Sebastian's Roller Skates by Joan de Dé Prats is one of my favorite picture books. “Sebastian didn't talk very much, even though he had a lot to say.” Sabastian is a young boy who would like to talk with his neighbors, share his knowledge of geography, defend his preference for a haircut, and talk to a girl in class. But he just “couldn't seem to say anything”. His personal transformation over the course of the story is insightful and inspiring. Francesc Rovira’s illustrations reveal Sebastian’s personal growth in clever and entertaining ways.
One day, Sebastian discovers a pair of old roller skates left on a park bench. He tries them on and “Whammmm! Right on his rear end!” The next day, he tries again, and the next day and the next. He moves slowly, taking tiny steps and grabbing on to anything that will help him stay on his feet. He’s making slow and steady progress when, suddenly, Sabastian is literally pulled into a feeling of joy and empowerment that changes his life.
This book is read aloud online by Purple Pebble.
My Picture Book Talk lesson for this story is here.
