My Story Friend

There is the person who tells the story. This is the storyteller. And there is the person who listens to the story. This is the story friend.

As a child treks across the land in search of someone to tell his sad story to, he meets a gruff mountain man who can’t stand unhappy stories, a too busy to be bothered farmer, and finally, the old woman who tells stories herself, who is willing to listen. The act of telling the story leads the child to look at the other side and make what was dark lighter and full of hope and positivity.

The true potency of needing to express one’s unhappiness and the power of having someone else listen and help is a strong message for young readers. Like a favorite teacher or mentor, they may not be around forever, just for a short but meaningful time.

Kalli Dakos is a children’s poet and educator. She visits schools across the United States and Canada to encourage children and teachers to write about their own lives.

She has written many collections of school poems that include six ILA/CBC Children’s Choice selections, such as If You’re Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand.

She lives in Ottawa, Canada, and has an office in Ogdensburg, NY. Visit her onlineopens in new window.

Dream Chen received her BFA in animation at Communication University of China and her MFA in visual art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

She is from China. Visit her on Facebookopens in new window, Instagramopens in new window, and Twitteropens in new window.

Chen’s mixed-media illustrations include elements of chalk, watercolor, and pastels, using fanciful clothing and setting details to contribute to the tale’s folkloric feel. The boy learns that talking about something hard can soften the experience and maybe even help him cope, and Dakos’ universal story could help children facing varying problems consider how to move forward or how to help someone else.
—Booklist

The illustrations are haunting, a surprising combination of line drawings and painterly backgrounds. They look like chalk pictures, if chalk could draw on the water or the night sky… With the right listener, every story feels urgent. This book makes every reader a listener.
—Kirkus Reviews

Fall 2026 showcase – The Wisdom of Elders
—Children's Book Council

My Story Friend: Interview with the Author (PDF, 343KB)opens in new window
Magination Press interviewed Ms. Dakos about creating this beautiful picture book.