Publishers Weekly gave a fine review to My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Publishers Weekly called the book a “frank, encouraging story”, and described Brantley-Newton’s illustrations as “exud[ing] warmth and empathy as they build to a triumphant conclusion.”
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison, appeared in Kirkus’ list of best books celebrating diversity 2014. Kirkus previously awarded Little Melba with a starred review, calling Morrison’s illustrations “perfect match for Melba’s story.”
The Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast blog featured Elizabeth Zunon, detailing her unique collage and multimedia illustrations. The feature was used to focus on Elizabeth Zunon’s artwork in the upcoming book One Plastic Bag, calling it “very textured and colorful, capturing well the transformation at the hands of Isatou.” One Plastic Bag, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, will be available February 2015.
The Quill & Quire gave a fantastic review to The Fabulous World of Mr. Fred, written by Lili Chartrand and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, calling it “an imaginative, multi-layered fable about overcoming obstacles and taking chances.” Regarding the illustrations, the Quill & Quire said: “Gabrielle Grimard’s watercolour, gouache, and oil-paint illustrations more than make up for any awkwardness in translation. The art flows gracefully across the page. Warm and touching, it perfectly complements the story’s spirit.” Buy The Fabulous World of Mr. Fred at Amazon or Barnes & Noble today.
More praise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone came from The Horn Book this week, with a fantastic review that details precisely why this gorgeous book contains an important story. Little Melba appears as one of The Horn Book’s ‘recommended books’, praising illustrator Frank Morrison‘s stunning artwork: “Morrison’s oil paintings, in his trademark elongated, angular style, perfectly convey the jazz scene and, of course, Melba’s amazing horn.” The Horn Book joins a list of other publications in its praise of the book. Little Melba and Her Big Trombone received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal.
Two Painted Words artists were featured in Kirkus’ best children’s books of 2014 list – K.G. Campbell for The Mermaid and The Shoe and Frank Morrison for his illustration in Little Melba and her Big Trombone. Both books have received incredibly favorable reviews, including starred reviews from Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly, as well as the School Library Journal, amongst others. Congratulations to Frank and K.G.!
