If you have

a yawn

or a sigh

or a little wish to

topple

into

bed,

to pause between your coming and going . . .

there are many ways to slow down.

You might become an ancient mountain

or a dinosaur waiting for their egg to hatch

in the sort of quiet,

the very quiet quiet . . .

before a thing gets born.

Kyo Maclear’s children’s books have been translated into 18 languages, published in over 25 countries, and nominated for numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. She also received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for her body of work. 

Tracy Subisak is the author and illustrator of Sorry, Snail and award-winning Jenny Mei Is Sad, and the illustrator of several picture books including Amah Faraway and This Book Is Not For You!. 

The Inactivity Book. Text copyright © 2026 by Kyo Maclear. Illustrations copyright © 2026 by Tracy Subisak. Used with permission by Random House Studio. All rights reserved. 

The Inactivity Book published on September 22.

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