This Quiet Lady: A Joyous Story for Children (Ages 4-8) About a Girl Sharing Family History with Her Mother

by Charlotte Zolotow, Anita Lobel (Illustrator)

What was your mother like as a little girl? How did she look in school? What did she do before you were born? Follow along as one girl joyously searches through old pictures to find out. Generations will be inspired to share family history as they treasure this book together.

Retitled with new illustrations by Anita Lobel.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Roger DeBlanck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Quiet Lady is a picture book that cleverly conveys “The Beginning” at the end, as the child in the story views pictures of her mother from her mom’s childhood to the birth of herself. The pictures allow a reader to simultaneously experience the past and the present on opposite pages. The use of sepia colors gives the book a genuine feel for the power of photographs as they vividly come to life in the colorful portraits on the adjacent page. School-age readers between the ages of 5–9 will find the most interest in this engaging story.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, my mother gave me a copy of this book with photographs of her paper-clipped to each page. While waiting for Alice to arrive, I paper-clipped pictures of me into the book, as well, so that Alice will know who I was before she came along and who I am now that she is here. In the book, a little girl is flipping through picture albums and telling the reader all about her mother. One day, Alice will be able to use it to tell everyone about her mother and her grandmother.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with most Zolotow, I find that I'm more drawn to the original art. Lobel's edition of this has an odd title and is oversize, over-sentimental, and dull. I'd love to see Rocco Negri' original Where I Begin as it looks much more interesting.

[Kathy Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great book to use for authors craft. The story is about a little girl looking at pictures of her mother as she grows up. It has a nice format with black and white pictures of the little girl looking at the pictures on one page and then the next page has a larger colored picture of the pictures the little girl is looking at.

[jenna Hudrlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice idea and pretty pics... a little too short for caroline

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice book with beautiful pictures about a girl looking at photos of her mother in different stages of life.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching picture book, love a child's discovery of a mother's past.

[Beverly Kennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl dictates the story of her mother's life up until the time of her own birth. Could be used to discuss ancestors.

[Guin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story-discovering who your mom was before you arrived. Loved the illustrations!

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little girl spends a quiet day looking at scrapbooks with her mother.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Quiet Lady (Hardcover)
by Charlotte Zolotow
an good read aloud book for 1st grade, to make connections to family and friends

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

1997.01.02 I'd like to write a book for my girls like this.

2018.08.13 It's still in the back of my mind to make an album like this. Hopefully one day...

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations looking like exquisite paintings. Peaceful quiet story of young girl looking at photos in chronological sequence of your Mother as she mature as from a baby to having a child of her own. This title could be used in a Mother’s Day story time.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

The quiet lady is the women in the photos of a photo album. The narrator's mother.
The text is simple, yet poignant.
This might be a fun writing prompt.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about a child meeting her mother's many earlier versions of herself in family photos from before the child was born. Very simple text, thoughtfully presented.

[Cindy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it and so did my kids.