Nobody But Me
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected Jul 7, 2026
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- $12.99
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- Pre-Order
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
A young child journeys toward independence in this award-winning picture book, "visual narrative of the highest level."*
With richly evocative art by a two-time winner of NY Times’ Best Illustrated Books, here is a story of separation and return.
After a young boy unties the knot anchoring his small boat near his mother, he slips away from her on a gentle tide, floating off on a quiet and peaceful journey through town, jungle, and city. When he floats back to the beach—was it a few hours? a few minutes?—his mother is there at the water's edge right where he left her. Perhaps it was a dream? And yet he has returned from his solo adventure with a gift pressed into his palm, a tiny seed that when planted will grow on its own.
Separation from a parent, whether for a long period or just a few minutes, can fill a child with anxiety, but at other times that same child may long to do things on their own. Using gouache, collage and watercolor, Lundberg's stunning illustrations in Nobody But Me convey both the child’s agency and the unbreakable bond with his mother. Here is a story that will bring joy to young and old readers alike. 4-7 years.
"The author invite us to witness the magic of a perfect childhood [story].”**
*August Prize jury
**Special Mention Bologna Ragazzi Awards 2025, Fiction
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
During a watery outdoor outing, a child embarks on a captivating adventure in Lundberg's richly illustrated evocation of early independence. Realistic-feeling dialogue sets the tone: "Do you know what, Mom?... You're the pier. And I'm the boat." After proudly untying the knot that tethers a small raft to a dock's piling, the pale-skinned youth floats away from their mother as storytelling turns wordless. Lush, thickly colored paintings trace the protagonist's journey through a stand of mangroves to an active urban waterway to a water park where another child gives them a seed. Moving on to a forest, their raft capsizes, but a group of leaf-clad, sprite-like creatures who have appeared throughout provide help and warming comfort. Slightly shaken,the youth returns to Mom for a reassuring embrace, and the pair reflect on when the child's seed might sprout. Unfolding via panels and full-bleed spreads, shadowy and dreamy artwork yields a meditative visual telling about solo exploration. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–7.
