Lost, like the protagonist had a very short run around in the world beyond my studio. Despite schools, librarian and public interest, the publishing model was a print on demand with no quality control, there were issues with the wrong product within my book's cover, distribution etc that ultimately I took the decision to remove it from publication. Thank you to everyone who ordered and supported Lost! I am looking for a new publisher for it...below are some of the reviews the book received.
See below for reviews and a clip from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
Reviews of Lost
Draws folks in of all ages, the dog is a delight! The red threads of loss, aloneness and connection are very rich" Prof.Teresa Cremin FAcSS, FRSA,FEA co-director Literacy and Social Justice Centre
A beautiful book. A joy. Sam has a real talent for creating characters of people and the dog and of setting up dramatic situations. I especially liked the image of the dog dashing among the legs of the crowd of people, and the images of reunion at the end.
Edward Bond, Playwright
Such a clever touching exploration of loss.
James Mayhew, Author Illustrator
The scenes are closely tied to key themes commonly explored in GCSE Exam writing prompts. The pictures are highly emotive and rich in meaning, lending themselves well to highly sensory descriptions"
Gabriella Sweeney, GCSE student
Lost is visually stunning, shining with beauty and the heartwarming hope behind all human connection. The sense of yearning and loss is communicated with a depth and resonance beyond words. Tugging at the heart centre the emotive illustrations offer the rich rewards of empathy and compassion. It is the perfect book for key stage 2 and 3 as a stimulus for creative writing or for anyone wanting to tap into the power of emotion.
Exam Whisperer - Tutor company Harpenden
How refreshing to see such a thought-provoking piece of work presented without using words, especially as its creator is a former teacher, experienced in working with those who feel isolated. It makes a refreshing change for a wordless short story to be created for older students too. Congratulations!
Andy Cook
Chief Executive
Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity
“if you are lost in yourself this book gives hope that things can change”
Year 6 student
Lost by Sam Findlater is an extraordinary wordless picture book that packs an emotional punch. On the surface it tells the story of an old woman who loses her dog at a busy train station in London, and a homeless man who finds him – powerful enough in its own right – but there are layers of intricacy in the illustrations that explore grief, PTSD, callousness, loneliness and joy. The narrative includes flashbacks, subtle visual clues and vivid imagery, and helps to foster empathy as we seek to understand the situations and motivations of the characters. The fact that it is wordless adds to its potency; not only is it inclusive, but the reader is a co-creator and there are several possible interpretations of what happens at the end – indeed, it feels like a puzzle, and I found myself going back to the images again and again, each time noticing a new detail that added nuance to my interpretation.
This 32-page book is ideal for use in Key Stage 2, 3, or 4, and indeed the author/illustrator has developed an array of resources to support teachers: https://www.samanthafindlater.com/lost. These include using the visuals for GCSE descriptive writing; script writing, plot structures, and working on settings and characters for Key Stage 3; plus discussion questions, inference development and cross-curricular activities for Key Stage 2. This is also a brilliantly empowering book to use with intervention groups, EAL students and struggling readers to improve confidence with storytelling, oracy and the structures of texts.
To sum up: Lost is a must-have wordless graphic novel that provides an immersive and enriching experience, and I highly recommend it.
Alice Visser-Furay
Literacy Coordinator, Reading Specialist & English teacher
“The story has a rich discussion base which can help the imagination and reflective practice that is needed in times of anxiety.
The book helps children and adolescents empathise with other people’s sense of loss. It enables them to think about a sense of being looked afer as the dog seemed to have a sixth sense. It is as if the homeless man was meant to be found by the dog. This can be extremely comforting when despair hits. It gives a chance for a discussion about good gestures or a belief that something or someone is looking out for you when all else may feel hollow.
It also touches on PTSD and how flashbacks and reparation can help repair old memories through creating new memories, living well in the present.”
Deborah Evans Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist/Supervisor UKCP.
Drama therapist and EMDR therapist:
