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Table of Contents
About The Book
A young girl looks out on the world from her favorite chair in this “quiet meditation on the sweet delight of simply observing the changing world” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) by award-winning poet and New York Times bestselling author Rio Cortez.
In the morning, a young child opens her eyes, and, after one biiiiig streeeeetch, heads straight for her favorite place in the house: the blue velvet chair. Perched from the chair set by the living room window, the child daydreams about each season of the year and the changes that come with them. A now-snowy roof was once pelted by the slick rain of spring showers. Icy windows will once again transform into conveyors of sunshine and warmth against her skin.
And just as the seasons change, the child will continue to change too. But one thing will always remain the same: the coziness of the blue velvet chair.
In the morning, a young child opens her eyes, and, after one biiiiig streeeeetch, heads straight for her favorite place in the house: the blue velvet chair. Perched from the chair set by the living room window, the child daydreams about each season of the year and the changes that come with them. A now-snowy roof was once pelted by the slick rain of spring showers. Icy windows will once again transform into conveyors of sunshine and warmth against her skin.
And just as the seasons change, the child will continue to change too. But one thing will always remain the same: the coziness of the blue velvet chair.
About The Author
N/A
Rio Cortez is the New York Times bestselling author of picture book The ABCs of Black History and adult poetry collection Golden Ax, which was longlisted for the 2022 National Book Award in poetry and the PEN Open Book Award. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, she now lives, writes, and works in Harlem, New York.
About The Illustrator
Aaron Marin has worn many hats in the past, holding positions as an officer in the Navy, a classically trained chef, and a summer camp baker. More recently, he returned to his childhood passion of illustration and now works as an illustrator and editorial artist in upstate New York. When not doodling new ideas, he likes to read a good book in a big comfy chair. See more of his work at Aaron-Marin.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (August 28, 2025)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665912594
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
"The Blue Velvet Chair offers an excellent excuse to snuggle up with a loved one for storytime or some world-watching. Discover: The Blue Velvet Chair offers a poetic rumination on the world outside a child's window, from the familiar comfort of a favorite chair."
– Shelf Awareness
"The book hits the perfect note of familiarity and wonder... Viewers will delight in the little girl’s perspective and pointing out what they see, making for a perfect lapsit in a comfy chair with their own grown-up."
– BCCB
"A gentle look at constant change narrated from a comfortingly anchored place."
– Publishers Weekly
"A quiet meditation on the sweet delight of simply observing the changing world."
– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
Resources and Downloads
Activity Sheets
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Blue Velvet Chair
Hardcover 9781665912594
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Author Photo (jpg): Rio Cortez N/A(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
