Tali and the Toucan

Follow Tali in this heartening tale where children are encouraged to face their fears and embrace bravery with wide-spread wings. "Using magical realism and dreams, this lovely picture book shows how the main character Tali gains courage to try the things she has been too afraid to attempt." —School Library Journal "Validates children's fears before gently encouraging them to face them." —Foreword Reviews Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco, Tali and the Toucan follows a young girl whose fears hold her back from joining other kids as they tumble, swing, and play across the city—from the neighborhood park to the gymnastics studio and the aikido dojo. At night, however, Tali can soar freely in her dreams—until one evening, a surprise guest swoops into her imagination and inspires her to turn those dreams into reality. With lush, captivating illustrations that evoke the charm of San Francisco's landscapes and Tali's vivid inner world, Tali and the Toucan speaks to every child (or parent) whose worries stand between them and their dreams—whether that's trying a new sport, making a friend, or conquering the jungle gym.

Mira Z. Amiras is an anthropologist, author, and award-winning filmmaker. She received her Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and is Professor Emerita of Comparative Religion and Middle East Studies at San Jose State University. Mira lives in San Francisco with her family. Multi-award-winning illustration team Chantelle and Burgen Thorne are eclectic bookworms who delight in the magic of stories. Quick-draw, deft wielders of the digital brush, they have many titles out in the world. Now they're going ultra-edgy and working on their first author-illustrated picture book as well as a graphic novel-whoo-hoo!! They live in the countryside with their two girly dogs.