Maia and What Matters
Maia and What Matters
By Tine Mortier
Illustrated by Kaatje Vermeire
Translated by David Colmer
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Maia is an impatient little scamp. When something pops into her head, she wants it. Now! Right this minute! Her grandma’s just the same and they get along like a house on fire. One day Grandma falls ill and loses her control over words. The grown-ups don’t seem to understand her, but Maia never loses sight of her strong, wonderful grandma and knows exactly what she means.
A beautiful and accessible book about the enduring relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter in the face of illness and ageing
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REVIEWS
A stunning and unusual book exploring friendship across the generations, illness and ageing. {Zoe Toft from Playing by the Book}
Possibly the most beautiful picture book of the year. {Ann Packer from The New Zealand Listener}
Kaatje Vermeire is just one of the great illustrators currently working on the continent, who are strangely underappreciated by English-speaking audiences. {Sophie Meehan of Tales for Tadpoles - Ireland}
I can’t say enough good things about this production from the brave and non-sentimental story it tells to the amazing images covering each generous page which not only reflect what is happening but takes the reader beyond the story to explore more ideas. {Barbara Murison from Around the Bookshops}
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This book is a treasure - the imaginative and detailed illustrations make it a work of art, and the story of characterful Maia and her grandparents is heart breaking and heart warming at the same time, dealing with difficult subjects in a sensitive and honest way.
What a beautiful book. The text, the illustrations, even the quality of the printing.
A gentle story that is so relevant today, more than ever, as we realise more and more how much we need the people we love around us.
This isn't a book to be rushed through, this is a powerfully emotional story to take your time with. It's like a warm hug and a little cry, both of which we need from time to time.
A delightful book dealing with the theme of loss and how family can support you in these times. Just buy a copy, it is so lovely!
Thankfully back in print, after a successful recent Kickstarter campaign, Maia and What Matters is a gentle, beautifully moving tribute to grandparents and the intergenerational friendship they can have with their grandchildren.
Maia is a determined, enthusiastic and fiercely independent young girl. She shares many personality traits with her grandmother, especially a fondness of cake! When her grandmother falls ill and loses control of her words, it’s up to Maia to help bridge the gap that’s been left where words once inhabited.
Translated by David Colmer, in this picturebook, words and art coalesce to create an emotional experience that resonates long after reading. Themes around age, death and life are sensitively explored, Vermeire’s illustrations imbuing each page with the full range of emotions.
What matters is that you need this book in your collection. A perfect picturebook for all ages, Primary to Secondary to Adult.
This is one of my all time favourite picture books. I love the gentle pace and journey - it's a wonderful way to deal with a difficult subject. the delicacy of the etched illustrations combines beautifully with subdued palette and the collage elements. I did not buy this book for children - just for my own enjoyment.
| Ages | 6+ |
| Format | Hardback |
| Origin | Belgium |
| Pages | 32 |
| Publishing date | October 2013 |
| Size | 330 x 225mm |