The Old Man
Age 5+
Picture Storybooks
The Old Man is a book that matters. Behind its dark topic, it’s a bright book—about children’s non prejudices, generosity, honesty and about hopefulness—that children and adults will love.
Day breaks over the town. Wake up, everybody! It’s time to go to school. It’s time for the old man to get up, too. The night was icy and he’s hungry. His name? He no longer knows…
This is the story of a person with no job, no family, no home—a nobody, who can’t even remember his name. But his day changes when he is noticed by a child.
Drawn in soft, watercolour pencil, this is an important story for our times. This gentle, compelling book will appeal to children’s sense of justice and to every reader’s compassion.
Creators
Sarah V. was born in Belgium in 1985. Her parents were artists and she spent her childhood surrounded by books. This book grew from her work with homeless people.
Claude K. Dubois was born in Belgium. She has published nearly eighty children’s books for which she has received several awards. She is also a sculptor and painter.
Reviews
This is an extraordinary book, one that can make the needed connection for young children to see human beings as more than their circumstances.
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Young readers will be empowered. A brave, sensitive book.
Children's Books Ireland
A picture book treasure.
The Listener, 50 Best Kids Books 2018
