Imagine the words your grandmother might say if she wrote you a letter. Perhaps she would encourage you to embrace the rain, or shine your light for all to see. Perhaps she would remind you to take up space and choose your path, knowing that whichever path you take will be the right one because it’s yours. Perhaps she would tell you you are loved. Perhaps she would start the letter, “Dearest One”.
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Arielle Dance, PhD, is a Black queer advocate for invisible illnesses, currently residing in New Jersey. Through her writing and advocacy, Arielle helps promote disability visibility, recognize inclusive family structures, and navigate grief and loss.
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After working in schools and museums, Jenny picked up her sketchbooks and followed her dream. She has an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art and has participated twice in the Bologna Ragazzi Illustrators' Exhibition, Italy.
Dearest One Book Trailer | Written by Arielle Dance & Illustrated by Jenny Duke
“This is the love letter I needed to read as a child! Dearest One is the perfect book for readers of any age who long to connect with that cherished loved one they miss so deeply. Arielle Dance’s text reminds us to cherish the words of wisdom shared by our ancestors, while Jenny Duke’s illustrations carry us through the adventures we hold tightly in our memories. Dearest One is a must-have on every bookshelf across generations and cultures.”
-Brittany Inge, Actor & Activist
“I absolutely loved Dearest One. It filled me with hope, love and joy; Arielle Dance is just fabulous with words. Jam-packed full of joyous life-affirming wisdom passed down from generations, the refreshing story helps children navigate life, use fearless imagination, dare for more, find their magic and their most authentic selves."
-Esther Molyneux, Mother Works Hard
“Dearest One is one of the loveliest books I have read this year. Each page has a thoughtful message that will inspire and mean something to a reader of any age.”
-Books Up North
“With overwhelming messages of kindness, love and truth this love letter is joyous, thought-provoking and wonderful.”
-Just Imagine
