Griffin Silk is the youngest boy in an unusual family, and that makes it extraordinarily difficult to blend into his new school. He is teased and tormented, but that is not the only burden he bears. He is only just coming to love his new baby sister, the baby girl without a name, when his mother goes away, taking the baby. It is only when his new friend Layla suggests that he invite his mother home to a naming party that the family begins to heal from their sadness and Griffin realizes that he has uncommon courage and the heart of a lion. 2010 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards (Shortlist), Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards Honor Book. djg

Originally published by ABC Books Australia, in 2003.

Griffin Silk is an uncommon boy, from an uncommon sort of family—but lately Griffin isn’t so sure that’s a good thing. If he were an ordinary boy, he wouldn’t have to worry about the secret in his heart and maybe he would understand why his mother and baby sister have gone away. When Griffin starts school and meets the spirited Princess Layla, a once-in-lifetime friend who can heal souls, the answers to his questions gently start to unfold. And just like the mythical beast whose name he bears, Griffin discovers that he has uncommon courage and the heart of a lion.

Sweet black-and-white illustrations enrich this heartwarming story about love, loss, friendship, and the importance of family.