Where Is Charlotte? captures the game of Hide-and-Seek as played by a feisty and fun little fireball. Drawing on the classic children’s tune, “Frère Jacques,” adults and children read and sing together, bringing to life a young girl not afraid to say, “No.” Our little trickster has an authentic and assertive voice (perhaps a tad cheeky) and a playfully sassy non-verbal style. Charlotte bravely goes from familiar inside hiding places to “climbing trees” and “riding a breeze.”
A young reader is empowered by an increasingly brave and imaginative child navigating her own personal energy and space. And, with the changing of Charlotte’s image throughout the story, a wide variety of children (and adults) will see themselves in the book’s diversity. Charlotte’s escapade will inspire authenticity, self-assurance, and a sense of adventure, along with loving, “bear hug” connection, in children of all ages. Finally, Where Is Charlotte? animates the author’s playfully-affirming mantra: To be your fullest self without being (too) full of yourself!
Where Is Charlotte? Or Where Is ____?
by Mark Gorkin, “The Stress Doc” ™
Archway Publishing
book review by Joslyn Vann
“Even though you’re bigger, I’ll ROAR like a tiger.”
In a fun and exciting game of hide and seek with her parents, Charlotte explores a variety of hiding places like closets, corners, and pillow caves. Her adventurous personality and vivid imagination conjure ideas of climbing big trees, floating on a breeze, peeking from behind willows, and transforming into a beautiful garden flower. When she’s ready to be found, Charlotte jumps out and joyously declares, “Here I am!” She shouts, “Boo!” and likens her powerful voice to the roar of a mighty tiger, the howling of a majestic wolf, or the growling of a huge bear. Charlotte follows this display of ferocity with a bear hug, which shows that her love is as ferocious as her independence and personality.
Licensed clinical social worker and acclaimed psychotherapist Gorkin combines poetry, a fun children’s game, and a familiar nursery rhyme to write this children’s story/songbook. Intended to be sung by children and parents together, this creative tale is the story of a feisty, adventurous, and imaginative girl named Charlotte whose parents give her the freedom to express herself and let her true personality shine through. Charlotte’s independence and energy burst off the page, inspiring readers of all ages to embrace the fun and joy life offers.
Vividly colorful illustrations depict diverse appearances of the characters throughout the book so that readers can see themselves in Charlotte and her parents. The author encourages parents to customize the song and illustrations to personalize the experience for young readers further. The story also demonstrates how parental support and acceptance produce loving parent-child relationships. The book concludes with a thought-provoking “Reflection and Engagement Guide,” which challenges parents to reconsider traditional parenting techniques and mindsets. Gorkin delivers a delightful children’s story packed with meaningful lessons and themes.
