Where Is Charlotte? captures the game of Hide-and-Seek as played by a feisty and fun little fireball. Drawing on the classic children’s tune, “Frère Jacques,” adults and children read and sing together, bringing to life a young girl not afraid to say, “No.” Our little trickster has an authentic and assertive voice (perhaps a tad cheeky) and a playfully sassy non-verbal style. Charlotte bravely goes from familiar inside hiding places to “climbing trees” and “riding a breeze.”
A young reader is empowered by an increasingly brave and imaginative child navigating her own personal energy and space. And, with the changing of Charlotte’s image throughout the story, a wide variety of children (and adults) will see themselves in the book’s diversity. Charlotte’s escapade will inspire authenticity, self-assurance, and a sense of adventure, along with loving, “bear hug” connection, in children of all ages. Finally, Where Is Charlotte? animates the author’s playfully-affirming mantra: To be your fullest self without being (too) full of yourself!
