This story's simple lesson about individuality is cleverly expressed through Vernick's gentle wit and Jennewein's crayon-outlined kindergartners--most of all, the furry and ungainly reader surrogate with whom kids will readily relate. (starred review)
Recommended by USA TODAY for the starting school crowd.
Vernick makes a very auspicious fiction debut here with her breezy, briskly paced tale, well-portrayed characters, authentic relationships and keen ear for realistic dialogue. The sweet, swoony young romance doesn't hurt either--preteen female readers will eat this up... a harbinger of more good novels to come from this author.
W A T E R B A L L O O N
T E A C H Y O U R B U F F A L O TO P L A Y D R U M S
I S Y O U R B U F F A L O R E A D Y F O R K I N D E R G A R T E N ?
Kirkus Reviews
Voya
As she matures, humor and creativity help (Marley) develop an admirable toughness. This charming and innocent story offers much for changing families to discuss.
Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
Vernick resembles Frances O'Roark Dowell and Rachel Vail in her ability to bring keen understanding and tender sympathy to the ordinary.(Marley's) thinning relationship with her friends is portrayed with awful authenticity...Her adaptation, so gradual that she doesn't really notice it herself, is credibly and non-didactically depicted, and her reward of a relationship with a genuinely nice neighbor boy is one that readers will envy. Kids struggling with the challenges of identifying what changes are necessary and paying the price for those thrust upon them will be glad to see an author who gets it. (starred review)
School Library Journal
Put this book on your "must-have" list. It won't stay on the shelves long. (starred review)
Picture-book author Vernick delivers her first novel, a well-paced coming-of-age story that offers a realistic depiction of growing pains ... Vernick conveys Marley's uncertain navigation of new experiences and conflicting emotions with sincerity and keen perception.
Publishers Weekly
B R O T H E R S A T B A T: T H E T R U E S T O R Y O F A N A M A Z I N G A L L - B R O T H E R B A S E B A L L T E A M
A family's love and devotion to each other and to the game of baseball, depicted lovingly.
Kirkus Reviews
Publishers Weekly
predecessor, it's as much a book about kids' proclivity for waffling between various interests as it is about the value of having earmuffs handy, "if the magic's not happening."
School Library Journal
Several small pictures appear on most pages, surrounded by ample white space, showing the huge animal trying to engage in human activities like skateboarding and showering, resulting in some very funny scenarios. His expressions are priceless as he attempts to sit on a stool or hold drumsticks.
S H E L O V E D B A S E B A L L:
T H E E F F A M A N L E Y S T O R Y
T H E E F F A M A N L E Y S T O R Y
School Library Journal
Vernick's sprightly text and Tate's vibrant illustrations combine in an appreciative tribute to the first woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Both author and illustrator are on top of their games as they bring this inspiring story to life. (starred review)
Kirkus Reviews
Vernick employs a matter-of-fact tone and highly descriptive, acessible language that not only provides a great deal of information but also captures both the essence of the era and Manley's compassion and strength of character. Readers will cheer.
Chicago Tribune
What Audrey Vernick shows is a lifelong continuity to Manley's concern for fairness and makes her, with strong help from Don Tate's illustrations, into an engaging, energetic woman.
Publishers Weekly
Tampa Tribune
Audrey Vernick's witty, conversational text reads like a pep talk as she transfers typical first-day anxieties from child to buffalo with hilarious consequences ... Provides a welcome reprieve from the standard back-to-school book, easing-the-jitters books. Two hooves up.
The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
The breezy, clap-on-the-shoulder reassurance of the text is both bolstering and funny.
Kirkus Reviews
This buffalo leads the herd.
Publishers Weekly
A captivating story, impeccable layout and glorious illustrations make this historical account an unqualified winner.
School Library Journal
A delight not to miss. (starred review)
Booklist
(A) very special exhibition of family loyalty and love of sports...the pictures are full of vitality. (starred review)
New York Times Book Review
A lively story about family loyalty and love of the game, pulled from the sidelines of baseball history. (starred review)
A wicked good time. Kids will giggle with grown-ups at the appropriately over-the-top plans for super-stardom (a TV show, a "you-movie" and a theme song) that are consistently translated into actions younger ones can practice or participate in. Great for a rocking storytime and budding performers of all kinds. Encore!
Kirkus Reviews
Air guitarists, rejoice! Vernick lays down a delightfully snark-free guide to how kids can release their inner spotlight-loving performer... The low-tech premise-you can still rock with a mop on your head and family members as backup dancers-is refreshing.
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
S O Y O U W A N T T O B E A R O C K S T A R
B O G A R T A N D V I N N I E:
A C O M P LE T E L Y M A D E - U P
S T O R Y O F T R U E F R I E N D S H I P
A C O M P LE T E L Y M A D E - U P
S T O R Y O F T R U E F R I E N D S H I P
It's a witty, bighearted story that makes full use of this duo's comic talents while poking gentle fun at the human tendency to coo over interspecies friendships (and then turn them into children's books). (starred review)
School Library Journal
Beloved illustrator Cole adds balloon captions to Vernick's charming story of two unexpected pals.
Here's a clever spoof of informational picture books that celebrate unusual animal friendships. The improbable conclusion ... fits the story perfectly and will please its young audience.
Booklist
With the same brand of absurd comedy as its
