Praise for Nana Akua Goes to School: "This lovely story explores the perennial fear of being different, while showcasing the great love between a grandparent and grandchild."
–School Library Journal, starred review
"An open-hearted tribute to children with immigrant parents or grandparents."
–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This beautiful picture book offers a helpful perspective on cultural differences within a heartening family story."
–Booklist, starred review
"Walker writes convincingly about how difference can cause unease among children, and her story offers a compelling portrait of a grandmother whose pride and poise put that concern to rest."
–Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Offers viewers both the comfort of the familiar and, for those unfamiliar with West African arts, a tantalizing introduction to interpreting symbols. Most importantly, this calls for readers and listeners to have faith in youngsters to embrace a new concept with an open mind and enthusiastic spirit."
–The Bulletin "Lucky for readers and for Zura, her grandmother has a fascinating cultural tradition that, in her first book for kids, Tricia Elam Walker presents with extraordinary grace and nimbleness. . . . [An] eye-opening picture book."
–Shelf Awareness "A picture book . . . that captures a complex vulnerability that every child feels at one point or another."
–The Wall Street Journal Praise for April Harrison's What Is Given From the Heart:
"[An] exquisite story of generosity. . . . Harrison has created soft yet dazzling illustrations for this tribute to faith, hope, and the African-American community."
–The New York Times Book Review "A sweet story . . . enhanced by delectable art from a prodigious new talent."
–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This final book by the late McKissack (
Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout) showcases the legendary author's signature lyricism in full force and receives a stunning, aesthetically ambitious interpretation by Harrison, a fine artist making her picture book debut."
–Publishers Weekly, starred review
"
What Is Given from the Heart is a loving tribute to collective work, responsibility and the joy that comes from giving freely from the heart."
–Shelf Awareness, starred review
"A treasure from a marvelous storyteller."
–School Library Journal, starred review