There’s nothing on the planet quite so sublime as a giggling child — I mean a child seriously, painfully, uncontrollably giggling to the point of tears. There’s nothing like it. And yet, there are few things more awe-inspiring than a quiet child whose silence isn’t vacant. You must know the child I mean– the one who stares out the window, not dazed, but in silent dialogue with the world outside.
There’s a new children’s picture book out and it is wonderful. It’s all about quietude. All about the different kinds of quiet. And, oh, there are so many different kinds.
There’s “last one to get picked up from school quiet” and “first look at your new hairstyle quiet” and “thinking of a good reason you were drawing on the wall quiet” and “first snowfall quiet” and… many others you really should learn about from this book.
The Quiet Book written by Deborah Underwood, with perfect illustrations by Renata Liwska.
Your little ones, and even (or perhaps, especially,) you will love this book and it will give you so much to ponder and recognize with joy for many years to come. That’s my quiet promise.
-Aida
The Other Day at Portrait... 
Where was this book when mine were little. So charming. And now even the grandchildren are too old for it.