Reviews and mentions of Anchored:
The Times Newspaper UK
(Saturday Review 1.7.2023)
"A comforting picture book about separation and reunion featuring a big ship and a little tug. With airy, atmospheric blue scenes of open see, by day and night, calm and storm, and the message that we carry the thought of loved ones with us when we roam."
Michelle Guzel, Author
via Instagram and F/B 17.7.2023
The text is beautifully lyrical, with moments of onomatopoeia - BOOM BOOM! TOOT TOOT! - and the soothing softly-coloured illustrations are gorgeous, especially the different expressions on the adorable Tug and Ship.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This brilliant book is perfect for reassuring us all, especially little ones, that even when we are apart from loved ones we are still firmly ‘anchored in each other’s hearts’.
Just So Stories
The text is just sensationally expressive... All in all this is a neautiful book which will speak to your young readers and empower them to share their feelings... Highly recommended for readers from around 3 upwards."
The Strawberry Post
"The story is perfect at explaining how much a parent loves a child even though they might have to be away for some time. I remember having strong separation anxiety when I was a child and I would have benefitted from this book which does a good job of explaining how much a parent’s love stays with the child no matter how far or how long apart they are."
NZ Book Lovers
"Combining thoughtful prose and quality illustrations - kids will adore the cute cartoon faces of Tug and Ship - this book is as comforting as a hug from a beloved caregiver. As well as appealing to all children, this book could also specifically be used as a tool to console, rouse resilience and remind an upset child of an unbreakable bond: a child who is anxious about going to kindy or school, a child whose parent has to travel for work, or a child whose parents have separated." Reviewer: Stacey Anyan
Poetry Box
"I love the title of the book, because “anchored’ has so many connotations. I became anchored in the story as I read excellent suggestions to counter the heartache, the separation anxiety, absence can provoke. Both Debra’s writing and Arielle’s illustrations are economical, yet mood and heart rich. This is a treasure of a book."
CanYouTellMeAStory on Instagram April 6th
"This sweet book is one of my favourites so far this year."
Paul's book trail 2023 #48 on Instagram
"One of our favourite new picturebooks for 2023... This is a little gem, a cosy story about the special bonds we share with another. The narrative is perfectly structured, the text balanced with gorgeous artwork by Arielle Li."
Story Links
"It feels like a long time since we’ve seen boats as main characters in a picture book. It’s a useful device, though, allowing a story about separation to unfold gently, without the intensity the same narrative might trigger with human, or even animal, characters."
The Bottom Shelf blog
"At a time when there are many reasons that separation might happen, stories like this help alleviate anxiety and confirm that the parent will return."
Your Kid's Next Read Podcast Ep 95
"Loved and adored... Hit me in the feels...Illustrations are stunning... really spoke to me." Allison Tait
Linda's Book Bag: Three EK Books for Children
"The language in the story is pitched to perfection. There are so many learning opportunities here... I thought Anchored was totally brilliant and cannot recommend it highly enough."
Books and Publishing
"The engaging, emotive language, including onomatopoeia and alliteration, together with the illustrated amiable, anthropomorphic vessels and soft aquatic and primary-coloured water-based shades cleverly connect with both strength and tenderness to signify a sense of courage and pride... deep with heart and humming with energy."
The Times Newspaper UK
(Saturday Review 1.7.2023)
"A comforting picture book about separation and reunion featuring a big ship and a little tug. With airy, atmospheric blue scenes of open see, by day and night, calm and storm, and the message that we carry the thought of loved ones with us when we roam."
Michelle Guzel, Author
via Instagram and F/B 17.7.2023
The text is beautifully lyrical, with moments of onomatopoeia - BOOM BOOM! TOOT TOOT! - and the soothing softly-coloured illustrations are gorgeous, especially the different expressions on the adorable Tug and Ship.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This brilliant book is perfect for reassuring us all, especially little ones, that even when we are apart from loved ones we are still firmly ‘anchored in each other’s hearts’.
Just So Stories
The text is just sensationally expressive... All in all this is a neautiful book which will speak to your young readers and empower them to share their feelings... Highly recommended for readers from around 3 upwards."
The Strawberry Post
"The story is perfect at explaining how much a parent loves a child even though they might have to be away for some time. I remember having strong separation anxiety when I was a child and I would have benefitted from this book which does a good job of explaining how much a parent’s love stays with the child no matter how far or how long apart they are."
NZ Book Lovers
"Combining thoughtful prose and quality illustrations - kids will adore the cute cartoon faces of Tug and Ship - this book is as comforting as a hug from a beloved caregiver. As well as appealing to all children, this book could also specifically be used as a tool to console, rouse resilience and remind an upset child of an unbreakable bond: a child who is anxious about going to kindy or school, a child whose parent has to travel for work, or a child whose parents have separated." Reviewer: Stacey Anyan
Poetry Box
"I love the title of the book, because “anchored’ has so many connotations. I became anchored in the story as I read excellent suggestions to counter the heartache, the separation anxiety, absence can provoke. Both Debra’s writing and Arielle’s illustrations are economical, yet mood and heart rich. This is a treasure of a book."
CanYouTellMeAStory on Instagram April 6th
"This sweet book is one of my favourites so far this year."
Paul's book trail 2023 #48 on Instagram
"One of our favourite new picturebooks for 2023... This is a little gem, a cosy story about the special bonds we share with another. The narrative is perfectly structured, the text balanced with gorgeous artwork by Arielle Li."
Story Links
"It feels like a long time since we’ve seen boats as main characters in a picture book. It’s a useful device, though, allowing a story about separation to unfold gently, without the intensity the same narrative might trigger with human, or even animal, characters."
The Bottom Shelf blog
"At a time when there are many reasons that separation might happen, stories like this help alleviate anxiety and confirm that the parent will return."
Your Kid's Next Read Podcast Ep 95
"Loved and adored... Hit me in the feels...Illustrations are stunning... really spoke to me." Allison Tait
Linda's Book Bag: Three EK Books for Children
"The language in the story is pitched to perfection. There are so many learning opportunities here... I thought Anchored was totally brilliant and cannot recommend it highly enough."
Books and Publishing
"The engaging, emotive language, including onomatopoeia and alliteration, together with the illustrated amiable, anthropomorphic vessels and soft aquatic and primary-coloured water-based shades cleverly connect with both strength and tenderness to signify a sense of courage and pride... deep with heart and humming with energy."