The book will be printing in Italy with strong, bright blues on uncoated paper. Publishing at the same time as Telephone Tales , also illustrated by Valerio Vidali, the award-winning illustrator of The Forest . This doubling up of gorgeous books from Vidali should give him a strong showing in the marketplace. Strong sales potential even at this time with a difficult COVID-market because of the story's strong social/emotional dimension. This is a book for kids about having the blues and how it's okay to be sad and that what we have to offer each other in the way of care is not a solution but acknowledgement and acceptance. There's barely any competition here, since stories that defuse sadness as a frightening emotion to be avoided and work to make it normal and acceptable are far too few. With its large format and strong graphic sensibility, this book has strong gift potential as well. A full, final e-galley is already available.

ELB's promotion will have a strong social media component, with IG LIves with each author and illustrator, a virtual studio visit with the illustrator, and readiness of both author and illustrator to collaborate with indie bookstores over their own social media.