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Miss Irwin

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( 119 ratings, 39 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Miss Irwin by Allen Say is a children's book that follows a young boy's heartfelt reflections on his beloved teacher, Miss Irwin. The story captures the transformative impact she has on her students, inspiring them through her caring and imaginative approach to teaching. Through vivid illustrations and gentle storytelling, the book celebrates the profound connection between students and a truly remarkable educator.
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Format: Hardback
$2999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy beautifully illustrated children's stories that explore themes of nostalgia and the impact of educators. Allen Say's storytelling and artwork offer a heartfelt homage to the teachers who shape our lives.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A young boy, aware of his grandmother's forgetfulness, helps her recall a time when she was a kindergarten teacher teaching her students about hummingbirds and their nests.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Miss Irwin is a luminous and heartwarming story about the importance of capturing the light of precious memories before all is forgotten, from Caldecott Medalist Allen Say.

As a young woman, Miss Irwin was a kindergarten teacher who loved introducing the world of discovery to her students. As a grandmother, she often reflects on her wonderful days exploring with her students. When her grandson asks her about a mysterious box on the shelf, she gets lost in memory and her mind transports her back in time to when she was Miss Irwin. At first, her grandson is confused, but he remembers his grandmother's forgetfulness and plays along as the student who made the bird's nest inside the white box.

Allen Say's breathtaking artwork and emotionally powerful and thoughtful text gently weave a touching story about memory and family. Together, the grandmother and grandson rejoice in the meaning and beauty of memory before all is lost.

Miss Irwin helps readers of all ages better understand and interact with loved ones who are experiencing memory loss.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

The teachers I loved and admired are figures of light in my memory. Miss Irwin is especially luminous. She was my daughter's kindergarten teacher. The children's words and drawings and dancing made her blush with excitement. And by trying to keep her blushing, the children learned the astonishment of discovering.

I hope she will forgive me for casting her as a forgetful grandmother in this story – it's an attempt to capture her light before all is forgotten. – Allen Say

Alzheimer's changes the lives of everyone it touches.​ You are not alone.

When a friend or family member has Alzheimer's disease, you may feel upset, confused, or scared. Some people with early-stage Alzheimer's may forget words or not remember your name from time to time. But, when you spend time with people with late-stage Alzheimer's, it is easy to see that something serious is going on. People with Alzheimer's disease are not acting like this because they don't care about you. Changes deep inside their brains are destroying the centres that control remembering, thinking, and feeling. Learning about Alzheimer's disease can help you understand what to expect and how to connect with the person you care about. – Alzheimer's Association

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book, crafted by Allen Say, is lauded for its lyrical storytelling and poignant depiction of significant themes such as teaching, life lessons, and dementia, making it essential for children's literature collections. Reviewers highlight the dreamlike quality of Say's illustrations, which use pastel hues and layered brushstrokes to add emotional depth. The narrative is praised for its sensitivity in portraying family experiences, especially those involving elder relatives with memory issues, offering comfort to readers in similar situations. Say's artwork, marked by its soft and colorful oil paintings, aligns with the clarity of the grandmother's memory, enriching the gentle, heartfelt story.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781338300406

Publisher: Scholastic US

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 18 April 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Scholastic US

Illustration: Illustrations

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Allen Say

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 227.0mm

Height: 286.0mm

Weight: 467g

Pages: 32

About the Author

Allen Say is the beloved author and illustrator of many acclaimed books for children, including the highly acclaimed Drawing from Memory, The Inker's Shadow, and The Favorite Daughter (all published by Scholastic); the Caldecott Medal winner Grandfather's Journey; and the Caldecott Honor winner The Boy of the Three-Year Nap. He is known for his technical skill and varied style, and his books pay tribute to Japanese culture, as well as his own personal experiences. His many books include Tree of Cranes, Under the Cherry Blossom Tree, Tea with Milk, and Erika-San. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

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