There are too many of them. They are always chatting and want to smother her with attention.
It's all too much, so Leyla decides to run away.
It's away from home, where she makes a new friend, a lizard, who spends much of his time alone in the desert. And it's from lizard that Leyla learns about the joy of doing nothing.
Leyla is able to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the gentle sounds of nature, meditating in near isolation, with a little guidance from lizard.
After spending some time by herself, Leyla is ready to rejoin her family and share the story of her experiences.
Leyla is a sweet and appealing character. Her need for peace and quiet may perhaps seem like an adult one, but it is something children will also understand.
Author and illustrator Galia Bernstein uses Leyla's story to explore how some people need time and space to themselves to rejuvenate and re-energise.
The illustrations have been created digitally and are filled with character -- all the baboons in Leyla's family are unique, and display a range of emotions.
Leyla is a lovely reminder that taking time for yourself can be important and explains a simple way to do that.
Title: Leyla
Author/illustrator: Galia Bernstein
Publisher: Abrams, $24.99
Publication Date: May 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781419735431
For ages: 4 -- 6
Type: Picture book
