Touch the Sky

Illustrated by Chris Park

A story for every child on the cusp of learning something new who just needs an extra push to get there.

Vern longed to be one of the kids who swooped until their toes touched the sky. He heads to the swings and desperately tries to pump his legs, but he just can't get it.

A chance encounter with precocious (and hilarious) Gretchen gives him just what he needs to know, and he finally learns to soar.

Praise for TOUCH THE SKY:

"... legitimately one of my favorites of the year ... Humor and heart. Beautiful art and a smart text. A familiar concept but unfamiliar in a picture book until now. Memorable writing ... It has accessed, by whatever means, the magic required to make a title go from merely good to great." —Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

"Throughout, Lucianovic demonstrates a keen, child-friendly understanding of what it’s like to master a new skill: “It feels hard until you get it, and then it’s not.” [Park's} energetic, loosely drawn mixed-media illustrations zing with color ... It’s swing, hit, and no miss with this rip-roaring charmer." —starred, Kirkus Reviews

"Readers of all ages will relate to Vern's experience of mastering something new, all the stops and starts included. Lucianovic's vigorous text captures the joy of soaring high into the sky on a swing . . . Park's illustrations are magnetic, drawing viewers' eyes to each page."―Horn Book Magazine

"This lovely, dynamic picture book would be an excellent choice for libraries needing stories about the path of learning, step by step, the small joys along the way, and sharing in that joy with others."―School Library Journal

Booklist Editor's Choice
A Kirkus Best Picture Book
NPR Best Books of the Year
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids
ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book 2025
Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title 2025
2026 Star of the North Award Nominee

Picture Book

May 7, 2024

Carolrhoda Books/Lerner

Cover art by Chris D. Park

Book and cover design by Danielle Carnito