Nova's First Skate: a Winter Story About Courage, One Wobbly Step at Time

Nova clings to the snowbank, ankles wobbly, sure that one push will send her tumbling. All around her on the frozen pond, everyone else glides and laughs, even her big sister Jamila, showing off backward circles with ease. Then Grandpa skates over, holds out both his mittened hands, and skates backward so Nova can find her feet facing him. Step by wobbly step, push by push, fall by soft fall, Nova's legs start to remember what her skates are for, until the moment Grandpa finally lets go, and she glides free across the ice all on her own.A joyful, tender picture book about learning something new and a little scary, and about the people who hold your hands until you are ready to let go. Written for ages 4 to 8, it's a warm read-aloud for any child working up the courage to try, and for the grandparents, parents, and siblings who cheer them on.