A Talent For Quiet is a charming little book that tells the story of a young girl who is fearful of her new stepfather, Bill. His loud voice and large size seem to overpower the house and Reanie thinks she will feel his disapproval should she fail at a task. Therefore, she declines any invitations he extends... until he asks her to go on a photo safari.

They pack a muffin breakfast and head out down an old gravel road at the break of morning. Bill gives Reanie one of his cameras and after a few instructions, she finds a common ground with the man she had feared. Little by little, they bond over the lens of a camera as he teaches her how to get stunning wildlife shots.

Author Kim Chatel has a real winner on her hands with this wonderful book, which tells the story of a young girl learning to accept the new man in her mother's life. A Talent For Quiet will be enjoyed by adults as well as 9-12 year old readers. It is sprinkled with beautiful photographs shot by the author herself. A surprise bonus at the end of the book consists of five pages of information about photography, tips, a glossary of terms, and a page of trivia.

I found this book a delightful change of pace and enjoyed watching the relationship of Reanie and Bill solidify in such a loving way. With highest recommendation, I plan to give this book to my grandson for his 9th birthday.