The Visit

⭐ "Little Fox's new friendship may inspire young listeners and adult readers alike to listen to their thoughts and remember the value and joy that can be found in the quiet." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (STARRED REVIEW)

Solitude, quiet, and independence are celebrated in this tender picture book about making friends with silence, perfect for SEL conversations about mindfulness, self-regulation, or alone time.

When her mother leaves the den, Little Fox expects to spend the next few hours by herself. But then she hears a knock at the door--she has a visitor.

At first, Little Fox is scared: Silence is so big and strange. Then they share a snack, and Silence helps her hear her heartbeat, even her own thoughts. Maybe time spent with Silence isn't so bad after all. Maybe Silence can be her friend.

This allegorical story from Spanish author Núria Figueras was inspired by the first time she stayed home alone as a child--and by her experiences working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young readers will welcome the book as a gentle exploration of solitude and independence.

Illustrated by Spanish artist Anna Font, the original edition of The Visit was selected for the White Ravens list and received the Fundacion Cuatrogatos Award and Compostela International Award. Translated from Catalan by Lawrence Schimel.

Núria Figueras has a graduate degree in journalism and is currently the editor of the Spanish children's magazine El Tatano. Her writing has been recognized with the Mercè Llimona and Comte Kurt prizes. The Visit is Núria's English-language debut and has been translated into over ten other languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, Slovenian, Portuguese, and Dutch. Núria lives in Barcelona, Spain. Visit her website at nuriafigueras.com.

Anna Font is a Spanish illustrator who has thrice been shortlisted as a finalist at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. She previously worked with Núria on the magazine El Tatano, and she was delighted when Núria reached out to collaborate on a new project for the Compostela International competition--the original version of The Visit. Anna lives in Barcelona, Spain. The Visit is her English-language debut. Visit her website at annafont.net and follow her on Instagram @annafontgarcia.

Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 300 books, including Niños, 9 Kilometers, and the Batchelder Honor Book Different (all Eerdmans). His works have received many awards, including three PEN Translates Awards, two SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards, and two Américas Award Honors. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Bluesky @lawrenceschimel.bksy.social.