Books | zoeyabbott

Banana

by Zoey Abbott

Edited by Samantha & Boomer Swenson

Designed by Sophie Paas-Lang

Tundra Books, May 2023

Buy:

* Downloadable Banana Craft -
"Don't just' let a banana be a banana!"

"[A] visually striking allegory about the dismay and jealousy a child may feel over change — and this young protagonist’s triumph gives the tale a sense of dark, unexpected gratification." —Publishers Weekly

Clementine & the Lion

by Zoey Abbott

Edited by Yasemin Uçar

Designed by Marie Bartholomew

Kidscan Press, 2022

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Bookshop

* Downloadable Hair Design Craft

Also available in:

"This story sure to spark a multitude of questions and great discussions about setting and respecting boundaries, accepting oneself and others, and finding friendship in unlikely places." ―Children's Literature

"Plenty of children will find the notion of having a whole house to themselves an appealing one, but both the plot line and stylish detailing in the finely drawn pencil and gouache illustrations suggest that Abbott may have a broader audience in mind from the start. A tongue-in-cheek foray for independent sorts—not necessarily younger ones." ― Kirkus Reviews

Pig and Horse and the Something Scary

by Zoey Abbott

Edited by Emma Ledbetter

Designed by Jade Rector

Abrams Books, Jan 2022

Buy:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

* Downloadable Tea set Craft

* Fancy Dessert/ Feelings Craft

"...the duo stands out as evidence, proof that there are sometimes new characters in children's literature who seem to have been there forever...the charming and timeless allure of [Abbott's] two animals shows that she has assimilated the beauty of readings from the past. With their slender legs like 60s chair legs and their candid mimicry of the childish heroes of that era, Pig and Horse display a very retro plump grace. But their ability to analyze their emotions makes them more contemporary, and this big gap in time makes them very endearing acrobats of introspection." — Marine Landrot of Telerama (translated from the French)

"The protagonists are a model of supportive friendship, and there’s great appeal in the idea that dealing with darker emotions doesn’t require bravery as much as it does a smart plan and a good pal." — Publishers Weekly

"Both animals, drawn standing upright with rosy cheeks, are appealing and accessible protagonists who evoke some of the great friendships of children’s literature. Gentle and effective." ― Kirkus Reviews

"Whether an endorsement for exposure therapy or a reassurance that fears are better handled with a friend over tea, this story has consolation to offer to the easily scared." ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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I Do Not Like Yolanda

by Zoey Abbott

Edited By Samantha Swenson

Tundra Books, March 2021

Buy:

* Downloadable Educator Guide

“The delightful, soft line-and-color illustrations show a diverse contemporary California community ... This offbeat, intergenerational story celebrates connection." — Kirkus Reviews

★ “A book that will inspire readers to find their own pen pals, a good book, and a new friend.” — STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

“ I Do Not Like Yolanda is stamped with quirky details within recognizable experiences. It’s a true original." — Imaginary Elevators Blog

Marty

by Rachel Noble

Edited By Sally Morgridge

Designed by Kerry Martin

Holiday House, July 2021

Buy:

* Downloadable Costume Craft

"A heartwarming story about accepting others for who they are, no strings attached; it celebrates the fun that ensues when you do."—Foreword Reviews

"Underneath the Martian theme, this bubbly fable by Noble embraces being oneself as, far from frightening others, Marty finds out that he doesn’t have to hide."

—Publishers Weekly

"A charming story of acceptance, friendship and finding home."—BookPage

"Bound to invoke more than a few laughs. . . The outlandishness of the story contributes to the fun."

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

ALA Golden

Duck Award

Over The Moon

by James Proimos

Edited by Victoria Rock

Designed by Jill Turney

Chronicle Books (March 10, 2020)

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“[InOver the Moon,] a girl raised by wolves sets out on her own. In addition to being beautiful, the pictures are often hilarious… The text is stark and lyrical, and Proimos is particularly adept at using poetic devices like repetition to make the words sing. A weird and wonderful tale.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Abbott’s soft, cartoon illustrations perfectly match and set the tone. [Over the Moon] is a zany twist on an age-old tale of growing up and realizing that family means the ones who choose, love, and raise you.”
—School Library Journal

“Saying someone must have been raised by wolves is usually a slam. In this engrossing picture book, however, it’s a way of showing that love is what counts in any family, no matter how nontraditional.”
—Booklist

Finn's Feather

by Rachel Noble

Edited by Claudia Bedrick

Enchanted Lion Books (2018)

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Downloadables:

Special Object Project - Draw an Object

and Special Object Project Build a Story

★ "...more a celebration of love than sadness over a death."―STARRED REVIEW, Katrina Yurenka, Youth Services Book Review

"...Soft, brightly colored spreads by Abbott (Twindergarten) make Finn’s energy and resilience clear and use unusual perspectives to amplify the emotion in the words. The moment when Finn discovers the feather is presented as an aerial shot, seen from the place where, perhaps, he feels Hamish may be.... Combined, the art and story create a useful, moving resource for bereaved children and their families. Ages 4–8. (June)"

-Publisher's Weekly

"[…] Easy to read words combined with graceful artwork from Zoey Abbott completes a work which is both significant and poignant and perfect for children struggling to understand the process of death and grieving." ―Blue Wolf Reviews

"The episode is less about grieving the loss of a loved one than finding positive ways to remember and to regard the deceased." ―Kirkus Reviews