All of a Sudden and Forever Format: Library Bound

A profoundly moving nonfiction picture book about tragedy, hope, and healing from award-winning author Chris Barton.

Sometimes bad things happen, and you have to tell everyone. Sometimes terrible things happen, and everybody knows. On April 19, 1995, something terrible happened in Oklahoma City: a bomb exploded, and people were hurt and killed. But that was not the end of the story.

Those who survived―and those who were forever changed―shared their stories and began to heal. Near the site of the bomb blast, an American elm tree began to heal as well. People took care of the tree just as they took care of each other. The tree and its seedlings now offer solace to people around the world grappling with tragedy and loss.

Released to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, this book commemorates what was lost and offers hope for the future.

"[A] sensitively written and thoughtfully illustrated resource."―starred, School Library Journal

"An affecting story of loss . . ."―starred, Kirkus Reviews

Chris Barton is the author of acclaimed nonfiction picture books including Dazzle Ships, Whoosh!, and What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?. His books have won several awards including a Sibert Honor for The Day-Glo Brothers and an Orbis Pictus Recommended for All of a Sudden and Forever. Chris lives in Austin, Texas, with his family.

Nicole Xu is an artist who was born in Shanghai, grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and is now based in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in illustration and has worked with numerous magazine and publishing clients. Her work often explores themes of loss, healing, and empathy. Her debut picture book, All of A Sudden and Forever, Help and Healing after the Oklahoma City Bombing, written by Chris Barton, received two starred reviews and was an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book.