Too Quiet, Too Noisy

by Bonnie Ferrante (Illustrator)

Lily's house is so noisy, she has to cover her ears. But, Nana's house is so quiet, she has trouble staying awake. What's a little girl to do? Little Lily teaches her family to find balance in their lives, making both homes happy and comfortable. A picture book for ages 4 to 8. Second grade reading level.

Listen to the author read the entire book on Youtube.
https://youtu.be/pDoYpVh8RXQ

Genres: Childrens

30 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

Bonnie Ferrante is a hybrid writer (publishing traditionally and self-publishing). She was a grade school teacher for thirty-three years, ten as teacher-librarian. She has received three OAC grants for her writing. She has recently entered the field of self-publishing and is greatly enjoying illustrating her own picture books although this becomes more difficult as her Parkinson's Disease progresses.
Bonnie also has a Youtube site.
"Welcome parents, teachers, and kids to my safe youtube site. Kids can listen to a book being read or a story being told, learn about words and numbers, and sing along. Adults can watch a book trailer and find new ways to teach your children using inexpensive materials, active learning, and the outdoors."

Reviews

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book reflects the dilemma that the protagonist named Lily faces in this picture book. When she visits her Nana's house, everything appears too quiet. The sounds she hears are the clock ticking, nana's knitting needles clicking and the chair squeaking. On the other hand at home, everything seems too noisy:her brother kicks the wall, bangs his ball against it and then proceeds to spin and jump around the room. Lily must cover her ears to avoid the unpleasantness. As the reader moves further into the book, the contrast of stimuli and sounds in each home is presented. Lily realizes that there needs to be a balance of noise and quiet in each environment so she asks her nana to introduce music the next time she visits, and beseeches her mother and father to share quiet activities like completing puzzles.

I like the fact that the author makes a plea for balance in a child's life. In our modern technological world, both children and adults are often on “sensory overload.” This book offers a unique opportunity for parents of autistic children or those who have sensory problems to discuss with their children how to regulate noisy and quiet times. Ms. Ferrante portrays a multiracial family in her illustrations. This is notable in a children's market that is still unbalanced in its display of different races and cultures. Large, colorful illustrations and repetition of sound words will appeal to the youngest of children, while the message is one that older child and, perhaps adults as well, will surely welcome.