Archive for September, 2018

“Bender’s acrylic and coloured pencil artwork is an essential part of the book’s success, and, as in the previous Giraffe and Bird books, the illustrations’ contents not only reflect the characters’ emotions but add to the book’s written text…. Bender provides foreshadowing to the contents of Giraffe and Bird Together Again via a map that occupies part […]

“This refugee experience, written from the unique perspective of a small boy, is both fascinating and heart-breaking. While the story is lovely, the real successes are the polymer clay illustrations, done by the author. They are brightly colored, have wonderful detail and give the story some nice texture. This book is relevant and lovely, and […]

“There is a fine line to walk when writing for children about the horror and deprivation of war, especially when that story is about a child of the same age. The author needs to inspire empathy and understanding without causing anxiety for the young readers. In My Beautiful Birds, Del Rizzo has done a masterful […]

“Personal Reaction:I’m always fascinated to see children’s books translated from other countries as they are always extremely different from what we see published here in America. Not only are the stories different, but so are the illustrations. I really enjoyed this fun story about a little girl who’s just a little different!” Click here to […]

“Personal Reaction: This is an extremely powerful, wordless graphic novel about the anxiety and worry that affects one little boy and yet is so universal in its imagery. I think this would make a powerful addition to an older elementary and even middle school classroom and would be a great conversation starter for a class, book […]

“Del Rizzo’s polymer clay and acrylic wash artwork is colorful, textured, and three-dimensional….VERDICT The captivating text and illustrations invite repeated reading. An inspiring tale of determination, courage, and devotion.” —Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont. Read the full review in the September 2018 online issue of School Library Journal