What do you think?
Rate this book
Charlotte and the Quiet Place
2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Gold Award Winner
2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Silver Medalist
2015 National Parenting Publications Bronze Award Winner
Charlotte likes quiet. But wherever Charlotte goes, she is surrounded by noise, noise, noise—her yipping dog, Otto; the squeaky, creaky swings; the warbling, wailing sirens. Even in the library, children yammer and yell. Where can Charlotte find a quiet place? Sara Woolley’s magnificent watercolors bring Charlotte’s city to life when Otto leads her on a wild chase through the park. There, Charlotte discovers a quiet place where she never would have imagined!
Sometimes children need a break from our noisy, over-stimulating world. Charlotte and the Quiet Place shows how a child learns and practices mindful breathing on her own and experiences the beauty of silence. All children will relate to the unfolding adventure and message of self-discovery and empowerment. Parents, teachers, and caretakers of highly active or sensitive children will find this story especially useful.
2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Silver Medalist
2015 National Parenting Publications Bronze Award Winner
Charlotte likes quiet. But wherever Charlotte goes, she is surrounded by noise, noise, noise—her yipping dog, Otto; the squeaky, creaky swings; the warbling, wailing sirens. Even in the library, children yammer and yell. Where can Charlotte find a quiet place? Sara Woolley’s magnificent watercolors bring Charlotte’s city to life when Otto leads her on a wild chase through the park. There, Charlotte discovers a quiet place where she never would have imagined!
Sometimes children need a break from our noisy, over-stimulating world. Charlotte and the Quiet Place shows how a child learns and practices mindful breathing on her own and experiences the beauty of silence. All children will relate to the unfolding adventure and message of self-discovery and empowerment. Parents, teachers, and caretakers of highly active or sensitive children will find this story especially useful.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 26, 2020
I like this one because it addresses something that I have always had a need for, even as a kid - peace and quiet. Unfortunately, it is sometimes hard to come by. I'm glad that it shows Charlotte being able to find that quiet place, and then having the ability to find the quiet place in herself when things around her are chaotic. I just wish it had explained a bit more how she does that. It is something that I still struggle with as an adult sometimes, and I know I would not have understood as a kid why she is able to do it and I'm not.
August 9, 2018
Lovely and great for my son.
February 15, 2016
“Charlotte And The Quiet Place” is about lacking peace in a city. I was incredulous to discover our new country home noisy. Neighbours lie at a little more distance than city neighbourhoods but ruin our airwaves with motorbikes that belong on trails and dogs that aren’t stifled quickly. I was relieved to win this book. My one note is, it does not tell step-by-step how to obtain inner-quiet. It says “go to your quiet place” but I need instructions. Children’s books tend to impart concepts from square one. However, this easily merits five stars because it is compassionately unique and a seldom-depicted subject.
Excepting instructions and explanation, this brief story is important, current, and something with which everyone empathizes. We instantly feel supportive towards Charlotte, the hallmark of excellent writing. It is remarkable that this is Dr. Sosin’s first storybook. Charlotte and her dog appear to live in a metropolis of the bustle and colour of New York City, USA. When she has to run after Otto, the message seems to be that physical exertion empties out her turmoil and unexpectedly calms her, once they are resting upon a beautiful hill.
Our neighbours need to consider us respectfully. However it is worth trying, to see if exercise followed by meditation, create resilience to disturbance. This hardcover is smooth and exquisite. I am fortunate to have such a treasure autographed! Sara Woolley paints with vivid whimsy, using erratic shapes and face expressions that succeed at generating busyness, sound, and emotions. The active urban mood she conveys, with shouting bubbles, is authentic: from squawking high-rise pigeons, right down to chalk on a sidewalk. Charlotte is a gorgeous black child whose eyes and face reflect her feelings poignantly. I am determined to achieve peace I can carry with me, similar to her hill.
Excepting instructions and explanation, this brief story is important, current, and something with which everyone empathizes. We instantly feel supportive towards Charlotte, the hallmark of excellent writing. It is remarkable that this is Dr. Sosin’s first storybook. Charlotte and her dog appear to live in a metropolis of the bustle and colour of New York City, USA. When she has to run after Otto, the message seems to be that physical exertion empties out her turmoil and unexpectedly calms her, once they are resting upon a beautiful hill.
Our neighbours need to consider us respectfully. However it is worth trying, to see if exercise followed by meditation, create resilience to disturbance. This hardcover is smooth and exquisite. I am fortunate to have such a treasure autographed! Sara Woolley paints with vivid whimsy, using erratic shapes and face expressions that succeed at generating busyness, sound, and emotions. The active urban mood she conveys, with shouting bubbles, is authentic: from squawking high-rise pigeons, right down to chalk on a sidewalk. Charlotte is a gorgeous black child whose eyes and face reflect her feelings poignantly. I am determined to achieve peace I can carry with me, similar to her hill.
December 15, 2015
This was a wonderful book. My 11year old thought it was a little too young for her but thought younger children would enjoy the story and gorgeous pictures. After discussing the book with her she said Charlotte was like a lot of kids where life gets so noisy they just cannot concentrate.
As an adult I enjoyed the flow and message Charlotte provides about how to find the quiet. I won't spoil the story but recommend you read the book with your children. Then read it again to find the quiet place
As an adult I enjoyed the flow and message Charlotte provides about how to find the quiet. I won't spoil the story but recommend you read the book with your children. Then read it again to find the quiet place
February 2, 2016
The world around Charlotte is noisy: people, machines, animals, and old floorboards all invade her brain. When she stumbles onto a quiet, quiet place, she discovered an inner source of peace and calm that sustain her through noisy days.
Overall, the story is useful for kids who also struggle to be calm and mindful. The illustrations are largely very good--colorful, noisy to match the volume, and good at expressing Charlotte's growing frustration. Charlotte's new-found calm, on the other hand, looks a little drugged.
Overall, the story is useful for kids who also struggle to be calm and mindful. The illustrations are largely very good--colorful, noisy to match the volume, and good at expressing Charlotte's growing frustration. Charlotte's new-found calm, on the other hand, looks a little drugged.
January 13, 2016
I was able to get a signed copy of CHARLOTTE AND THE QUIET PLACE this past weekend. I was finally able to read it today. I have a history with early childhood education and I work with one family right now with a little girl. She's four and very busy every day with school and other activities. I really look forward to reading this with her. She doesn't often seem overwhelmed, but in the future may seek quiet moments more often.
Charlotte's quest for a quiet place in a busy house and a busy city is a great story for the home and classroom when the child you're with needs a quiet moment.
Charlotte's quest for a quiet place in a busy house and a busy city is a great story for the home and classroom when the child you're with needs a quiet moment.
February 27, 2016
The author signed a copy of this book for me to bring back to my library when I attended the American Library Association Midwinter Conference in Boston earlier this month. The cover illustration is very colorful and eye-catching but it's the text inside that you will want makes this book a winner. Focusing on quiet times is so difficult for all of us, adults and kids, so the message here is so important: when the world is too noisy, we must think of our quiet place, focus our breath and breathe.
April 24, 2016
Wherever Charlotte goes there is noise. Her house, her school, her neighborhood is a constant cacophony and she just can't think. NOOO!! she says. "I have to find a quiet place." So she searches, she finds one and she sits and calms down and listens to herself breathe. Haven't we all felt like this at one time or another? I know working in a noisy retail environment makes me crave silence so I could certainly relate to little Charlotte. With beautiful colorful illustrations by Sara Woolley this is one your child (and you) will really enjoy.
December 26, 2016
Although the execution could use more fine-tuning and the illustrations seem inconsistent in scope and intent, I think this picture book is a good, solid effort at introducing the why's and how's of meditation. I particularly liked how the protagonist comes to the practice on her own, naturally. No one teaches her how to meditate, or fills her head with theory or technique. It's rare to see a young person so capable and self-directed in a picture book, and therefore this was a treat! I could see a young reader take this idea to heart.
November 21, 2015
As we teach children about emotional intelligence, and give them strategies for regulating themselves, this book is a great tool for supporting our purpose! It can be really hard for children (and adults) to find peace or calm when things around them are chaotic, but this book will help them see that by picturing calm, by deep breathing- they can create an inner calm despite what's happening around them.
October 30, 2015
I teach Meditation & Relaxation for Kids classes and this is a wonderfully simple way to introduce children to the concept of mindful breathing. Everyone can relate to the need for a quiet place! The illustrations are bright and engaging, and I appreciated that the book is full of diverse characters. You can read my full review and download a meditation to accompany this book here: http://mostlymindfulmommy.com/charlot....
May 9, 2016
What child hasn't felt overwhelmed at times by our buzzing blooming confusing world? This is a great book for showing children that there is a quiet place within all of us. I was lucky to hear the author read her book to a small group of children who immediately "got it." I felt calmer just hearing it.
September 14, 2016
The plot arc of this book--with its set-up, problem and resolution--is so perfect that I plan to use it as an example of a well-structured picture book in the class I teach about writing for children. Charlotte's problem is believable and the descriptions of sounds are evocative, lending themselves to a participatory read-aloud. The art is appealing and brings out Charlotte's character.
August 18, 2015
This is a sweet story about a girl looking for a quiet place. Perfect to teach emotions!
November 19, 2015
Fabulous, kid-friendly introduction to the practices of meditation and mindfulness. Gorgeous illustrations, too.
November 24, 2015
Provides a model for coping with feeling overwhelmed.
November 28, 2015
A nice book for finding your own private place when you need to. There are a lot of slow passages to help you settle into calm breathing, so it might not be a great book to read to kids under 5...
September 19, 2016
A beautifully delivered message for kids in today's fast-paced world.
March 25, 2021
Title: Charlotte and The Quiet Place
Author: Deborah Sosin
Illustrator: Sara Woolley
Genre: Fiction, Children’s literature
Theme(s): Learning Abilities, Quiet spaces
Opening line/sentence:
“Charlotte’s house is noisy. In the hallway, the floorboards groan.”
Brief Book Summary:
Charlotte and the Quiet Place follows a young girl name Charlotte who struggles to find a quiet place that allows her to think and find peace.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
In Kirkus Reviews and Bookbird’s review, they both express in their reviews how this a great book for advocating for children with different learning abilities. Also, in their reviews they state that this book can be a part of teaching children the importance of respecting other’s boundaries and needs.
Tell Me Framework:
Like(s): This book shines a light on children’s different learning abilities and that all children learn in different way.
Dislike(s): There were no dislikes for this book.
Patterns(s): Each quiet place that Charlotte tries to find, each place is explained to why it isn’t a quiet place for Charlotte.
Puzzle(s): Why isn’t the library quiet like it is supposed to be and where is the librarian to ensure that this happens?
Consideration of Instructional Application:
In the classroom this book can be used to introduce the topic of quiet learning spaces within the classroom. Also, the teacher can use this topic to add onto the discussion by talking about classroom rules such as not yelling in the classroom, walking feet and using our words. The teacher can talk about the library or the quiet area that is in the classroom for children to go when they need space or time for themselves in quiet.
Author: Deborah Sosin
Illustrator: Sara Woolley
Genre: Fiction, Children’s literature
Theme(s): Learning Abilities, Quiet spaces
Opening line/sentence:
“Charlotte’s house is noisy. In the hallway, the floorboards groan.”
Brief Book Summary:
Charlotte and the Quiet Place follows a young girl name Charlotte who struggles to find a quiet place that allows her to think and find peace.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
In Kirkus Reviews and Bookbird’s review, they both express in their reviews how this a great book for advocating for children with different learning abilities. Also, in their reviews they state that this book can be a part of teaching children the importance of respecting other’s boundaries and needs.
Tell Me Framework:
Like(s): This book shines a light on children’s different learning abilities and that all children learn in different way.
Dislike(s): There were no dislikes for this book.
Patterns(s): Each quiet place that Charlotte tries to find, each place is explained to why it isn’t a quiet place for Charlotte.
Puzzle(s): Why isn’t the library quiet like it is supposed to be and where is the librarian to ensure that this happens?
Consideration of Instructional Application:
In the classroom this book can be used to introduce the topic of quiet learning spaces within the classroom. Also, the teacher can use this topic to add onto the discussion by talking about classroom rules such as not yelling in the classroom, walking feet and using our words. The teacher can talk about the library or the quiet area that is in the classroom for children to go when they need space or time for themselves in quiet.
February 19, 2020
Charlotte and the Quiet Place is about a little girl named Charlotte who lives in a noisy city, construction, lots of people. Charlotte likes quiet and she finds it hard to find a quiet spot in her house. Eventually, Charlotte finds a secluded park, where she learns to find her quiet and practicing mindfulness.
The theme of Charlotte and the Quiet place is finding mindfulness, and helping kids who are sensitive find their quiet place. Helping them to control their emotions and regulate themselves.
I really enjoyed Charlotte and the Quiet Place, it was refreshing to see an author talk about helping kids understand their emotions and breaking down how they feel and serving them the best they can.
Even though Charlotte's house is noisy and she feels overwhelmed she was able to find a quiet place to bring herself back to earth.
I would definitely recommend this book to any parents. I think this book is a great way for parents to help their children understand when they are feeling overwhelmed. Although Charlotte lives with a busy life and she feels like she has no escape, is able to find a quiet place to reset and breath. Again it is very important for kids to know what they are feeling and have a safe place to release their emotions.
The theme of Charlotte and the Quiet place is finding mindfulness, and helping kids who are sensitive find their quiet place. Helping them to control their emotions and regulate themselves.
I really enjoyed Charlotte and the Quiet Place, it was refreshing to see an author talk about helping kids understand their emotions and breaking down how they feel and serving them the best they can.
Even though Charlotte's house is noisy and she feels overwhelmed she was able to find a quiet place to bring herself back to earth.
I would definitely recommend this book to any parents. I think this book is a great way for parents to help their children understand when they are feeling overwhelmed. Although Charlotte lives with a busy life and she feels like she has no escape, is able to find a quiet place to reset and breath. Again it is very important for kids to know what they are feeling and have a safe place to release their emotions.
December 11, 2020
Summary:
At first, Charlotte struggles to find a quiet place. Everywhere she goes is noisy! The illustrations show her covering her ears everywhere, until her dog Otto runs away, leading her to a place that is finally quiet. That day Charlotte found something more than the quiet around her, she learned to find the quiet inside of her, and carry it with her wherever she goes.
Review:
I think this book is absolutely fantastic to teach students about peace and finding rest in the busyness around them. It teaches simple breathing to settle our overwhelmed minds. Though this book would be great for any student, I think it would be particularly good in a special education classroom with students who struggle with noisiness. Children with autism in particular I think would be able to relate to Charlotte's situation at the beginning of the book, and may find her way of gaining peace useful.
Uses for This Book:
I would love to use this book as a read-aloud for storytime, or even for a brain-break alongside yoga. It would make a great silent personal read for students as well. This book would also be good for representing diverse people in the books I have in my classroom.
At first, Charlotte struggles to find a quiet place. Everywhere she goes is noisy! The illustrations show her covering her ears everywhere, until her dog Otto runs away, leading her to a place that is finally quiet. That day Charlotte found something more than the quiet around her, she learned to find the quiet inside of her, and carry it with her wherever she goes.
Review:
I think this book is absolutely fantastic to teach students about peace and finding rest in the busyness around them. It teaches simple breathing to settle our overwhelmed minds. Though this book would be great for any student, I think it would be particularly good in a special education classroom with students who struggle with noisiness. Children with autism in particular I think would be able to relate to Charlotte's situation at the beginning of the book, and may find her way of gaining peace useful.
Uses for This Book:
I would love to use this book as a read-aloud for storytime, or even for a brain-break alongside yoga. It would make a great silent personal read for students as well. This book would also be good for representing diverse people in the books I have in my classroom.
Read
December 18, 2020This story takes children from the noisy, overwhelming world into a quiet place inside themselves. The perfectly chosen words of Deborah Sosin and beautiful illustrations by Sara Woolley make this book a classic.
Charlotte’s adventure takes her to all the places that are filled with sirens, screeches, clatters, squeaks, and more noise. The reader feels the sensory overload, which is almost too much. After chasing her dog, Charlotte finally rests under a tree, breathes deeply and finds that place in her mind where her “thoughts are hushed and low”.
So many children (and adults) find it really difficult to be calm in our world of chaos and confusion. But Charlotte is delightful child who shows the way to find inner peace through mindfulness. This book should be on every child’s bookshelf and in every classroom.
Charlotte’s adventure takes her to all the places that are filled with sirens, screeches, clatters, squeaks, and more noise. The reader feels the sensory overload, which is almost too much. After chasing her dog, Charlotte finally rests under a tree, breathes deeply and finds that place in her mind where her “thoughts are hushed and low”.
So many children (and adults) find it really difficult to be calm in our world of chaos and confusion. But Charlotte is delightful child who shows the way to find inner peace through mindfulness. This book should be on every child’s bookshelf and in every classroom.
April 28, 2018
Read and reviewed for School Library Journal (issue 2015-11-01):
K-Gr 2—Charlotte lives in a bustling urban neighborhood. Her home, her school, and her street seem to be filled with nothing but noise. Even the places that are supposed to be quiet, like her bedroom, the library, and the park, are loud. One day, her dog breaks free from his leash and Charlotte chases him into a quiet grove. Whenever she needs quiet from that day on, she reminds herself of the calm she found inside herself that day. The mixed-media illustrations add to Charlotte's loud surroundings but overpower the story itself. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries looking for tales about finding inner peace and well-being.
K-Gr 2—Charlotte lives in a bustling urban neighborhood. Her home, her school, and her street seem to be filled with nothing but noise. Even the places that are supposed to be quiet, like her bedroom, the library, and the park, are loud. One day, her dog breaks free from his leash and Charlotte chases him into a quiet grove. Whenever she needs quiet from that day on, she reminds herself of the calm she found inside herself that day. The mixed-media illustrations add to Charlotte's loud surroundings but overpower the story itself. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries looking for tales about finding inner peace and well-being.
April 30, 2020
Summary: The setting of this book is the park. The main character in this story is a little girl named Charlotte and her dog Otto. Charlotte is looking for a quiet place because she like quiet. Wherever she goes its full with noises, noises, noises of her yipping dog Otto. Charlotte's dog Otto lead her on a wild chase through the park. Thats when Charlotte discovers a quiet place where she never would have imagined.
Rating: 5
Explanation: Children need a quiet place here and there through life. This book helps children discover mindful breathing and experiences the beauty of silence. Children will be able to relate to the unfolding adventure and message of self-discovery and empowerment.
Rating: 5
Explanation: Children need a quiet place here and there through life. This book helps children discover mindful breathing and experiences the beauty of silence. Children will be able to relate to the unfolding adventure and message of self-discovery and empowerment.
September 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book both literary and visually. The illustrations looked almost watercolor on some pages. The topic of the book had to do with a young girl who has a busy, loud, stressful life. Everywhere she goes she feels their no escape. In the end she finds an empty grove where she relaxes, de-stresses, and just feels her calming breaths from the inside. She carries this idea with her once she goes back into her normal loud life. I enjoyed it because this isn't a topic in most children's books but it was a good reminder for all.
November 7, 2017
The message that wherever we live we can find quiet inside is a good one. Funny enough I'm writing this review as my teenage son is drumming in the basement right below me. So, yes, it's a topic that rings true with adults and children. The illustrations are great, but I maybe thought that the book was a bit long for younger students.
February 22, 2020
Featured in The Ultimate List of the Best Picture Books, Endorsed by Kids And Parents.
Charlotte is a little girl who likes quiet, but everywhere she goes, she’s overwhelmed with noise. The book steps through what Charlotte does to find a quiet space and how to practice mindful breathing. We breathe along with Charlotte, and my little ones can’t help but calm down as a result.
Charlotte is a little girl who likes quiet, but everywhere she goes, she’s overwhelmed with noise. The book steps through what Charlotte does to find a quiet space and how to practice mindful breathing. We breathe along with Charlotte, and my little ones can’t help but calm down as a result.
June 4, 2020
The book focuses on Charlotte's desire to find a 'quiet place', Charlotte gets sensory overload (it isn't explicitly said that the character is Autistic or has an additional need) however this can definitely be inferred. At the beginning i wasn't convinced on where the story was going but i can now see the benefit of this book for children, SEND or not who find themselves overwhelmed and struggling to find calm, almost offering a support to meditation.
February 28, 2018
Everything around Charlotte is noisy. All that noise becomes very stressful. When Charlotte comes across a very quiet place she has the opportunity to calm down and breathe. She finds inner peace at this quiet place that help her through the day.
I love this story and I think it's good for children to find their inner calm.
I love this story and I think it's good for children to find their inner calm.
June 25, 2020
A book about being quiet and finding peace. This is a wonderful book teaching children how to breathe deeply and take a breath. When you slow down and breathe in deep you can think clearly. I love this book, a good book to read prior to nap time. A self regulating book for children that need to get away from all the noise around them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews