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One Word from Sophia

with audio recording

Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail

About The Book

Sophia tries varied techniques to get the giraffe she wants more than anything in this playfully illustrated story about the nuances of negotiation.

Sophia has one true desire for her birthday. But she has Four Big Problems in the way: Mom, Dad, Uncle Conrad...and Grand-mama.

Will her presentations, proposals, and pie charts convince them otherwise?

Turns out, all it takes is one word.

About The Author

Photograph by Tim O’Meara

Jim Averbeck is the author of the Sophia series, illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail; In a Blue Room, illustrated by Tricia Tusa; and of the novel A Hitch at the Fairmont. He is also the author and illustrator of the picture books Oh No, Little Dragon! and Except If. He studied children’s book writing and illustration at the University of California Berkeley and now makes his home in San Francisco. You can visit him at JimAverbeck.com.

About The Illustrator

Olivia Hemingway Photography

Irish-born, Bristol-based Yasmeen Ismail is an award-winning author, illustrator, and animator. Her first picture book, Time for Bed, Fred, won the V&A Best Illustrated Book Award and The New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award. It was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, and nominated for the National Cartoonists Society Silver Reuben Award. Yasmeen has been nominated for her other works as well and has been selected by the Society of Illustrators to have her work shown in the Original Art Exhibition in New York four years in a row.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (June 16, 2015)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481405157
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

**Starred Review** “From the first page to thelast, Sophia's energy, creativity, and innovative critical thinking willentertain both adults and children.. A must-read.”

– Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Awards and Honors

  • Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title
  • CLEL Bell Picture Book Award Shortlist (CO)
  • Wisconsin State Reading Association's Reading List
  • Flicker Tale Award Nominee (ND)

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Jim Averbeck

More books from this illustrator: Yasmeen Ismail

More books in this series: The Sophia Books