Drawn Inward

In this emotionally impactful pantoum picture book from Daniel Nayeri and Matt Rockefeller, a young boy’s father helps him navigate his larger-than-life feelings by engaging his five senses.

A fury of feelings.

A boy lost in hurt.

A father always there for him.

When a young boy is asked to clean his room, fear, sadness, shame, confusion, and anger overwhelm him, transforming his house into an unfamiliar maze where monsters lurk. To find his way, he’ll need to engage his five senses. Thankfully, his father is there to guide him.

Beautifully illustrated and masterfully written as a cyclical poetic form called a pantoum, Drawn Inward explores the complexities of anxiety and how—through the love and support of those around us—we can find the strength to move forward with hope, clarity, and peace.

Daniel Nayeri is the author of Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story), winner of the Printz Award, and The Many Assassinations of Samir, The Seller of Dreams, winner of the Newbery Honor and The Teacher of Nomad Land, winner of the National Book Award and the Newbery Honor.

Matt Rockefeller is a visual storyteller inspired by adventuring in the mountains, interpretive dancing with friends, and pondering the many wonders of the universe. In addition to drawing and writing comics, he creates artwork for TV and film animation. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his family including a little dog that may or may not be a fox.