Maia is a curious girl, with lots of questions that she asks anyone who will listen. Behind Maia's house is a peculiar stone wall. As Maia grows older, she notices that the wall grows too. While the wall gets higher and higher, Maia grows shyer and shyer. Before long, she is afraid to ask her questions out loud, and the thing she wants to know the most is, "What's on the other side of that wall?" Maia tries all kinds of ways to get to the top, but none of them seem to work. Finally, she summons the courage to speak up, and a most surprising thing happens-she gets an answer! By using her voice, and with help from others, Maia gets to the top of the wall, and a whole new world opens up!
Brian has been writing professionally since 2003, when he was awarded the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting. Brian is also the author of Max’s Box and Unraveling Rose, the 2017 Foreword INDIES Gold Winner for Picture Books, Early Reader. Shiloh’s previous work includes Boy Zero for Caliber Comics, a guest artist spot on Red Knight published by Dead West Comics, and independent projects. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her calico cat, Maki, who maintains quality control and ensures all pages are delivered on time.
"The story holds a message about STEAM habits of mind, and maintaining ones curiosity. The illustrations are rendered in slightly muted tones, until they deepen and brighten as Maia climbs the wall and expands her worldview. Penfield plays adeptly with composition and perspective, especially when it comes to the wall. A particularly compelling image shows Maia standing on the wall, watching the blue clouds lift over two sparkling cities on either side. Maias story shines through and presents a positive message of holding on to ones curiosity and passion." -- School Library Journal
"As a behavioral pediatrician and a book lover, I love finding books that help spark open dialogue between children and parents or children and educators. This third book by Brian Wray is so sweet, imaginative and gentle. The whimsical illustrations captivate young readers and will help to draw them into this story." -- Dr. Nerissa Bauer, Let's Talk Kids Health
"Author Brian Wray handles emotions in such a positive and tangible way for our little readers. He never casts any inkling of shame for very real emotions experienced and actually tends to respect them while providing ways to deal with them. I can not recommend this picture book, along with his others, more highly." -- bedtime.stories.forevermore
"excellent illustrations, carefully written text and a meaningful message. All around this hits every point" -- Children's_Bookshelf
"What an adventure MAIA AND THE VERY TALL WALL by [Brian Wray] is! Its about a little girl who learns how important it is to never stop asking questions, never stop pushing her boundaries and perceived limitations, and its written in such an imaginative way... I would love to add this little gem to my personal collection." -- Nanny Jane
