WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Stars from Kirkus, Youth Services Book Review and Highly Recommended from CM

A garden of gorgeous delight.

—Kirkus

This is first-rate for browsing shelves or to round-out classroom collections

—Library Journal

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WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Alfie, No! is an exceptional book that would provide reading joy for both parent and child.

—CM Reviews

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

A strong and honest homage to a remarkable woman.

—Kirkus

Wishinsky’s quippy dialogue and well-researched storytelling capture the passion and intelligence of the extraordinary Emily . . . . Nelson’s whimsical cut-paper collages, an interplay of bright blocks of color and black-and-white photography, capture a rapidly growing city in the flux of modernization. . . . Another win for the ladies of STEM.

—Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

The playful illustrations by Nelson help make the long-ago 1880s feel candy-colored vivid. And the use of dialog in speech balloons lightens the story, making it fun and accessible. Wishinsky hits all the right historical notes with careful accuracy while still molding the story to have direction and focus.

—New York Journal of Books

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Throughout, readers will be captivated by both Sophie’s and Bear’s facial expressions; Sophie’s exuberance is obvious, while the patched and well-loved Bear looks like he might lose his lunch after riding the subway. Where will the lovable Bear and his best friend travel next?

—Kirkus Reviews

Moore’s crisp digital cartoons capture both the duo’s fluctuating emotions and the energy of the city.

—Publishers Weekly

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

A multifaceted, educational book that both children and parents will want to read again and again.

—Suite101.com

... now that I have read [Where Are You, Bear?] I think it’s my favorite alphabet book of all.

—Word of Mouse Book Reviews

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Add this one to any stack of bedtime favorites.

—Quill & Quire, starred review

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Maggie’s disappointment and joy are skillfully captured in words and images by this talented team who both seem to understand exactly how a child feels.

—Canadian Teacher Magazine

Wishinsky is a skilled storyteller, with a gift for believable language and situations.

—Quill & Quire, Starred Review

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

The world of make-believe can be all-consuming for young people, and this book does a stellar job of exploring this theme...Lily-Jean is mean. But deliciously so.

— Quill & Quire, Starred Review

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

...Wishinsky presents a common family problem with humorous, understated dialogue. ... Warm-hearted and funny, this is a very fine picture book, with a great match between illustration and text.

— Quill & Quire, Starred Review

Children will recognize themselves at both ends of the sibling affection scale, from the enthusiastically affectionate Louise to the reluctantly caring Jake in a story that unfolds with surprise and wit. Bypassing the sappiness trap, Wishinsky creates a happy ending for both characters. Terrific for reading aloud.

— Booklist

...an incisive slice-of-life tale. Snappy dialogue and whimsical watercolor, pencil and collage art capture Jake and Louise’s distinct personalities as well as their very recognizable sibling relationship.

— Publishers Weekly

...both tender and true...

— Globe and Mail

...the pairing of Frieda Wishinsky and Marie-Louise Gay is more than mildly perfect... In Please, Louise! Wishinsky zeroes in on the problem of siblings who want to follow you everywhere you go... It smacks of the truth, but does it in an entirely pleasing manner. Two thumbs way up.

— School Library Journal Online

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

Wishinsky’s (previously teamed with Layton for Nothing Scares Us) pithy rhymes spark Layton’s pleasingly dizzying cartoons. His scratchy ink line brings a comic spontaneity and edginess to every scene, and succinctly conveys the boy’s emotional writhing at the very thought of being the object of Jennifer’s crush.

— Publishers Weekly

With compassion and humour, Wishinsky’s book deals with the difficult issue of feelings and opposite sex friendships in elementary grade children. The children in the friendship are ultimately portrayed as being courageous by not succumbing to peer pressure and for acknowledging their friendships.

— CM Magazine

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

Bright, engaging illustrations, both simple and evocative, add depth and emotion to the story.

— Children’s Literature

The splashy, cartoon illustrations do an excellent job of supporting the narratives. Edgier and more interesting than the titles in the ‘Hello Reader’ series (Scholastic), these books are solid additions.

— School Library Journal

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

This lovely book will resonate with many schoolchildren...Wishinsky’s well-crafted text uses rhythms of the folktale - a classic genre for underdog stories - to increase dramatic tension, particularly in its repetition of threes Dean Griffiths’ wonderful illustrations perfectly capture the strong emotions of the story...This is a book that will surely be popular with children struggling with their own Kimberlys at school.

— Quill and Quire

Readers will sympathize with Maggie’s dilemma because there always seems to be a ‘Kimberly’ in each classroom...This book will serve as a good example to struggling students not to give up but to keep trying... This would be a good book to use in classrooms to start a discussion about teasing with young primary students.

— CM Magazine

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

This book deals with the sensitive topic of fears in a humorous and reassuring manner

— School Library Journal

A warm-hearted tale of fears overcome and supportive friendship.

— Books for Keeps

Neal Layton’s riotously colorful, childlike drawings perfectly match Wishinsky’s flawless channeling of childhood fear.

— Macleans

Enchanting

— The Times (UK)

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

Full of energy and charm, blessed with two wonderful characters, this book gets everything right.

— The Globe and Mail

...a touching story about the relationships that can be fostered between younger and older generations.

— Resource Links

a happy, up-beat story with a thoughtful edge.

— The Toronto Star

...this excellent book can serve as an effective springboard for discussion about how a child might go ahead exploring her or his unique talents and abilities.

— Washington Children’s Choice

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

Early readers don’t get much better than this.

— CBRA

This attractive early reader is convincing, humourous and works equally well as a picture book.

— The Toronto Star

— Praised on CBC’s Morningside

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...

This joyful book, with illustrations that portray the charm of the exuberant goings-on, celebrates the relationship only siblings can have. Naturally, when Daniel comes home again and plops his baby sister in his lap, this time whispering ‘bunka wunka,’ Louise finds comfort once more.

— Booklist

A witty tribute to the exceptional and often inexplicable connection between siblings. Thompson’s eloquent illustrations reflect both the comical and endearingly tender facets of the tale, providing a sparkling counterpart to Wishinsky’s vivacious text.

— Kirkus Rreviews