Up, Up, Up, Down!

Praise for The Class, by Boni Ashburn, illustrated by Kimberly Gee:
* "Ashburn and Gee do their best to be inclusive in every way--from the kids' skin tones, ethnicities, and hairstyles to their personalities and behaviors. . . . Gee's delightful tots are done in pencil and colored digitally, with a watercolor look. She captures each personality, and readers are sure to find at least one kid with whom they can identify. A reassuring peek that will assuage children's fears about their own first days and their classmates." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Gee turns in some excellent work, strongly evoking personalities for each of the children through body language, eccentric clothing choices, and a bevy of homey details that will resonate with a broad range of readers. Indeed, the book's biggest strength is its subtle recognition of difference: even though these kids are all headed to the same place, their individual family situations, moods, and interests all play roles in bringing them there." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Twenty children from 19 different homes are getting ready for the first day of school in this illustrated story in rhyme. . . . Gee skillfully infuses their faces with emotion." -School Library Journal

"The diverse group of kids run the gamut from excited to fearful, focused to distracted, and Gee shows them in vignettes that capture their uniqueness." -Booklist

Praise for Today with Meg and Ted:
"With a simple sensibility and art that harkens back to an earlier era, this look at a brother and sister's day will remind those who can remember back that far of the Dick and Jane books." -Booklist