Golden Threads

written by Suzanne Del Rizzo and illustrated by Miki Sato

Owlkids Books ( Spring 2020)

When a storm sweeps Emi’s beloved stuffed fox away from their mountain home, he ends up tattered and alone on a distant shore. A kind old man finds the fox and gives it to his granddaughter, Kiko. As she recovers from an injury of her own, Kiko mends the fox lovingly with golden thread.

As the seasons pass, Kiko cares for the fox as her own. But after discovering his origins, she sets out, with her grandfather’s help, to bring the fox back to its original home. Once together, Emi and Kiko piece together the fox’s journey and find delight in their newly forged connections.

Golden Threads is inspired by the Japanese art form of kintsugi, or golden joinery, where broken pottery is repaired with resin painted gold. Kintsugi values repairing, rather than replacing, believing that the cracks give the broken item its story. This book is also a warm celebration of wabi-sabi, the Japanese idea that there is beauty in things that may be incomplete or imperfect.

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Awards and Honours:

Shortlisted for the 2021 for the Ruth And Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award

Reviews:

“A beautiful story of healing and strength.” – Kirkus Reviews”

An inspiring cross-cultural message showing that our experiences make us stronger.” – Booklist– STARRED REVIEW

“Encourages children to find beauty in imperfections and strength in adversity.” – Foreword Reviews – STARRED REVIEW”

The fox’s transformative adventure invites discussion about empathy, how to overcome difficulties, and the idea that one doesn’t need to be perfect to be loved… This book will find an eager audience with readers of all ages.” – School Library Journal – STARRED REVIEW

“[Del Rizzo] reminds her readers that brokenness can lead to finding greater strength, and our imperfections are what make us even more beautiful.” – Mighty Village

“Golden Threads is softly stunning, visually and in its storytelling…Sweet, kind, and loving, a lovely book about getting lost, healing, and coming home.” – University Book Store, WA

“The little details are full of charm and delight. Readers will want to return to the book again and again.” – Sal’s Fiction Addiction

“With engaging onomatopoeia, lyrical text, and a universal story of enduring friendship, belonging, and the kindness of strangers, Golden Threads will appeal to many readers… Golden Threads is a sweet, tender tale to be pored over and cherished.” – Canadian Review of Materials