Place Hand Here

I received a ARC of this book from NetGalley. I love this book! I want a hand in a heart on the wall of my library. It's a great idea, because we truly have no idea why people connect to art, and the lead character in this book investigates the people in his neighborhood and their experiences connecting to the neighborhood fixture. I think this is a great book to encourage empathy and understanding in young children. I look forward to recommending this book to people at my library.

Place Hand Here is a delightful picture books which demonstrates how art can connect humanity. On a apartment building wall, someone has painted a hand. Passersby come by and place their hands on it and think about someone they love who they are separated from, and remember. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, as children thinks of their father working far from them, or an immigrant remembering family far away. Each little moment is poignant and sweet. In the end, we discover the narrator painted the hand for his mother who is incarcerated. While it reminds me a bit of the Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, this story deals with separations that may beyond the loved one’s control (i.e. employment, death, incarceration), and a reunion may not take place for some time, if at all. The language is simple to understand and a young one may even be inspired to make their own “hand” to place and connect with. For further emotional heft, the author note explains that Yamasaki has brought art programs to correctional facilities and that the story was inspired by an inmate who traced her hand and asked Yamasaki to give it to her son to place his hand on when he missed her. A lovely book and great bibliotherapy resource. I was given an e-advance copy in return for an honest review.

I received an electronic ARC from W. W. Norton & Company through NetGalley.
Powerful and tender story told by a young boy who watches others place their hand on a drawn hand on a building. Each shares why they touch the hand and who they feel connected with when they do. The artwork shows those being thought about and remembered as each person shares. By the end, readers learn who painted the hand and why. The young boy also reveals who he thinks of when he touches the hand. He lives with his grandmother as his mom is incarcerated.
A much needed story for the many children who cope with an incarcerated parent. Yamasaki emphasize the bond that holds even though they are not together. Her author's note explains her reasoning for writing this book.

Placing ones hand on the one painted on the outside wall of a building is a way to feel a connection with someone who is away but important to you. That other could be family in another land, someone who is in hospital, someone away at school, or even someone incarcerated. Maintaining that connection is what is important, and Katie Yamasaki is both author and illustrator of this comforting book. She is a muralist, so her color choices and depictions are remarkable and moving.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers via NetGalley. Thank you!

Place Hand Here is a beautiful way for kids who are missing parents, grandparents, or other loved ones to connect in a heartfelt way. The idea of this mural on the wall is heartfelt and lovely. Although this book was inspired by incarcerated women needing to connect to their kids on the outside, this is meant for all of us. Who doesn't have family, friends or loved ones lost or far away? Beautifully written, colorfully illustrated. Fantastic book for kids!

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!