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  • Published: 3 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593324882
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $42.00

A Place for Us

  • James Ransome



A poignant wordless picture book about a homeless boy and his mom, by Children's Literature Legacy Award winner James Ransome

A poignant wordless picture book about a homeless boy and his mom, by Children's Literature Legacy Award winner James Ransome

When a little boy's mom picks him up from school, his day seems a lot like any other kid's. He and his mom go out for some fast food and then head to the library. But when they stay there till closing time, and then go to the park, we learn more. Through the lens of Ransome’s evocative illustrations we see that they ate out because they don't have a kitchen to cook in. They went to the library because they don't have a quiet space to do homework. And at night, they settle in to sleep on a bench in a city park because they don't have a home. The next morning, they are awakened by the rising sun, Mom’s bag is full of clean clothes, and there’s a fountain for washing up--and finally they are ready for the walk to school. His classmates may or may not know about his living situation, but what shines throughout the story is the deep love he and his mom have for each other.

  • Published: 3 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593324882
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $42.00

Praise for A Place for Us


PRAISE FOR SONNY ROLLINS PLAYS THE BRIDGE (by Gary Golio):
   * “Ransome’s gorgeous representational art, richly created with watercolor and collage, expands the story beautifully. Together, text and art are a happy exercise in harmony to delight readers’ ears and eyes." —Booklist STAR
   * “Ransome’s illustrations convey character, mood and setting to great effect, matching the spare, effective text with energy and vibrancy that tempt readers to seek out Rollins’ sound. This meditation on music, art, and integrity offers inspiration and food for thought. This loving tribute is a generous introduction to a figure worth knowing.” —Kirkus STAR
   * “An evocative snapshot of a moment in a musician’s life. . . . Vivid watercolor and collage spreads. . . . Ransome doesn’t stint on background scenery; he paints the structure, the buildings below it, and even the traffic along the river with reverence. Up on the bridge, golden bubbles of effervescent sound burst from the bell of Rollins’s instrument as he plays to his heart’s content . . . against the rhythm of trains 'clanking clanging' and 'tugboats/ blowing bass notes.' The creators’ deliberate lines and detailed visuals sing like music themselves as they pay homage to an artist who finds a way to ring out loud and clear.” —PW STAR
   * "Lush watercolor illustrations.” —SLJ STAR
   "Evocative art. In beautiful watercolor and collage he splendidly captures both the vibrant spirit of the city and the luminous persona of the jazzman." —Horn Book