Category: Center Left

Available now in bookstores and online, including Indiebound.

Written by Florence Parry Heide and Sylvia Worth Van Clief, published by Atheneum BFYR in 2017. You can buy your copy on Indiebound here.

Written by Florence Parry Heide, published by Atheneum BFYR in 2017. You can buy the hardcover here or the paperback here.

Written by Katie Hesterman and published by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, was released on March 27, 2018.

Since it came out last September, Two Mice has received a lot of attention, including the inclusion in four prestigious best-books-of-the-year lists:

The Horn Book Fanfare

The Washington Post

Kirkus Reviews

The Boston Globe

And here’s what people think of the book (click on the links for the full reviews):

“Ruzzier’s surreal landscapes, personable animal characters, elegant story arc, and profound theme combine into something truly award-worthy here.” –Calling Caldecott

“There’s a lot of drama for a book about counting, but that’s not the only stunner. The world Ruzzier creates with his illustrations is so singular, so extraterrestrial that the pictures give the story a sci-fi vibe.” –The Boston Globe

“What a cute, clever way into number sense.” –The New York Times

“Expressive, mildly mischievous pen-and-ink illustrations in soft colors develop details and drama that the words leave out. (…) The book’s creative focus on pattern in plot leaves plenty of room for readers’ imaginations to play a strong role.” –The Horn Book (Starred review.)

“The simplicity of the text means that the earliest readers will soon be able to pick it up and will return to it over and over. One story. Two mice. Three cheers. Lots to love.” –Kirkus (Starred review.)

“A scintillating combination of danger and comfort.” –Publishers Weekly

“Sweetly satisfying.” —School Library Journal

“Two Mice is a brief master class in the picture book form.” –Nine Kinds of Pie

“The inventively undulating narrative structure, the sherbet-like color palette, fantastic tile floors, countless tiny visual surprises–and last but not least, the comfortingly resilient mouse friendship–make Two Mice a standout.” –Shelf Awareness

“A simple and simply lovely book. A sort-o- counting (well, one to three and back again) book and a tiny adventure story too. Absolutely charming.” –Monica Edinger

“Ruzzier’s counting book is a gem.”  –Waking Brain Cells

“Using pen and ink and watercolors, Sergio Ruzzier assures a place on the Caldecott list this year (well, I think that should happen).” –Sal’s Fiction Addiction

“Two Mice is a tiny treasure waiting to be found over and over by readers.” –Librarian’s Quest

Bear and Bee. published by Hyperion in 2013.

“I Bee-lieve Sergio Ruzzier is a big Bear of a talent.”   – Maurice Sendak

“Ruzzier has a solid sense of comic timing and proffers his lesson on the folly of prejudice with an admirably light touch.” – Publishers Weekly

“Ruzzier’s pacing is impeccable. The illustrations are simple and uncluttered, keeping the focus on the two expressive friends and making this a great choice for sharing with groups. The correction of misconceptions has never been so much fun.” -Kirkus Reviews

Amandina published in 2008 by Neal Porter Books/Roaring Brook Press.

Publishers Weekly

“Ruzzier creates a haunting intimacy with his watercolors of a centuries-old Italian town (the theater is a tiny Umbrian jewel) and its strangely human-eyed animal citizens, as well as his unvarnished language (“Nobody had come. Sometimes these things happen, and nobody can say why”). Showing a magical insight into the imagination of small children, he allows Amandina an intense sweep of feeling before granting her no less—but no more—than her wish. The mood he casts will resonate, particularly with introspective readers.”

 

School Library Journal FUSE #8 Blog

“There is a very specific feeling you get from a picture book when the combination of text and image is pitch perfect. It’s a very hard thing to get, mind you. You might have a book where the words are lovely and the pictures exciting, but if the two don’t work in tandem then your end product is going to end up a merely okay bit of indistinguishable dribble. A hint of what might have been will hover over the reading experience. I mention this because I’m trying to find a way to explain why Amandina by Sergio Ruzzier is as delicately miraculous as it is. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it’s a Neal Porter book and Mr. Porter is known for helping to bring perfect little books into the world (see: Dog and Bear). Maybe it has to do with author/illustrator Sergio Ruzzier, whose previous books and collaborations have played effectively with tone and story. Maybe it’s the thickness of the paper or the shade of the watercolors. Maybe it’s everything altogether or maybe it’s none of this at all. Whatever the case, if you are looking for a story that is sweet but not saccharine and carries a lovely little message without beating you over the head with a didacticism stick, this is the book for you. A book designed to be the perfect gift for any 4-8 year old child.”

 

School Library Journal

“The artwork combines delicate lines and faded colors to create a fanciful stage for this likable character.”

 

Kirkus Reviews

“Quiet, precise, whimsical watercolor illustrations in subdued pastels enhance the surreal ambiance of Amandina’s solitary exploits. A subdued but charming tribute to determination and perseverance.”