Brooke Graham (text), and Robin Tatlow-Lord (illustrator), Nova’s missing masterpiece, EK Books, February 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 978192 539373
Nova and her dog Harley have an incredible bond. When Nova loses a beautiful artwork she made for her dad’s birthday, Harley stays by her side as she works through her anxiety and anger.
But will it be enough to find the missing masterpiece before her dad’s birthday party?
Brooke Graham has cleverly woven in a tool to help Nova manage her feelings in the form of her dog. Harley is always close by, inadvertently holding up a mirror to Nova’s big emotions. He is the calm to her storm, and shows her how to self-regulate her feelings by simply taking a drink of water or listening to a soothing song.
The text and illustrations together effectively convey Nova’s rising anxiety – short and succinct with a backdrop of bold colours by Robin Tatlow-Lord evoking Nova’s rage and chaotic feelings.
A thoughtful work on how to manage anger, problem solve under pressure and the reward of persistence, Nova’s missing masterpiece will resonate with children aged 4-9 years. Teachers can find a set of notes and resources on the publisher’s website to help guide discussions about all the big feelings, and helpful coping strategies to help children self-regulate and reset their emotions – essential skills for children socially and emotionally.
Nova’s missing masterpiece is a timely work, in a tumultuous world, teaching all of us how to work through our feelings in times of stress.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
