“Empowering ... will help both children and their adult readers consider the way in which we use outer armour to reflect our inner selves”
—Sara Keating, The Irish Times
“Primary colors pop in this celebratory picture book about supporting children’s senses of being. Frankie couldn’t be more excited for her garden party, where there will be pickles and jelly beans, and decorations galore. But her mom picked out three dresses for her to wear, and none suit her spectacular expectations. She wants to wear something marvelous: “with lightning bolts and stars and style.” She has little hope that such an outfit exists, but with help from her family, her dream is achieved!”
—Foreword Reviews, starred review
“Immensely charming … A delightful, affirming story about finding your unique look without reducing it to simplistic, black-and-white, or reductive ideas about gender presentation. One of a kind.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“For her birthday party, Frankie eschews fancy dresses for a spectacular suit that shows her true colors.”
—Publishers Weekly
“[A] great addition to the growing LGBTQIA+ picture book collection ... Specifically give it to kids who see themselves or see others in their lives who may not follow traditional gender roles or may be questioning their own gender identity. Read-alike with Julián is a Mermaid.”
—Sarah Bickel, Youth Services Book Review
“Lovely book, and as a parent of a gender non-conforming young adult, I believe this is a book he would have found very meaningful as a child. Engaging illustrations and a gentle unfolding of the story revealing layers of love and connection.”
—Esty Schachter, Ithaca Child
“From Kat Patrick, author of Doodle Cat and Howl, comes a gorgeous picture book about the nervous joy of expressing yourself through clothing and the strength that comes with family support. Finding the perfect look (especially one with such strong Bowie vibes) for your own party can be incredibly empowering, and The Spectacular Suit also plays with gender in the same, delightful way that children do. Artist Hayley Wells’s picture book debut is warmly illustrated in a limited color palette, creating a cohesive story world … While this story is a great one for sharing with children from the age of three, when the desire to choose your own outfit really begins to take hold, it could be perfect for those well into primary school, when individuality and identity begin to take on more significance.”
—Michael Earp, Books+Publishing
“This book will be a hit with children who don't quite fit within traditional gender roles or it's a lovely book to open up conversation about gender expression!.”
—Rashauna Tunson, Second Star to the Right Children's Books Denver, Colorado
“I just love this picture book … While it's not overt, the book is a really great celebration of individuality, and can be used to start conversations with kids about both gender and identity.”
—Paul Swydan, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore Acton, Massachusetts
“Sweet, validating, and beautiful! What I wouldn't give for a suit just like Frankie's—if you make a tie-in collection, I'll be first in line!!”
—Anna, Oblong Books and Cafe
“I totally love this. Now I want a spectacular suit! The way the family responds is beautiful. I can't wait to give a copy to my niece.”
—Brandi Stewart, Changing Hands Bookstore (Phoenix, AZ)
“Every time I read this book I cry with joy.”
—Hannah Gardiner, Children's book buyer (Australia)
“What a wonderful story about being who you are, and being seen by your family!!!”
—Kate Reynolds, Colgate Bookstore
“This is a vibrant, charming book about how clothes can make you feel special and the importance of wearing the clothes that reflect your identity. The digital illustrations are gorgeous and dynamic and make the story really sing. It’s a delightful book.”
—Angela Crocombe, Manager of Readings Kids
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Praise for Howl:
“In a fantastical narrative that mirrors the plot of Where the Wild Things Are, a child learns to resolve overwhelming feelings … The refrain ”If I am a [person], I am also a wolf” paints personhood as part and parcel of having wolfish feelings, and Wolf Mom’s advice (“Take a deep breath. Count to seven, which is ten in human breaths, and imagine your biggest feelings flying into the sky”) will prove useful for anyone having one of those days.”
—Publishers Weekly
“There’s a timelessness to the tale and an utter lack of judgment in the message: it’s OK to be a little wild every once in a while. Especially when it’s one of those days.”
—Booklist
“[A] great story about helping children get through some of their intense emotions.”
—Kristin Guay, Youth Services Book Review
"It’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day meets Where the Wild Things Are. Maggie already had so many misfortunes (her spaghetti was too long, the sky was too blue) when her two front teeth fall out. Fangs grow in their place, and she begins to have “wolfish thoughts.” The pencil and pastel drawings show how she resolves her feelings in an unexpected way."
—Parents Magazine
“[A] celebration of recognizing and resolving the strong emotions that we feel. Not only for kids, but also adults.”
—Houston Library Finds
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Praise for Doodle Cat is Bored:
“It’s exactly what it sounds like—Doodle Cat is very, very bored … Until he stumbles upon a crayon. What do you do with such an object? You doodle! Doodle Cat gets incredibly creative with his artistic endeavors—my favorite creation is the page where he draws six marvelous, colorful pangolins! With his new creative power, he certainly isn’t bored anymore. If you had a crayon to doodle with, what would you draw? Perhaps Doodle Cat can provide you with some inspiration!”
—Andrew King, University Book Store
“Imaginative, somewhat absurd drawings come pouring out as Doodle Cat scribbles. Surfing on a wave of farts with a wizard named Susan? Creating a swirl of spaghetti (that turns out to be a feline pasta called Uncle Noodle Cat)? Partying with pangolins (scaly anteaters)? […] Black line illustrations transition to full color, then end with simple red lines as the cat extends the crayon, offering it to the reader with an invitation to join in. A fun testament to creative possibility.”
—Booklist
“Expressive and emotive, Patrick’s simple ink, crayon, and acrylic illustrations capture the big feelings so many children face … uproariously funny on multiple readings. Doodling to exhaustion, the cat invites readers in: ‘What will you draw?’”
—School Library Journal
“Doodle Cat, drawn as a red, cat-shaped silhouette with frantic eyes and sharp whiskers … has a brain explosion that Farrell illustrates in a full-bleed spread of chunky psychedelic designs.”
—Kirkus
“[T]he book’s pages burst with colorful creatures, wild lines, and new adventures. Doodle Cat’s audience will be itching to unleash their own inner artists.”
—Foreword Reviews
“[A] great addition to the growing LGBTQIA+ picture book collection … Specifically give it to kids who see themselves or see others in their lives who may not follow traditional gender roles or may be questioning their own gender identity. Read-alike with Julián is a Mermaid.”
–Sarah Bickel, Youth Services Book Review
“[A] beautiful reflection for kids who push back against gender stereotypes.”
—The Tiny Activist
“A gorgeous glam-rock picture-book celebration of individual style, empathic family, and wearing what feels spectacular.”
—Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian
“This is a delightful story of a child expressing herself with the help of a supportive family.”
—The Buffalo News
“Perfect for any little girl with a birthday coming up, who longs for party gear that does not involve frilly dresses!”
— Books for Keeps
