Pajama Press

The first review is in for Lili Macaroni, and we are very delighted to receive a ★ Starred Review ★ from Kirkus Reviews to start things off.

“Self-confidence is hard to come by when classmates make fun of the things that make Lili Macaroni herself….Boulanger’s changing perspectives and use of shadows to stand in for other kids’ teasing set the mood, Lili’s exuberant brightness changing to more somber tones with her sadness. Lili and her family are white; there is one black classmate. From Québec, a wonderfully empowering message to be yourself, with a strategy to ease heartache added for good measure.”

Click here to read the full review

Before You Were Born will be hitting shelves in a few short weeks—just in time for Mother’s Day—and to celebrate, author Deborah Kerbel and illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo have created some sweet swag and limited edition art prints to give away to you, they’re first readers, as a way of saying “thank you” for your early support.

1. PRE-ORDER a copy of Before You Were Born from your book retailer of choice—online or bricks and mortar—before May 3^rd, 2019
2. Email us at publicity@pajamapress.ca with a photo or scan of your proof of purchase along with your mailing address under the subject line: Before You Were Born Pre Order Giveaway
3. The Top 24 Swag Pack entries will be randomly selected from the submitted receipts on May 3, 2019. We will announce the names of the Top 24 Swag Pack entries on May 8^th and all the gifts will be mailed out by the end of May

*And if you enjoy Before You Were Born please leave a review on your bookseller’s website or Goodreads

PLEASE NOTE: This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US only as Before You Were Born is currently only available in North America. Shipping and Handling of prizes is free to Canadian and US residents. One Swag Pack gift per pre-order.

Swag Packs:

Everyone who pre-orders a copy of Before You Were Born by May 3, 2019 will receive:

• a themed bookplate autographed by the author and illustrator
• two colouring pages based on art from the book
• a limited edition Before You Were Born ‘whales’ magnet (with envelope)

20 randomly selected entries will receive:

• everything listed above PLUS
• a Before You Were Born greeting card (one of five designs suitable for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or New Baby)

3 randomly selected entries will receive:

• everything listed above PLUS
• a limited edition signed print, 8.5 x 11 inches and suitable for framing for a bedroom or nursery

1 randomly selected GRAND SWAG PACK entry will receive:

• everything listed above PLUS
• a one-of-a-kind Before You Were Born ‘Sun/Moon’ nightlight for your child’s bedroom or nursery
• a one-of-a-kind Before You Were Born notebook
• a hand-written, personalized letter from Deborah Kerbel and Suzanne Del Rizzo

Original post

Resource Links

“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.”

Click here for the full review

Foreword Reviews **Starred Review**

“Office supplies have never been more entertaining than they are in this punny tale of friendship and ingenuity. Old school and new tech go head to head when Jackson trades his longtime pal Pencil in for a shiny new Tablet. Cheerful illustrations add to the hilarity as Pencil tries a variety of toppers and innovative uses while enlisting the help of everyone from Eraser and Scissors to Sticky Notes and Flashlight in an effort to regain Jackson’s attention.”

—Pallas Gates McCorquodale

Library School Journal

“A strength of this title is the action verbs and rich vocabulary that is introduced….The text and illustrations also work well together….This title lends itself to discussion about friendship and being open to try new things. VERDICT A strong choice for a preschool storytime or a one-on-one sharing.”

–Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA

Click here to read the full review

School Library Journal

“This charming story captures the joy of a rainy day….. The tale will resonate with many small children. The ink and watercolor artwork adds to the lighthearted mood….VERDICT A comforting and appealing choice for story-times and one-on-one sharing.”
–Robin Sofge

Click here to read the full review

Kirkus Review

“Move over, Pencil; Tablet’s in town…but what happens when Tablet breaks?….Pencil tries desperately to cheer Jackson up, but nothing works…until he enlists his old companions from the drawer, Scissors, Paper Clip, Flashlight, Tape, and the rest. Jackson finally smiles again, and all the supplies end as friends, with pages full of puns….The illustrations feature expressive, googly-eyed implements and realistic children and animals interacting against a white background….An overload of fun puns will have many readers giggling through to the openly sweet moral at the end.”

Click here to read the full review

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.”

Click here to read the full review

ASLC Litpicks

“Bass does an excellent job of uncovering the layers of many complex emotions: – prejudice toward German prisoners expressed by Canadians at home who had relatives fighting in Europe; – the bullying and hatred experienced by many families and school children who had been born in Canada but were of German heritage; – the emotions of young German soldiers who may have been conscripted to serve their country, but were not necessarily supportive of the Nazi regime….

Mature junior high readers, and senior high students will identify with Bass’s strong male characters whose loyalties are tested and with the complex friendships that develop as the plot unfolds….”

Click here to read the full review