Praise for Nina and a brilliant interview with creators Christian Robinson and Traci N. Todd
Dear Friends,
Nina: a story of Nina Simone is garnering so much well-deserved praise in the US, the UK, and Ireland, where it was released in October, just in time for Black History Month. The mission statement for Black History Month this year is ‘Dig deeper. Look closer. Think bigger’. Todd and Robinson’s picture-book biography of this icon’s journey to becoming a voice for the Civil Rights Movement does just that.
We really enjoyed listening to these exceptional creatives’ interview on NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ last week, and would love to share this insightful and enriching conversation with those who haven’t heard it yet:
Read the transcript here
Here is just some of the praise that Nina has received:
★ ‘Todd ends her unflinching narrative with a perfectly placed, direct-address line: “And when she sang of Black children—you lovely, precious dreams—her voiced sounded like hope.” This unexpected, yet needed, outpouring of love is the perfect end to a stunning book.’
—Horn Book, starred review
★ ‘Todd’s musical prose allows readers into Nina’s perspective, and Robinson’s scenes and portraits absolutely sing with energy, keeping pace perfectly with the text as it expands beyond typical picture-book length. Do not miss this complex story of an American legend.’
—Kirkus, starred review
★ ‘Nina Simone's beauty and talent is given prominent expression by multiaward-winning Robinson in this picture-book biography…Robinson's illustrations subtly portray her subject's transformation, particularly in her clothes, which gradually move from more subdued dresses to her bold, colorful, and Afrocentric signature style…A worthy biography for all collections and especially for those that serve music-loving children.’
—Booklist, starred review
★ ‘An engaging, affecting, and powerful biography that aptly situates Simone’s enduring legacy in musical and social history.’
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ ‘Nina: A Story of Nina Simone gracefully brings the life of one such legendary musician into readers’ hearts… Fans of Caldecott Honor illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street, The Bench) will immediately recognize the bold, distinct shapes that are his hallmark. Robinson outdoes himself here.’
—BookPage, starred review
‘Enlightening…Robinson’s pictures paint vivid images that undertone the harsh reality of life for black people in America...this biography should be a fundamental piece of every young reader’s book collection.’
—Fiona Buckley, Irish Examiner
We can’t wait to witness this important book’s journey into hearts and minds across the world over the coming months and years.
Love,
Scribble