Search results for ""Author Irene Luxbacher""

Book Synopsis“Masterful artwork and nuanced verse invite readers to hold their breath and dive deep.” Kirkus, STARRED REVIEWSophia bravely dives down to discover the secrets under the sea. She encounters beautiful fish and floating forests. Farther down, the dark water is full of tentacles and treasures. Deep underwater, she is never alone. Do you dare dive down after her?The ocean is full of endless possibilities in this dreamy, imagistic story from acclaimed author/illustrator Irene Luxbacher. Her otherworldly paintings show colorful fish, rippling seawater and the secrets to be found at the bottom of the ocean. Sophia’s journey will linger with readers long after the return to shore.Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.6Identify who is telling the story at various points in a text.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.4Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.Trade ReviewReaders ride waves of wonder … Masterful artwork and nuanced verse invite readers to hold their breath and dive deep. * Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW *… subtle nods to creative inspirations and the enchanting visuals make for an immersive read celebrating the joys of imagination. * Booklist *… the adventure creates a sense of quiet wonder and contentment. * Publishers Weekly *[Luxbacher's] narration is both succinct and full of rich language, so listeners will have interesting words to ponder while poring over wondrous images… . Mixed media art and collage, digitally composed, produce intense colors and a riot of textures that depict the teeming underwater flora and fauna. * School Library Journal *In calm and soothing passages, this water nymph takes readers on an immersive adventure… . There is a lovely tranquility and depth to this ocean story that lies intriguingly below the shimmering surface. * Quill & Quire *

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Book SynopsisOn his last day before retirement, Mr. Frank is sewing the most wonderful outfit of his long career. Who could it be for? In all his years working as a tailor, Mr. Frank has made all kinds of clothes. From the practical uniforms of the 1940s to the wild and weird designs of the 1960s and 1970s, he has seen (and sewn) just about everything. But today’s project is especially close to Mr. Frank’s heart. With its use of textiles and sensitive period detail, Irene Luxbacher’s artwork is the perfect complement to her understated text. The result is a story that children and grandparents can share with equal delight.Trade ReviewBeautifully written and filled with visual details of days gone by, this small treasure is waiting to be shared again and again with a young grandchild…or with any young child. * School Library Journal *Outstanding mixed-media collages and a thoughtful text create a distinctive book that rises far above most tributes to grandparental love. . . . a perfect book. * Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW *Luxbacher is pure genius, weaving in a half century-plus of fashion history into a glowing celebration of family. * BookDragon *A cozy read-aloud, particularly for grandparents and their grandchildren. * Booklist *Luxbacher’s gentle story, dedicated to her father “Frank the Tailor,” brims with nostalgia and affection. * CM Magazine *This quiet story is a wonderful homage to grandparents everywhere who delight in pleasing their grandchildren. * Library Media Connection *

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed author Monica Kulling brings sensitivity to this bittersweet portrayal of a loving family affected by homelessness, beautifully illustrated in Irene Luxbacher’s rich collage style. Aunt Pearl arrives one day pushing a shopping cart full of her worldly goods. Her sister Rose has invited her to come live with her family. Six-year-old Marta is happy to meet her aunt, who takes her out to look for treasure on garbage day, and who shows her camp group how to decorate a coffee table with bottle caps. But almost immediately, Pearl and Rose start to clash — over Pearl’s belongings crammed into the house, and over Rose’s household rules. As the weeks pass, Pearl grows quieter and more withdrawn, until, one morning, she is gone. Acclaimed author Monica Kulling brings sensitivity to this story about homelessness, family and love, beautifully illustrated in Irene Luxbacher’s rich collage style. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.6 Acknowledge differences in the points of view of characters, including by speaking in a different voice for each character when reading dialogue aloud. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7 Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)Trade ReviewA poignant look at a homeless woman and her family—a constellation too rarely seen. * Kirkus Reviews *[A] thoughtful, gentle starting point for discussion about mental health and homelessness. * 49th Shelf Blog *

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Book SynopsisA collection of poems that explore childhood experiences—from the whimsical to the poignant—by Shannon Bramer, with magical art by Irene Luxbacher. Shannon Bramer’s follow-up to her much-loved poetry book Climbing Shadows is a collection of poems that explore a range of childhood experiences. Many poems reveal what it feels like to be a child—to pretend and dream and play with abandon, as well as to hurt and regret and feel sorrowful. The poems are varied in form, and while some are simple and direct, others invite children to see the potential for play and discovery in words and language. In the opening poem a child welcomes their newborn sibling, while the last poem is a surreal lullaby. In between we find poems about a child who listens to a toad, who feels left out, who loves the beach, who must practice piano, who accidentally breaks their mother’s favorite plate, who doesn’t want to eat their lunch, whose pet budgies have died, who visits their father on weekends, and more. Readers young and old will see themselves in these beautifully illustrated poems—a collection full of laughter, tears and wonder. Key Text Features author’s note Illustrations poems table of contents writing inspiration Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.Trade ReviewAccompanying each poem is a stunning illustration from Luxbacher that uses a mix of watercolor and collage. The images are bright and soft, evocative of playfulness, and simultaneously hazy like a warm memory. * School Library Journal *Unique windows on childhood … Robot, Unicorn, Queen is a wonderful collection. * CM: Canadian Review of Materials *

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Book SynopsisWhen Malaika moves to Canada, there’s a lot to get used to, especially Carnival in the wintertime!Malaika is happy to be reunited with Mummy, but it means moving to Canada, where everything is different. It’s cold in Québec City, no one understands when she talks and Carnival is nothing like the celebration Malaika knows from home!When Mummy marries Mr. Frédéric, Malaika gets a new sister called Adèle. Her new family is nice, but Malaika misses Grandma. She has to wear a puffy purple coat, learn a new language and get used to calling this new place home. Things come to a head when Mummy and Mr. Frédéric take Malaika and Adèle to a carnival. Malaika is dismayed that there are no colorful costumes and that it’s nothing like Carnival at home in the Caribbean! She is so angry that she kicks over Adèle’s snow castle, but that doesn’t make her feel any better. It takes a video chat with Grandma to help Malaika see the good things about her new home and family.Nadia L. Hohn’s prose, written in a blend of standard English and Caribbean patois, tells a warm story about the importance of family, especially when adjusting to a new home. Readers of the first Malaika book will want to find out what happens when she moves to Canada, and will enjoy seeing Malaika and her family once again depicted through Irene Luxbacher’s colorful collage illustrations.Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.Trade ReviewHohn contrasts Caribbean and Canadian cultures tenderly, with deep understanding of both, and she and Luxbacher have created a sweet, immersive and loving book that will benefit both young new arrivals to a country and those just meeting them. * Kirkus Reviews *Luxbacher’s stunning mixed-media collage illustrations surround Hohn’s lilting narrative with color, texture, and sensitivity. * Booklist *

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Book Synopsis Theodora loved her grandfather’s old garden. His new apartment’s balcony is too windy and small for a garden. But what appears to be a drawback soon leads to a shared burst of creativity as Theo and her Poppa decide to paint a new garden. As they work side by side --- sowing seeds with brushes and paint --- a masterpiece begins to take shape that transforms the balcony into an abundant garden. When Poppa goes away on holiday, Theo helps nurture the garden and it begins to take on a life of its own. This garden grows not from soil but from love, imagination and creativity. Readers will marvel at each stage of this fertile garden as it grows from seed to full flower, revealing the power of art to enrich our lives.

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Book SynopsisWhen Malaika finds out she is going to have a new baby brother or sister, she worries that her mother will forget about her. But a surprise arrives on Malaika’s birthday that gives her more reason to celebrate her family’s love. It’s summertime, and Malaika and Adèle are enjoying playing carnival in their bright costumes, dancing and laughing in the sunshine. But when Mummy announces that they will soon have a new baby brother or sister, Malaika is unsure how to feel about another change in her family. Will Mummy forget about me? Back at school, Malaika is excited to see her teacher and classmates, and makes friends with a new girl who has recently arrived from a faraway country, just like Malaika. Then on her birthday, a surprise arrives to remind Malaika of the importance of family, and the story ends with a celebration of her family’s love. Malaika’s Surprise is filled with the same warmth and charm as the first two books in the series, with Nadia L. Hohn’s enchanting prose, written in a blend of standard English and Caribbean patois, and Irene Luxbacher’s colorful collage illustrations. Key Text Features glossary key text features Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4 Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3 Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. Trade Review[A]n intimate and culturally rich picture book. * Kirkus Reviews *A warm portrayal of a loving, close-knit community. * Horn Book *[T]his picture book celebrates the expansion of a family we’ve grown to love. * Quill & Quire *An enjoyable, feel-good read for young children. * School Library Journal *Malaika’s beautiful interracial family and new friendships make this story a powerful one. * Toronto Star *Malaika’s Surprise offers a refreshing new sibling narrative … [the] joyful, textured illustrations are busy and inviting, like the other titles in this series, and the blend of English and Caribbean patois makes Malaika’s voice sing. * Canadian Children's Book News *Much of our lives, like Malaika's, involves change and a newness of circumstances. But what Malaika's Surprise demonstrates is that, though newness and change can be stressful because of the anticipation of the unknown, the reality is often not as bad as expected, especially with the knowledge that others care. * CanLit for LittleCanadians *Mailaka’s Surprise celebrates culture, friendship and family in a captivating, warm way. * CM Review of Materials *Written in a combination of standard English and Caribbean patois, Hohn’s work celebrates family values and acceptance of cultural diversity. Bright and lively illustrations by Irene Luxbacher add to the book’s attraction. * Winnipeg Free Press *Hohn’s mastery of the craft command[s] a standing ovation. * Cloud Lake Literary *

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Book SynopsisMalaika learns about her father, who came to Canada as a migrant farm worker when she was just a baby and who shared her love of carnival. Malaika dreams about a man with a basket of fruit and guesses that the dream is about her father. Mummy explains that her daddy passed away long ago, and Grandma decides it’s time Malaika knew more about her father’s life. The family drives to a far-off farm where they receive a warm welcome and visit the orchard where Malaika’s father picked fruit. The farm workers tell Malaika that her daddy had always dreamed of celebrating carnival there, just like back home. Will Malaika agree to be their Carnival Queen for the harvest festival? Nadia L. Hohn and Irene Luxbacher have created another compelling story about Malaika, who finds a way to cope with her sadness about her father through their shared love of carnival. Includes an author's note. Key Text Features dialogue glossary illustrations vignettes Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6 With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.Trade ReviewA lovely story that intertwines a girl’s past and present into an honest reflection of her family. * Kirkus *A heartwarming story. * School Library Journal *This breathtaking addition to the Malaika picture book series does not disappoint. … Malaika, Carnival Queen is a beautiful depiction of the desire to connect to personal genealogy, but it is also a depiction of black culture and Jamaican heritage. * CM: Canadian Review of Materials *

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Book SynopsisMalaika’s mother can’t buy her a carnival costume — will she still be able to dance in the parade? It’s carnival time — the first carnival since Malaika’s mother moved to Canada to find a good job and provide for Malaika and her grandmother. Her mother promised she would send money for a costume, and Malaika marks off the days on her calendar as she waits for Mummy’s letter to arrive. But when the letter finally comes, Malaika learns that there is no money for her costume. Disappointed and upset at the thought of wearing her grandmother’s hand-me-down costume, Malaika leaves the house, running into Ms. Chin, the tailor, who offers Malaika a bag of scrap fabric. With her grandmother’s help, Malaika creates a patchwork rainbow peacock costume, and dances proudly in the parade. This heartwarming story about family, community and the celebration of carnival is written in a blend of standard English and Caribbean patois. Nadia L. Hohn’s warm prose and Irene Luxbacher’s vibrant collage-style illustrations make this a strikingly original picture book. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6 With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.Trade ReviewA wholly earned celebration. * Kirkus *A fun choice for libraries seeking books about creativity in general or the Caribbean in particular. * School Library Journal *Like a rainbow peacock itself, the illustrations in this book burst with a frenzy of colors and textures. * Booklist Online *The text is told in the colloquial voice of the little girl, and readers will quickly and easily feel a part of her circle. Carnival is an important holiday in many cultures, and it's good to have a picture book to celebrate it. * Horn Book *This is actually a realistic portrait of the consequences of global immigration and economics. But it’s also the story of how much little girls love their moms. Beautiful. -- Andrew Kaufman * Globe and Mail *Hohn employs a unique style of voice that is both figuratively and literaly lyrical. * Canadian Children's Book News *Malaika’s Costume is a highly recommended story that celebrates the different cultures of the world and the emotional journey of a young child. * CM Magazine *. . . an engaging, poignant story with exquisite taste and wonderful details. * Kinderlit *

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