• Jerome by Heart

Jerome by Heart

Illustrator
Olivier Tallec
Publication Date
April 03, 2018
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  2nd − 3rd
Jerome by Heart

Currently out of stock
Description

"Raphael loves Jerome. I say it. It's easy."

This story follows a little boy named Raphael, whose daily rhythm is steeped in his immense affection for his friend Jerome. The two boys share jokes and snacks and plan future adventures to the Himalayas. Even when Raphael's constant talk of Jerome is driving his parents crazy, he remains steadfast: "Raphael loves Jerome. I can say it. It's easy." And the truth is, when he's with Jerome, Raphael feels happy, liked, and understood-- even special.

Thomas Scotto's simple, strong, and insightful prose and Olivier Tallec's delightful, expressive illustrations give much emotion and immediacy to the story.

Publication date
April 03, 2018
Classification
Fiction
Page Count
-
ISBN-13
9781592702503
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Enchanted Lion Books
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Best friends
Self-acceptance

ALA/Booklist

Originally published in France, this gentle, sweet-spirited story is a testament to the power of childhood friendship and the timeless power of love. The softly colored cartoonlike illustrations by Tallec perfectly capture the mood and spirit of the text, deftly translated by Bedrick and Snelson. The result is a book to treasure.

Kirkus

Starred Review
★ Some children will see simply two very good friends, while others will see validation of feelings they may not know how to express, particularly if their parents are as hostile as Raphael's. Raphael gives them the language they need: "I say--yes. Raphael loves Jerome. I say it. It's easy." Subtle, joyous, affirming. (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly

Raphael, the young narrator of this groundbreaking picture book, loves his friend Jerome. "It doesn't bother me at all," the boy explains. "Raphael loves Jerome. I can say it. It's easy." Jerome is caring, generous, funny, and always ready for adventure. Most important, he reciprocates Raphael's affection ("He always holds my hand. It's true. Really tight"), even though there are intimations that Jerome is more socially adept: "Jerome always sees me, even when he's with friends.... He defends me when kids make fun of me. Incredible, right?" Although Raphael's parents never put a label on it, their son's intense affection for his friend and his unfiltered expression of it clearly bother them; Dad seethes, his voice "like sharp fish bones in my hot chocolate." But the bond between the boys is unbreakable, and as the book closes, they blithely walk across the street together, holding hands. The story invites conversation among readers of all ages, and the sensitivity of the minimalist text (despite a few overwrought moments) and poignancy of Tallec's radiant, gentle art are undeniable. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Olivier Tallec
Thomas Scotto, born in 1974, is a celebrated voice in the French youth literature scene. He began writing upon the birth of his first daughter, and since then has authored more than fifty books for children and young adults. Jerome By Heart is his first picture book to be translated into English.
"Perhaps a chocolatier...To grow huge dark forests where I might get a little lost. Or a singer (in French), whose voice grunts or caresses the words. A voice-over artist, to be 1,000 (and one) people at the same time. A photographer, because my eyes are curious. Or the driver of a race car, who would drive people anywhere (if asked nicely!). Really, I don't know yet what I will do later...Raised on the revolutionary "Fabulettes" of Anne Sylvestre, today I am a writer. To say what astonishes me, touches me, makes me angry, frightens me, or fascinates me. To say that we must not remain silent, for the sake of our memories, too. And I say all this under the gaze of my two daughters, who make me grow, again."--Thomas Scotto

Olivier Tallec's work has been called "sensitive", "stunning", "breathtaking", and "beautiful." Tallec was born in Brittany, France, in 1970. After graduating from the École Supérieure D'arts Graphiques in Paris, he worked in advertising as a graphic designer, after which he devoted himself to illustration. Since then he has illustrated more than sixty books, nine of which have been published by Enchanted Lion.
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
-
Honor Book 2019 - 2019
New York Times Notable Children's Book
-
2018
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book
-
2018
Brain Pickings Best Children's Book
-
2018
Batchelder Honor Book
-
2019
Rainbow Book List Selection
-
2019
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids Selection
-
2019
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices List
-
Selection 2019