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Two kind words and a smile

Kalendis Publications
Illustrated by Emilia Konteu
Some people in the world live alone because they love silence
and others because their loved ones went away.
Some people came alone from faraway places
and others live alone on the street, in the cold and the rain. 
If you follow them in the pages of this story, you will find how their different
paths become one and their loneliness flies away.

A book about loneliness and the power of giving. 

  • Golden List of Elniplex 2021.
  • Shortlisted for the Cyprus national literature award for young children (2021).

Reviews:

“Marina Michaelidou-Kadi chooses a difficult subject, that of loneliness, and develops it with tenderness, lyricism, and empathy, shining light on all of its dimensions. She collaborates beautifully with illustrator Emilia Konteu, whose drawings complement the text perfectly. Thus, two parallel, intertwined, complementary narratives appear and function as a harmonious whole.” Apostolos Pappos, “Elniplex”

“A poem… this is how I would describe Marina Kadi’s new book Two kind words and a smile’. Now that our loneliness shuts us in our shells, now that our sociability is diminishing, now that our mental resilience is being severely tested, now is the time to reach out… A smile reflected in our eyes and two kind words can make a difference. Perhaps the time has come to focus on the essentials of life, the ones that are beautifully presented in this book.” Angeliki Halkiopoulou, education consultant / educator

“With simple writing, the story focuses on the issue of loneliness and situations that are all too familiar. A beautiful message, optimistic and tender, like the atmospheric drawings of Emilia Konteu.” Maria Rousakis, “The Magical World of Children’s Books”

“A beautiful book that talks about loneliness that exists in people’s lives, either by choice or due to circumstances. A difficult but timely subject, expressed with honesty, maturity, and incredible tenderness.” Radio show “10 more minutes”, ERT

The creative duo Michaelidou-Konteu created a small masterpiece, a tender text accompanied by the most beautiful illustration, which can have the same effect οn a child as well as an adult reader. . . . This book is a poem, an anthem to companionship that is worth reading.” Eirini Koutmou, reviewer of children’s literature