Solitude, quiet, and independence are celebrated in this tender picture book about making friends with silence, perfect for SEL conversations about mindfulness, self-regulation, or alone time.

When her mother leaves the den, Little Fox expects to spend the next few hours by herself. But then she hears a knock at the door—she has a visitor.

At first, Little Fox is scared: Silence is so big and strange. Then they share a snack, and Silence helps her hear her heartbeat, even her own thoughts. Maybe time spent with Silence isn’t so bad after all. Maybe Silence can be her friend.

This allegorical story from Spanish author Núria Figueras was inspired by the first time she stayed home alone as a child—and by her experiences working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young readers will welcome the book as a gentle exploration of solitude and independence.

Illustrated by Spanish artist Anna Font, the original edition of The Visit was selected for the White Ravens list and received the Fundacion Cuatrogatos Award and Compostela International Award. Translated from Catalan by Lawrence Schimel.