It’s been very exciting to see my debut picture book, Red and Green and Blue and White, (publishing Oct 19, 2021 – less than a month away!) get some really awesome trade reviews…

Of course, there’s the incredible STARRED Publishers Weekly Review, that said:

“Wind’s lightly fictionalized version of the 1993 incident wherein a community stood up to bigotry, taping pictures of menorahs to their own windows in solidarity, is conveyed with lyrical simplicity. The visual treatment here is particularly striking—Caldecott Medalist Zelinsky’s vibrant digital art has the bold, rough-hewn textures of scratch block, and dramatic compositions that recall sweeping cinematography emphasize fraught emotions in this moving historical tale that encourages taking a stand.” —Publishers Weekly

And there was another STARRED review, this one from School Library Connection, that said:

“Resonates for its lyrical simplicity, sparse text, and bold, full-page illustrations. Zelinsky has covered every page with bright colors, with optional text that dances through the pictures and occasional vignettes that add detail and movement to the story. This is a strong addition to holiday stories, one that can be reread and rediscovered many times and whose theme of community support and friendship is appropriate year-round.” —School Library Connection

And this review in Shelf Awareness was awesome, too. It said:

A community, inspired by a friend’s show of support, acts in solidarity after a hate crime targets a Hanukkah celebration in this vibrant and compassionate picture book from Lee Wind and Paul O. Zelinsky…. Inspired by true events, Wind (No Way, They Were Gay?) uses clear language and concise sentences to impart real-life and relatable examples of courage, upstanders and allyship. Minimal text amplifies the innocent tone at the beginning of the story while the prose both quickens and lengthens after the attack. An ominous shift in the palette during that event underscores its severity and the “shards of glass falling” evokes Kristallnacht. A brief author’s note radiates hope….. As much a how-to as a holiday tale, Wind and Zelinsky’s offering gives young readers an inspirational, empathy-building story about honoring your identity and standing up against hate. Stronger together, indeed.” —Shelf Awareness

And a strong review from Kirkus Reviews, that summed up with:

“The true meaning of the holiday season shines here.” —Kirkus Reviews

Booklist called it:

“A thoughtful addition to the holiday shelves or a springboard to discussions of prejudice.” —Booklist

And Foreword Reviews loved it, saying:

“Artfully smudged, staggered illustrations light up this moving tale about community solidarity.” —Foreword Reviews

Feeling very grateful… each review is another chance to get this book in front of readers, where it will start to work its magic of empowering kids to know they can stand up for themselves and they can stand up for others… and that’s what community (and the holidays) are really all about.

The light in me recognizes and acknowledges the light in you,
Lee