From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—In the second title in this early reader series, readers meet a newly reborn phoenix who believes that he is too tough to cry. Flare's guardians, Cloud, Wind, and Sun, believe that the phoenix needs to "know about crying" and take turns showing him what it looks and sounds like. Cloud rains tears, and Wind wails, but Flare does not like being wet, hides from the sound, and insists that he will never cry. Finally, Sun leads him to a baby bird who is injured in a fall from its nest. Flare is so saddened by his inability to help the little creature that, in spite of himself, he begins to weep. When his magical tears fall on the bird's broken wing and Flare witnesses their healing powers, he learns that sometimes crying is a good thing, especially for a phoenix. Côté's illustrations, done in watercolor with digital accents, mirror the playful innocence of this tale. The message in George's tender story will resonate with young readers, who will likely ask for others in the series. This title will fit right into any early reader collection and may even spark curiosity in these mythical birds.—Lynn Van Auken, Oak Bluffs School, Oak Bluffs, MA
Review
Praise for The Melancholic Mermaid—also by Kallie George:
Publisher's Weekly: Bullying Resources, part of an Anti-Bullying Feature, recommends The Melancholic Mermaid
?”Ideally suited for children transitioning from picture books into shorter chapter books. George’s poetic rhythms perfectly capture the lulling melancholy of the seashore.” - Deakin Review?
“The delicately detailed illustrations are filled with the bright and varied colors of the sea.” - Little One Books
“The Melancholic Mermaid is a unique and beautiful story of rejection, friendship, and young love.” - CM Magazine, 4/4 stars, Highly Recommended
“This unusually smart and sensitive story doesn’t shy away from revealing the lonely facts of life for misfits.” ForeWord Magazine Reviews
“Make room next to The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. The Melancholic Mermaid deserves a spot on every child’s bookshelf.” ?Starred Review, Quill and Quire,
“George’s narrative is ethereal and formal, with a voiceover quality that invests the artwork with cinematic flow.” - Kirkus
“The Melancholic Mermaid is a perfect read-aloud for ages 4 and up, or for those who have always wished to meet a mermaid.” - The Faerie Magazine
Praise and Awards for Genevieve Cote:
Marilyn Baillie Award Winner, 2012
General Governor’s Award for Illustration, 2007
Elisabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award 2005
Communication Arts Illustration Annual 38, 40 et 41
Médaille d’argent, Society of Illustrators, 2001
Finaliste aux Prix du Gouverneur Général, illustration jeunesse (2003 et 2000)
Grand Prix d’Illustration Jeunesse GL&V (2000)
Applied Arts Magazine Awards (2000, 1999)
Society of Publication Design (1998)
Advertising & Design Club of Canada (1999, 1997)
Médaille d’argent, Studio Magazine Awards (1996)
Society of Newspaper Design (1994, 1992)
Grand prix du magazine québécois, (1994)
Médaille d’argent, CAPIC Awards (1994)
Médaille d’or, Studio Magazine Awards (1993)
About the Author
Kallie George is an author and editor living in Vancouver, BC. She completed her Masters of Children’s Literature at the University of British Columbia in 2007. She is the co-creator of a series of acclaimed board books, the Simply Small Series, by Paola Opal, author of the art book Mr. M the Exploring Dreamer with art by Soizick Meister, and the author of the picture book, The Melancholic Mermaid illustrated by Abigail Halpin. Her most recent project, Clover's Luck, Book 1 in the Magical Animal Adoption series, will be published in Summer 2014, by Disney-Hyperion. When she is not writing or editing, she’s teaching creative writing workshops through Capilano University and CWC (Creative Writing for Children). www.kalliegeorge.com
Geneviève Côté has illustrated several books over the years, such as “The Lady of Shalott” by Tennyson, “Wishes” by Jean Little, “Ella May and the Wishing Stone”, by Cary Fagan, “The Little Word Catcher” by Danielle Simard, and many more. She has also written, in both english and french, a few stories of her own: “Mr. King’s Things”, “Without You”, “Me and You”, “What Elephant?” and “With You always, Little Monday”. Her editorial art has appeared in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, l’Actualité and other such publications. She has won the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award in 2005, the General Governor’s Award for Illustration in 2007, and the Marilyn Baillie Award in 2012. She lives in Montreal, Quebec. genevievecoteillustration.com
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
One day a tiny phoenix was born.
There was a big flame.
Then a nest of ash.
In the nest there was an egg.
Out of the egg hatched a bird. A magical bird.
His feathers were strong like the wind,
soft like the clouds,
and red and gold like the sun.
He sang,
“I am tough.
I am strong.
My name is Flare!”
