Children’s Book Review: The Visit by Núria Figueras

THE VISIT
By: Núria Figueras
Illustrated by: Anna Font
Translated by: Lawrence Schimel
Published: April 14, 2026
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

This children’s story, originally published in the language of Catalan, was inspired by the Spanish author’s first time staying home alone as a child and mirrored by her working from home during the pandemic. I also found myself thinking of my times at home alone as a child. Both of my parents worked, and I was often home alone after school, on Saturdays, and eventually every day during the summer. Since I lived in a very rural area, I couldn’t just walk down to the park and meet up with friends or easily go to a friend’s house. I remember feeling a bit scared of the silence and the strange noises in the house while I was alone.

Little Fox is spending a few hours by herself while Mama Fox is out. Little Fox is told to stay in the den and not answer the door to anyone. But then Little Fox hears a knock at the door, and Silence is waiting. Little Fox and Silence spend the day together, and by the end, Little Fox is more comfortable being alone with her imagination.

Not only does the story explore our fears about being alone, but it also explores a willingness to sit with silence. To not always be doing something with our hands, with our brains, or listening and watching something. Just being silent with our minds, listening to the beat of our hearts, and creating fun with our imaginations is something to be reminded of.

Anna Font defines silence by a white outlined blob that at first appears scary and then delightful. It was such a unique way to illustrate silence so kids could understand the concept.

Children and adults tend to have a device in their hands to pass the quiet time, but this book encourages all of us to sit in silence and listen to what it might be telling us.

Núria Figueras has a graduate degree in journalism and is currently the editor of the Spanish children’s magazine El Tatano. Her writing has been recognized with the Mercè Llimona and Comte Kurt prizes. The Visit is Núria’s English-language debut and has been translated into over ten other languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, Slovenian, Portuguese, and Dutch. Núria lives in Barcelona, Spain. Visit her website at nuriafigueras.com. 

Anna Font is a Spanish illustrator who has thrice been shortlisted as a finalist at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. She previously worked with Núria on the magazine El Tatano, and she was delighted when Núria reached out to collaborate on a new project for the Compostela International competition—the original version of The Visit. Anna lives in Barcelona, Spain. The Visit is her English-language debut. Visit her website at annafont.net. 

Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 300 books, including Niños, 9 Kilometers, and the Batchelder Honor Book Different (all Eerdmans). His works have received many awards, including three PEN Translates Awards, two SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards, and two Américas Award Honors. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of THE VISIT

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Children’s Book Review: Alone! by Barry Falls

Children’s Book Review: Molly, Olive, and Dexter The Guessing Game

Children’s Book Review: Fox & Chick: Up and Down by Sergio Ruzzier

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.