Unwrapping
Alex and Alex
by Ziggy Hanaor
Ben Javens (Illustrator)
Specs
* Ages: 4-7 years
* Grade Level: PS-2
* Hardcover: 32 pages
* Publisher: Cicada
* Pub. Date: April 5th, 2022
* ISBN: 1800660111
* ISBN13: 9781800660113
* Language: English
Editorial Reviews
A simple, engaging story introducing ideas of non-binary identities, tolerance and acceptance to very young readers, from the writer of the critically acclaimed picture book, The Pocket Chaotic.
''Alex and Alex is brilliant in its simplicity. I can't recommend it highly enough!''
-- Picture Book Perfect
''What a wonderful book that I think every child making their first steps socially should have read to them''. -- The Great British Bookworm
''The lack of gender and deliberate avoidance of stereotypes makes this a useful book to help children think more about what allows people to get along and like each other''. -- School Reading List
''Definitely the best book I have come across that sensitively discusses the concept of being non-binary without preaching or taking away from the playful plot for children''.-- The Value's Bookshelf
Unwrapping Some Illustrations
The Book
This book gives young readers permission to make individual choices when it comes to the things that make them happy. A variety of toys and activities are explored and the two little people enjoy playing together. They dress-up in their favourite outfits, listen to music, play computer games and build things... sometimes alone and sometimes together. They share similarities and also some differences.
Alex likes running and kicking a ball around while Alex prefers reading and dreaming. At the museum Alex loves looking at all the pictures but that makes Alex bored. Alex wants to munch on a burger while Alex is a vegetarian. Alex and Alex sometimes disagree with each but they always make up because despite all their differences Alex really, really, really, really likes Alex!
The illustrations are kid-friendly and the characters portrayed are adorable. They are colourful, relatable and enrich the text. The book touches on the values of acceptance, respect, friendship. kindness and integrity. It is a great book to add to a classroom or an elementary school library. I highly recommend it. Viva la différence!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS!
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Meet the Author
Tell us about your background and how you came to establish Cicada Books in 2009.
I set up Cicada after the birth of my daughter, Edith. I had been working as an editor for a small independent company but had handed in my notice when I got pregnant. I wanted a part time editorial job with another design-oriented independent but there was nothing available. I had had a couple successes at previous companies, so slightly foolishly assumed that it would be no big deal to set up my own company. It’s been a lot harder than I ever expected, and there have been a lot of ups and downs. But I’m still standing, and that makes me pretty proud.
You launched Cicada with a focus on beautiful books and fresh talent. Tell us about some of your favourite titles and success stories.
The company has been through various stages. We started out making design/gift books for adults, then moved into activity books for children and finally into picture books.
The picture books are a new venture for me and I’m still bursting with enthusiasm, so it’s hard to pick a favourite. Sock Story is probably my most successful picture book to date. It’s about a pair of socks that get separated in the wash and then have to decide what it means to be a pair if one of you has changed. It’s got a philosophical touch and a lot of humour and it’s beautifully illustrated by Eleonora Marton. It’s printed in pantones with a die cut cover, so quite a wow factor. We had a great critical response, including a review in the New York Times, and it’s selling through really well.
About the Illustrator
Ben is a freelance illustrator working for clients internationally, such as The New York Times, The School of Life, Smithsonian, Frances Lincoln, QIC Australia, TOMS, Warburtons, 8th Continent, Hugo Boss, The Guardian, Die Zeit and Timeout Magazine.
He also works as a designer and illustrator for Studio Anorak on commissioned projects as well as the quarterly published magazines Anorak and dot.
Please direct all enquires to ben@benjavens.co.uk
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