Happy book birthday to Heather Smith‘s ANGUS ALL AGLOW, illustrated by Alice Carter, publishing today with Orca Book Publishers!
From the publisher: “A gentle story of acceptance, generosity and friendship, Angus All Aglow reminds us that it only takes one kind gesture to restore your sparkle, and returning the kindness can make you glow from the inside out.”
Heather Smith’s YA novel, The Agony of Bun O’Keefe, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Quill & Quire, was named a best book of 2017 by Kirkus, Bank Street College of Education, The Globe and Mail, and Quill & Quire (honorable mention), and won the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Award. Her recent middle grade verse novel, Ebb & Flow (Kids Can Press, 2018) received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Quill & Quire. Smith is originally from Newfoundland, and now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her husband and three children. ANGUS ALL AGLOW is her first picture book.
Advance Praise:
“The tale is one of inclusion, acceptance, diversity, friendship, and kindness, but all are subtly included and take a back seat to the story. This book’s sweet message leaves you glowing from the inside out, just like Angus.” -Booklist
“A heartwarming story that emphasizes the individuality and creativity that each child brings to the world and the challenges children face as they try to communicate their uniqueness to others.” -CM magazine
“Smith’s story accomplishes some great things: It introduces readers to new reach-word vocabulary, and Angus’ love of sparkle isn’t tied directly to sexuality or gender identity, allowing it to reach the heterosexual cis boys who love a little glitz and glimmer.”
-Kirkus Reviews
“At once unique, but understandable…Angus’ experience will also bring hope to those who may feel like a lone unicorn in a herd of horses.” -Resource Links
“A heartwarming and sparkly story of friendship. Angus is a lovable and charmingly original character, and his story holds an important message: we all glow a little more brightly when we are able to be ourselves.”
-Robin Stevenson, award-winning author Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community