Don’t forget to make your bed, and wear socks that fit your feet.
Don’t forget to brush your teeth, and don’t forget your homework!
There is so much swirling and whirling in our heads of every minute of every day, it’s easy to forget the real things we should be careful not to forget.
Don’t forget to wonder, to be brave, to share.
Don’t forget to imagine, and to feel the touch of each season.
Don’t Forget by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker is a beautiful peek inside kid life. It’s a reminder of the emphasis we place on everyday things — sometimes too much emphasis — which results in us forgetting the stuff that really does matter.
Connection, friendship, hope. Running, laughing, playing. It’s important we all remember (kids and adults alike) the things that have true meaning, the things that spark joy.
Jane Godwin’s words penetrate deep. She has chosen the best examples, the best reminders, the most wonderful stories of family, friendship and love. Every turn of the page is one more stunning reminder we are part of something larger than ourselves and the whole world is waiting as long as we don’t forget.
But the stunning words are only one half of the story. Anna Walker creates love, life and community on the pages through her illustrations. She brings a whole neighbourhood alive and gives each character hopes and dreams and history. The story of their lives plays out on the pages as the kids and their families navigate their worlds, connect and share, and remember not to forget the things that matter.
This book means so much to the world right now. In a challenging time, when it’s easy to forget we are part of a bigger whole, a larger community, we need books like this. We need to be reminded that magic still exists, and love can be found in the people around us.
This is the book that does it.
For more stunning picture books by the Godwin/Walker super duo, check out Go Go and the Silver Shoes. And for a behind the scenes look at the creation of Don’t Forget, make sure you check out this video.
Title: Don't Forget
Author: Jane Godwin
Illustrator: Anna Walker
Publisher: Puffin, $19.99
Publication Date: 30 March 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781761040955
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book