Description: A beautiful, lyrical picture book about a father, his daughter, and her imaginary friend as they rake leaves on a crisp fall day. With text by renowned book editor Jackson and gorgeous illustrations from up-and-coming artist Goodale, this gentle book is ideal for story time and bedtime. Full color.
Brief description: Richard Jackson is an editor and author. He says: "Akaraka is a word in the Igbo language; a meaningful word to the Igbo-speaking people of southwestern Nigeria. It refers to marks on a person's hand that spell out that person's fate or destiny. At the time she used it, in 1997, my granddaughter, Kelsey Albert, then three years old, couldn't have realized this. She liked the sound, as do I for this story, in which my role is played by her father. I am now a writer, not a raker. I've published seven books for young people, among them This Beautiful Day, illustrated by Suzy Lee, and In Plain Sight, which was illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and awarded a Coretta Scott King Honor for illustration."
Review Quotes:
"Readers will feel exhilarated, enclosed in Lula's private secret...Spacious double-page spreads evoke the luxuriant pull of the imagination, where the charm of an imaginary friend can sweep you away, across borders." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"[A] tender, intimate family story, suitable for bedtime, when children both real and imaginary are tucked in and kissed good night." - Booklist