Reading, interview, and a star review in Booklist! September 02, 2011

So much goodness lately...

* A big thank you to everyone who came out to Green Bean Books for my reading a week or so ago, and buying EVERY SINGLE COPY of Bandits in the store. Man oh man, you guys are amazing. The owner of Green Bean confided that it was a record breaking sales day (for one book), and more Bandits books are on their way for those that didn't get a copy. Thank you, thank you!

* So excited to share, this review by the amazing, Robin Smith. Brought a tear or two to my eye. 

* An interview by Brian Juenemann over at NW Book Lovers.

* And lastly, a lovely review and a star for Bandits in this month's Booklist!!! Holy cow!!!! Here it is:

Bandits. 
Wright, Johanna (Author) , Wright, Johanna (Illustrator)
Aug 2011. 32 p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter, hardcover, $16.99. (9781596435834).
 
As the text tells the tale, a group of bandits roam the neighborhood at night, taking what they please, leaving plenty of clues, and hightailing it up to the hills. After picnicking until dawn, they head for their hideout and lie low until . . . nightfall. The illustrations reveal that the bandits are a family of raccoons with masklike markings, stick-thin arms and legs, and at least as much affection for each other as the trash cans, apple trees, and clotheslines they plunder. Wright’s text is is quiet and slyly humorous, but her illustrations transform the story and ultimately steal the show. On closer visual acquaintance, even the little raccoon who looks shifty-eyed and furtive in the opening scene is shown to be a playful, curious fellow who ends the night tired, leaning in toward his mother while supporting little sister on his other side. Fresh, witty, and beautifully composed, Wright’s naive paintings create a world that is familiar and fantastic at the same time, with glowing skies, round houses, and wonderfully quirky human and animal characters. Working its charm in a thoroughly underhanded manner, this is the sort of quiet picture book that might sneak into a child’s pile of favorite books and catch adults unaware. — Carolyn Phelan