Naming Of Tishkin Silk

Griffin Silk is an uncommon boy, from an uncommon sort of family—but lately Griffin isn’t so sure that’s a good thing. If he were an ordinary boy, he wouldn’t have to worry about the secret in his heart and maybe he would understand why his mother and baby sister have gone away. When Griffin starts school and meets the spirited Princess Layla, a once-in-lifetime friend who can heal souls, the answers to his questions gently start to unfold. And just like the mythical beast whose name he bears, Griffin discovers that he has uncommon courage and the heart of a lion.

Sweet black-and-white illustrations enrich this heartwarming story about love, loss, friendship, and the importance of family.

GLENDA MILLARD has published many books for young readers in Australia, including her award-winning novels about the Silk family. The Naming of Tishkin Silk was shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards and was an honor book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards. She lives in Victoria, Australia. PATRICE BARTON received her B.F.A. in studio art from the University of Texas. She lives in Austin, Texas.

“The language is quite accessible to its young audience, but it’s also rich and original in detail . . . . This is the first of Millard’s Silk family books to be published in the U.S., and readers who have followed this installment will surely hope there will be more to come.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This engaging, compassionate portrait of loss, grief, and healing has a quietly powerful impact.” —Booklist

“Those who enjoy extra helpings of sentiment and whimsy in their chapter books will find much to like in this award winner first published in Australia in 2003.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Young readers will be touched by the quirky and thoughtful personalities of Griffin and Layla and will learn a powerful lesson about family resilience.” —BookPage

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Distributor: MPS
Publication Date: 10-13-2009
Pages: 112
Measurements: 7.950in X 5.490in X 0.585in X 0.500lb