Sylvie

Perched on a shimmering strand beneath a damp, shadowy fire escape, Sylvie keeps a careful eye on the residents of the building above. Her spot is uncomfortably close to the dumpster, but as long as she stays out of sight, it suits her well.

Her charges include a painter, an elegant lady of good manners, a fellow with a scheme, and a young girl whose tortoise is remarkably fearless. Day and night, Sylvie works to keep everything exactly as it should be. Lately, though, something seems to be missing from their lives. She wants to help, yet she has never let herself be seen, and not everyone in the building is comfortable with a spider who draws attention to herself.

When Sylvie comes up with a bold idea that could set things not just in order but truly right, she has to decide whether to find her nerve and step into the light. The story comes from the author-illustrator behind Truman, in a picture book for young readers.