Front cover for picture book The Day We Went to the Park by Linda Stephen and Christine Manno (Handersen Publishing, Feb. 2020). The book won the Illustration Honor at the 2021 Nebraska Book Awards, presented by the Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Center for the Book. TheDayWeWentToThePark.com
BOOK TRAILER Animated video intro to The Day We Went to the Park on YouTube. Can you see 10 origami objects moving?
ORDER SIGNED COPIES, SIGNED BY LINDA STEPHEN
Book web site link: www.TheDayWeWentToThePark.com
REVIEWS
“With lilting rhymes and colorful origami art, this cheerful book invites young readers to celebrate the squirrels, the ladybugs, the breeze, and all the other joys of a delightful day at the park.” —Jacqueline Jules, author of The Generous Fish and Zapato Power.
“In today’s fast-paced world, I believe it’s more important than ever to teach children to take the time to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty around them. The Day We Went to the Park shows that even a simple trip to a local park can be filled with wonder when you’re attuned to your surroundings.” —Columnist and origami expert Dana Hinders
“Those who collect picture books for the illustrations could not find anything more visually exciting than Linda Stephen’s origami.” —Sue Morris, Kid Lit Reviews
“This whimsical picture book encourages readers to examine the world around them, for all is not always what it seems. The Day We Went to the Park turns an ordinary stroll into an extraordinary adventure, filled with dancing ladybugs, whispering pines, and a lively sailboat race. Vibrant, colorful images appear at first to be the straight-forward illustrations of a sunny, lush park, but, upon closer inspection, are actually detailed scenes crafted entirely from origami and 3D paper sculpture. This clever, creative choice echoes the book’s message to readers: slow down, explore, and look closely. You never know what treasures you’ll find. A clever,visually stunning exercise in mindfulness.” —Rebecca Rissman, author of Yoga for Your Mind and Body
“Folded paper artist Linda Stephen’s intricate scenes show there’s much to do at the local park! From watching sailboat races to examining ladybugs, there’s something for everyone.I’ll bet you and your little one can get plenty of ideas of what you can do on YOUR outing!” —D.S.Thornton, author of Scrap City
“I love, love the color. Even for a child who can’t read, there is so much color and texture that they can see and enjoy. It’s really spectacular how the artist promotes and shares Japanese culture through origami. Linda’s art takes origami to a higher level of art. I love the hands-on craft to make the origami inchworm, too. It gives readers an opportunity to participate – and to create.” —Julia Noyes, artist and gallery owner, Noyes Art Gallery
“What makes the book unique is it teaches readers to become aware of their surroundings and to appreciate nature….The Day We Went to the Park by Linda Stephen and Christine Manno is a good book for tutors and parents to use for read-aloud and storytelling sessions because of its concept and teaching them about paper art in an entertaining and interactive way.” — Mamta Madhavan, Readers’ Favorite (Five Stars)
