Reviews
Joy in Mudville
“Dibley is a visual power hitter. His settings conjure up a beautiful day on a dusty, small-town field, while his characters’ broad, red noses (an artistic signature) and imperturbable miens feel right on the mark.” —Publishers Weekly View →
Jack the Castaway
“Launching the Berenson Schemes series, Doan’s debut novel pits cautious Jack Berenson against his reckless parents with uproarious results….Stevanovic’s caricatured spot illustrations match up well with this funny and adventure-filled story of parent-child role… View →
“Sensitive writing compensates for the story’s darker moments, while gentle line drawings offer bits of comic relief.” —Publishers Weekly View →
The Great Balloon Hullaballoo
“Matsuoka’s high-spirited mixed-media art is in step with the batty humor of Bently’s couplets….Good flighty fun.” —Publishers Weekly View →
“Pom is a believable and engaging child (especially when he gives Pim a taste of his ice cream cone by shoving it lovingly into his face), and the tale unfolds at a brisk clip.” —Publishers Weekly View →
Lightning's Run
“Issues of race, tolerance, and assimilation are skillfully threaded through this vibrant and gritty account.” —Publishers Weekly View →
The Only Alex Addleston in All These Mountains
“[M]any will know the pain of friends who move away and will get caught up in the bittersweet, dual-track story of how the Alexes grow while trying to keep their connection alive.” —Publishers Weekly View →
“The artist’s smoothly drafted drawings capture with aching sweetness all the movements of a very young child… By keeping her focus tight and observing Hannah closely, Sakai’s characterization feels natural, light, and true to life.” —starred, Publishers View →
The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim
“Siobhan’s narration sings thanks to her dry wit, intelligence, and ability to see the inherent musicality of life, while also commenting on the unreliability of history (and storytelling) and the power of a community to rally to save itself.” —starred, Publishers… View →
The Whispering Town
“Based on real events that unfolded in the Danish fishing town of Gilleleje, it’s a story that feels urgent and refreshingly unsentimental. Elvgren (Josias, Hold the Book) never stops her reportorial storytelling for a speech about why these brave people are defying the… View →
I Love You, Too!
“Foreman’s bold watercolors have a comforting, homespun resonance” —Publishers Weekly View →
Upside Down Babies
“Willis and Reynolds conclude with a punchline that will tickle any readers who already think of their younger siblings as being part ape.” —Publishers Weekly View →
Netta and Her Plant
“Gellman’s (Jeremy’s Dreidel) gentle, serious prose conveys profound respect for Netta’s unwavering stewardship as well as her changing emotional states. Ugliano (Benjamin and the Silver Goblet) is very much in sync, with quietly reassuring scenes of modern Jewish View →
The Other Way Around
“Debut author Kaufman does a great job of depicting young people who have opted out of conventional middle-class values.” —Publishers Weekly View →
Mumbet's Declaration of Independence
“Delinois’s thick layers of paint and vibrant palette infuse even the story’s upsetting moments with hopefulness, and Mumbet herself glows with determination and integrity.” —starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Missing Monkey!
“Billy is an entertaining narrator, and the book’s many gags and sweetly absurd resolutions to the outlandish problems that arise will have beginning readers eager for more chaotic misadventures from these well-meaning Crooks.” —Publishers Weekly View →
The Scar Boys
“Harry’s trajectory loosely mirrors Vlahos’s time as the guitarist for a touring punk/pop band, so details like how to cut a record, land a gig at the now-defunct club CBGB…or rework a tour when the van breaks down strongly… View →
Hey, Charleston!: The True Story of the Jenkins Orphanage Band
“Rockwell (Truck Stop) keeps the story focused and lively, with just enough social and emotional framing (Reverend Jenkins ‘was always looking for a way to turn bad into good’ is a recurring refrain) to add resonance. Bootman’s (Love Twelve Miles Long) sepia tones View →
Esther's Hanukkah Disaster
“In this adorable and brightly illustrated Hanukkah story from Sutton (Don’t Call Me Sidney) and Rowland (Little Nelly’s Big Book), Esther the gorilla joyfully sets out to the Jungle Store to get everything she needs to give Hanukkah presents to her friends. She happily chooses the View →
A Bag of Marbles: The Graphic Novel
“[M]arvelously conceived and executed….Not to be missed.” —starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Dino-Wrestling
“As usual, Gott offers dynamic, vivid interpretations of each showdown.” —Publishers Weekly View →
“Jonathan’s perspective in hindsight offers a nuanced view of temptation in the face of moral obligations.”—Publishers Weekly View →