Welcome to Jordan Creek

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

Release Date: February 2009

Print ISBN: 978-1-935137-56-6

ebook ISBN: 978-1-935137-57-3

DVD ISBN: 1-935137-58-1

A Talent for Quiet is a fiction picture book illustrated with stunning photography. It includes several pages of tips for kids to take better pictures.

Reanie is a shy girl. She has a new step-dad whose shoulders seem to fill their small house. Afraid to disappoint him, she retreats to her room whenever Bill asks her to play. But when he invites her on a photo safari in the creek, Reanie can’t resist. As the father and daughter splash through the water, they encounter many creatures. Bill teaches Reanie how to handle a camera, and her new step-dad doesn’t seem so strange anymore.

Illustrated with Kim Chatel’s photography, this is more than a story. It is a journey with Reanie as she finds her voice and her artistic talent. The back of the book includes 4 nonfiction pages about photography: a glossary of terms, tips on taking better pictures and historical tidbits about photography.

EXCERPT

Bill took out their breakfast and they ate quietly. They scattered muffin crumbs on the water and watched some ducks gobble them down. Bill showed Reanie all the buttons on her camera. The shutter button was the one that took the picture. It made a loud click when she pressed it. There was also a rewind button for the film, and a dial that opened and closed the lens.

“That lets in extra light,” said Bill. “Now look inside. Do you see that needle swaying back and forth?” Reanie looked inside the camera. She saw the river and the rocks, and to the left of the frame, a little black needle.

“See how the needle goes up and down when I turn the dial?” Reanie nodded. “Well, you want the needle in the middle. That means there is enough light getting to the film. So you go ahead and turn the dial until it’s just right.”

The camera was awkward and heavy. Reanie could have used an extra hand to hold it still and turn the dial all at the same time. But she did it. The needle was in the middle.

Just then, a duck landed with a splash right in front of her. Reanie snapped the shutter button.

“I did it!” she cried. “I did it! I took a picture!”

At the sound of her voice, the duck flew away. Bill smiled.

Signed copies available in the Book Store

New Review for “A Talent For Quiet”

Chatel is not just an excellent and versatile writer, she's a creative artist too. Her photography provides the illustrations for the book, and in back, there's a guide to encourage kids to develop their own camera skills. Of course it's not a definitive guide, there isn't the space. But these tips from an experienced photographer help kids get the most out of what may well become a fascinating hobby. Thus the book does double duty as a story to enjoy, and a resource for budding photographers.

The story is about Reanie. Reanie isn't one of those in-your-face, bounce-a-ball, exuberant kids. She's quiet, shy, and not too sure how she feels about her new step-father, Bill. When Bill takes Reanie on a photo safari one morning, he asks her if she can be quiet enough not to scare birds away. While Reanie doubts her own abilities, she's pretty sure she has a talent for quiet. And so she does. Reanie leads the reader along the river's edge, spying geese, frogs, crawfish and the elusive grey heron, while exploring her new-found talent.

A Talent For Quiet isn't a noisy, in your face book. It's a gentle story about a very real child coming to terms with her new life. If you have a quiet child, you'll certainly appreciate the message I perceived: noisy or quiet, we all have talents, and they can be found in unexpected places. If your son or daughter is looking for a hobby, this book could be a great introduction to the wonderful world of photography. If you're looking for a story that explores real relationships, and the caring dynamic between a step-parent and a child, seek this one out.

To me, the book is a celebration of natural beauty, and the art form that captures it with a camera. Chatel's writing is skilled, understated, and expertly leads the reader on a special journey - toward the discovery of a unique talent, in a quiet place.

Reviewed by Susan Stephenson

The Book Chook

Newest Reviews

Terri Forehand says: “This story is heartwarming and shows that children can have wonderful relationships with good and kind step-parents. These relationships can help the child to develop new interests, hobbies, and self-confidence. READ MORE...

From The Book Connection: “Chatel has a way with words that truly engages young readers and makes them want to keep turning the pages...A Talent for Quiet is destined to win awards!”