H.O.T Media Mentions
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KIRKUS REVIEWS
October 22, 2020
"A lovely, reassuring tale for children set during and after the Covid-19 pandemic."
NEWPORT MESA
September 23, 2020
"I recently had the opportunity to chat with the creators behind The Safe Return, a children’s picture book for kids aged 2-8 that features kids wearing masks. This book was developed to help normalize mask wearing for children during the pandemic, and through a fast-paced, mask-wearing biking adventure, provides an example of a safe return to fun. A first-of-its-kind, two-sided book, The Safe Return flips to show the story with face masks on or face masks off so when the pandemic is over, it can remain in kids’ collections with a mask-off version. The Safe Return has been listed as the #1 New Release in Children’s Disaster Preparedness and will resonate with children and adults alike.
"Here’s what authors Arwen and Ashley told me about how the idea came together, and what it meant to have famed illustrator Abigail bring the story to life:"
GREENWICH TIMES
September 24, 2020
"Old Greenwich author ‘normalizes’ masks in new children’s book"
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"[T]he picture book serves as a good reminder to treat such emissions as normal occurrences that are part of having—and loving—a body."
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READERS' FAVORITE REVIEW
September 11, 2020
The Safe Return by Ashley Wheelock and Arwen Evans, illustrated by Abigail Gray Swartz, takes the reader on a fast-paced and exhilarating bike ride while capturing the happy and resilient nature of children. This children’s book can be read in two ways; with everyone in the story wearing a face mask as during the Covid-19 crisis, and a second version for when the crisis is resolved, without face masks being worn. No special emphasis is placed on the fact that everyone is wearing a mask, which will help to normalize this situation for children. In the story, a father takes his daughter and a few of her friends on a bike ride through their neighborhood. Along the way, the children encounter a few ups and downs, but they always rally and help one another.
The Safe Return by Ashley Wheelock and Arwen Evans is an enjoyable and important story for the times we are living in. The children in this story are focused on the joy of being outside riding their bikes, even if a mask must be worn. Warm and colorful illustrations throughout the book add to the upbeat tone of this story. The delight and freedom the children express while on a simple bike ride send a positive and encouraging message to children that there are good times to be had and that we will all get through this difficult time together. As people all over the world try to safely re-engage in activities, this book shows children enjoying themselves and making the best of a challenging situation.
