Sidewalk Chalk

By Jen Fier Jasinski

Book Overview

A 2026-2027 PA Keystone to Reading Book Award Nominee (Preschool list)
A 2026 CLEL Bell Award Shortlist Nominee

"Thought-provoking, colorful, and awash with playful sounds." Kirkus.

Imaginations soar when a group of neighborhood children scritch, scribble and scrawl in a rainbow of colors, crafting lovely works of art. But one little girl watches from afar, unsure how to contribute her own colorful creations. After gathering her courage, she misses the chance to grab the last piece, until a familiar face shows her how to draw with nature's chalk - a soft piece of rock. But then raindrops begin to fall and time is cut short, causing the lovely colors to fade into memories. In the morning, a new day begins, and the girl leads the way in welcoming a new friend to this creative community.

SIDEWALK CHALK combines spare text with gorgeous illustrations in a story that is bound to delight readers of all ages. Using soft, but vibrant colors, the illustrations complement themes of inclusion, friendship, and determination. It's a perfect fit for elementary art teachers, librarians, community centers, and snuggle times at home.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1957655550
• ISBN13: 9781957655550
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.6" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 6 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 1

Customer Reviews

Fun!

With a bucket of chalk, everyone draws and the neighborhood is made beautiful before and after it rains. A fun book filled with simple words and drawings. The illustrations by Lea Marie Ravotti are simple, colorful, and fun. Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room or your local public library! Pub Date Sep 23, 2025 I requested and received a temporary uncorrected galley proof from Gnome Road Publishing via NetGalley. ***** review #goodreads #storygraph #NetGalley #librarything @waterstones #NetGalley #SidewalkChalk by @jenfierjasinski and illustrated by @leamarieravotti @gnomeroadpublishing #KidsBookstagram #kidlit #RaiseAReader #childrensbookillustration #fun @childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @indigo #picturebooks #kidsbooks #drawingwithchalk