the noise of everyday life.

I think there is tremendous value in teaching a child how to welcome Silence in a world marked by so much noise and so much frenetic activity. Children need time to slow down, and learn to find and enjoy moments of silence. I highly recommend this book as a means of creating one of those warm, silent moments with your child. This book will be available March 2019.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Silence Slips In from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

The Silence Slips In is driven by the personification of silence, rather than plot, making it a good choice for readers with longer attention spans. This book could help children who are afraid of silence (and by extension, the dark). The book focuses on one girl around 6 years old, while the narration describes what Silence does in certain situations. Silence is a giant white, cloudy figure, who is usually peaceful and smiling. Other concepts are represented at figures as well: Noise and Dark. Elements of mindfulness are touched on - there is an image of Silence meditating while the child does yoga. The narrator shares instructions for silencing a "busy mind" while images show the girl feeling frustrated by all the noise at recess. Young kids with new baby siblings, or children who have trouble focusing will find comfort in this book.

A lovely, calming book where Silence and Noisiness are portrayed as beings, that will envelope you and calm you down. That are there when you need them.

A children's take on meditation, in so many words.
<blockquote>...the Silence will come back whenever you call it. Whenver you need it. Even in the midst of the Noise and its ruckus.
If you close your eyes and breathe deeply the Silence will pad in on its soft, furry feed and surround you.
Your busy mind will settle
And you will smile a peaceful smile.</blockquote>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-4668 size-full" src="https://g2comm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-26-at-9.55.54-PM.png" alt="The Silence slips in" />

A delightful book to teach children how to calm themselves.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review