'We are moving to a new home, where the lakes freeze in winter. I am visiting my Grandma to say goodbye.' The little girl in this story loves visiting her Grandma's sewing studio and watching her make things, and is worried about leaving Grandma behind and not being able to see her. Grandma re-assures her and is making her a warm coat which will envelop her like a big hug. The message of love despite separation is comforting for all those grandchildren and grandparents who are now in self-isolation or social distancing due to the corona virus. Soothes anxiety caused by lock down and school closure and shows ways communication can still take place. Free resources are on publisher website. NOMINATED FOR THE 2021 KATE GREENAWAY AWARD.

Author reading and resources are on publisher website. Author available for events and festivals, virtual or actual. Audio version from Cloudaloud.

About the Author
Inbal Leitner studied Classic Animation at Bezalel Academy for Art and Design, Jerusalem, and worked there as a classic animator for ten years. Now living in Cambridge with her family, Inbal is focusing on illustration; she has illustrated children's books, and worked for magazines and private clients. Inbal prefers using traditional techniques such as acrylic, pastels, watercolours, printmaking and collage or mixed media.

Reviews
'This simply illustrated picturebook is about separation from a beloved grandmother who loves to sew. It is a story of emigration, but resonates for anyone currently apart from loved ones.' SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE MAGAZINE;'I must admit this book made me tear up... The simple, lyrically written story is perfect for sharing with children who can't see their grandparents at the moment.' IRISH INDEPENDENT;'The Longest Strongest Thread tells the story of a little girl who is moving with her parents to a new country and is worried about leaving her grandmother behind. 'Grandma can't walk all the way to my new home, so I am making her an aeroplane she can fly with' THE OLDIE;'The Longest Strongest Thread by Inbal Leitner comes from the new children's publisher Scallywag Press. Its story follows a little girl who is moving with her parents to a new country and is worried about leaving her grandmother behind, so - in an enchanting flight of fancy, she makes her an aeroplane.'DAILY TELEGRAPH Best Children's Books of 2020;'The soft focus of Leitner's pale yellow and green palette creates a soothing visual backdrop against which her spare poetic text sings. This is a beautiful metaphoric story about maintaining connection in distance, and as such, it is a brilliant reflection of our time, when so many children are separated from the people they love.' THE IRISH TIMES;'This delicate, poignant picture book tells us of the loving relationshop between a grandmother and her small granddaughter ... In these daus when families often are separated by oceands and time zones, the need for such abook as this is apparent, and the gentle light-touch illustrations, full of the yellow and blue of the splendid new coat, are a joy.' BOOKS FOR KEEPS;'This touching, gentle story about saying goodbye to our loved ones - and being distanced from them - is very poignant' BOOK TRUST


Awards
Commended for Kate Greenaway Medal 2021.



Book Information
ISBN 9781912650613
Author Inbal Leitner
Format Paperback
Page Count 32
Imprint Scallywag Press
Publisher Scallywag Press
Weight(grams) 185g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 240mm * 4mm