PRO CONNECT
Daniel Quat
Katherine Davis-Gibbon is a yoga teacher, author, and mother of two. Her debut book, My Old Friend, Then, was named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 Independent Press Awards, a Finalist in the 2022 American Book Festival's Best Book Awards, and a Distinguished Favorite in the 2022 New York City Big Book Awards.
“A philosophical, kid-friendly take on the rewards of being present.”
– Kirkus Reviews
A girl explores her relationships with the past and the present in Davis-Gibbon’s picture book.
A kid introduces readers to a faceless figure named Then, an “old friend” whom she has known “as long as I can remember.” Then is gray and shadowy and has the same shape as the unnamed main character. The youngster, who is White, recounts her times with Then, who is very demanding, has an active imagination, and can be a braggart. When Then’s presence impacts her ability to pay attention to others and enjoy her favorite things, she makes a new friend named Now, a girl-shaped being with a colorful paint-splotched appearance. Now is supportive, caring, and fun. She also accepts the girl’s ongoing relationship with Then. The girl explains how Then “is the perfect friend” when “I feel like a story,” which Now also embraces because she “likes stories” as well. Ostensibly, this indicates a healthy ability to revisit the past without letting it overshadow the present. Davis-Gibbon’s creative personifications of the past and the present here will enable readers to reflect on how “Then” and “Now” impact their own lives. The protagonist’s constructive realizations underscore the importance of integrating our past and present selves. Daigle’s lively illustrations depict Then and Now throughout the girl’s life. Settings, evocatively portrayed, include outdoor locations with sun-dappled skies, mountains, and waters with splashes of color and texture.
A philosophical, kid-friendly take on the rewards of being present.
Pub Date: Nov. 29, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-73795-760-7
Page count: 40pp
Publisher: Riverlet Press LLC
Review Posted Online: Oct. 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2022
Day job
Yoga teacher, author, and mother of two
Favorite author
Annie Dillard
Favorite book
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Favorite line from a book
"All we can talk about is what is on this side of transcendence. The problem is to open the words, to open the images so that they point past themselves." -- Joseph Campbell
Favorite word
Hope
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Passion in life
Learning
Unexpected skill or talent
I don't actually sleep
MY OLD FRIEND, THEN: Distinguished Favorite Independent Press Awards, 2023
MY OLD FRIEND, THEN: American Best Book Festival Best Book Awards Finalist, 2022
MY OLD FRIEND, THEN: Distinguished Favorite New York City Big Book Awards, 2022
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.