Pajama Press

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“Rating: E

Nine children’s authors and illustrators have come together to answer the question, “Are you kind?” Their illustrations show children and animals answering that question through their actions….

Every page of this book has a unique style of artwork. Realistic, cartoon, mixed media, plasticine, and pen and ink. The settings and children featured in each scene reflect a diversity of cultures….Every child (and parent) could benefit from this book.“

—Tanya Boudreau

Sal’s Fiction Addiction

“I think we can all use inspiration for kindness every day in every way. So, the people at Pajama Press have created this book to inspire kindness when talking with children….

The questions are asked of young readers, and the illustrations inspire quiet conversation about the many ways we can show kindness to others. Nine artists are included, in artwork already published or pieces specifically created for this book. They show young readers some of the many ways they can be kind and helpful.”

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Pickle Me This

“In a note inside the book, Pajama Press Publisher Gail Winskill writes that the idea for the book was born when her three-year-old granddaughter asked her one day, ‘Nana, how can I be kind?’….Each page features art by Pajama Press’s acclaimed illustrators, some from previous books and others original (and my children were excited to see illustrations from books they’ve loved before!). Being gentle with animals, saying please and thank you, helping shy friends join in, watching over those who need it.

The ideas are simple, but they’re also transformative and profound, and the depth and diversity of illustrations on this book provide another layer of richness, making A World of Kindness a deeply meaningful read. Even better: royalties from the book will be donated to Think Kindness.”

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International Examiner

“Adrift At Sea is a powerful historical nonfiction story…

Adrift at Sea is the true story of Tuan Ho, a young Vietnamese boy who escapes his country’s military regime in 1981 and becomes part of the wave of ‘boat people’ refugees hoping to reach America. Given no other options but to leave their homeland in hopes of a better life…

Seeing nothing but hopelessness, tragedy, and panic on the ocean floor, Tuan’s mother quickly realizes something lying beneath the ocean floor that would turn around their fortunes and deliver them a glimmer of hope. As Tuan and his family are delivered to safety, they can take comfort in knowing that it can only get better from here. Filled with colorful and vibrant drawings that engages readers from start to finish, Adrift at Sea is a powerful historical nonfiction story.”

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“Each page is drawn by a different Pajama Press illustrator. I enjoyed flipping through the pages and recognizing the style of each illustrator….The messages, which include being kind to animals, helping those younger than you and saying sorry when you are wrong, makes it a cute and beautiful book.”

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“This book raises funds for Think Kindness and illustrates what kindness looks like….The pictures are well chosen to convey the actions, and show diversity. A great addition to any collection.”

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“This look at an experience foreign to most readers in the United States hits on some easy-to-spot universals of children around the world, including the experience of learning, of disappointment, and of playing with friends.”

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“This fascinating read gives a glimpse of the struggle and bravery of a refugee….The vibrant illustrations help readers visualize what it might have been like to be on the boat….This is a powerful tale that enables children to learn about a time in history that they may not know about. It also underscores being grateful for what you have, and empowers readers to fight for what they believe in.”
—Rachel Bloomingburg

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CM Magazine

“A World of Kindness, the new collaboratively created picture book produced by the editors and illustrators of Pajama Press, offers young children aged two through five a simple introduction to the concept of kindness….

The real strength of A World of Kindness is its art….each illustration in its own way and style authentically highlights the joy of kindness….

Kindergarten teachers will find that A World of Kindness makes a lovely companion to now-classic picture books on kindness such as Have You Filled a Bucket Today?”

Recommended.”
—Michelle Superle

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Pajama Press is excited to announce that Adrift at Sea: A Vietnamese Boy’s Story of Survival by author Marsha Forchuk Skyrpuch with Tuan Ho, and illustrator Brian Deines is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada 2017 Information Book Award Honour Book.

The Information Book Award “is given annually to a book that arouses interest, stimulates curiosity, captures the imagination, and fosters concern for the world around us. The award’s aim is to recognize excellence in Canadian publishing of children’s nonfiction.” Pajama Press previously won the 2015 Information Book Award for A Brush Full of Colour: the World of Ted Harrison by Margriet Ruurs and Katherine Gibson.

Pajama Press extends our congratulations to Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, Tuan Ho, and Brian Deines. Our sincerest thanks go to the Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada for championing and supporting the development of quality nonfiction in Canadian children’s publishing.

Other notable accolades for Adrift at Sea include nominations for the 2017 Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award, the 2017 Red Cedar Information Book Award, and the Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice (LYRC) Award: Grade 3-5; a Starred Selection in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Spring 2017 Best Books for Kids & Teens; a New England Children’s Booksellers Advisory Council (NECBA) 2016 Hot Titles List selection; and a 2016 Resource Links “The Year’s Best” selection.