Lest you scoff at my predilection for elementary-level reading (the book is rated for ages four to eight), I beg you to look past the pastel illustrations and sing-songy cadence of the writing and see this book for what it is: a beautiful script about parenthood, a poignant parable about life and death, a testimony to when the roles of child and parent become blurry.

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Pond is about to read a book to her students at Francis Scott Elementary in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.

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When I first started the book, I admittedly thought it may be a bit elementary.

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