No Such Thing as Far Away

Orca Book Publishers - Picture Books

In No Such Thing As Far Away, a little boy who must move from his neighborhood learns there’s no such thing as far away when you carry a place in your heart.

Recommended, Canadian Children’s Book Centre

What People Are Saying

Langston’s story is a sensitive evocation of a child’s attachment to place, and the carefully worked text is evident of strong writing skills.
– Books in Canada

The text flows nicely and the detail and description is suited to children’s interests. The result is a well-written appreciation of Chinatown and a satisfying, reassuring treatment of the theme of leaving loved places and loved ones.
– CM (Canadian Materials) Magazine

Excerpt

In summer Michael would go into the little store where Grandpa Doc straightened his jars of herbs and boxes of powders. Michael would sit on a high stool and sniff the air. The smells of star anise, ginger and sweet licorice mingled with the conversation as Grandpa Doc talked about the old country. Once Michael asked Grandpa Doc how he could be happy when he was so far away from the China that he loved.

“There’s no such thing as far away when you carry a place in your heart,” Grandpa Doc said, laughing at Michael’s frown. “In here.” The old man lifted both hands to his heart.