Shy

STELLAR REVIEWS FOR BY MOUSE AND FROG (three stars):
*"Wearing its metafictionality lightly and told largely through dialogue that begs for performance, Freedman's story speaks to power of creative passion and the rewards of playing well with others."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

*"With metafiction crowding picture-book shelves these days, each new piece needs to earn its place, and this one does. . . An elegant, exuberant portrayal of stylistic differences and child-writer passion."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"The text, which neatly avoids committing to the gender of either of the friends, is almost entirely dialogue, and it's a treat to read aloud. . .an endearing take on the complementary-friends story."--BCCB, starred review

"Freedman brings humor, energy and charm to her characters, making their predicament and their creative efforts feel real. And while young children can learn skills of collaboration and teamwork, parents may find themselves wanting to bring a copy to work where certain co-workers might see it."--BookPage

"Deborah Freedman's artistic blend of humor and visual ingenuity make this a wonderful book to read aloud."--Literacy Daily

PRAISE FOR THE STORY OF FISH AND SNAIL (one star):
*"This marvelous metabook shines in both concept and beauty."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The theme of books as doorways into rich new adventures couldn't be more vividly conveyed, and the resolution of the conflict between two sweet friends provides encouragement for other 'snails' to try new things."--Publishers Weekly

"Freedman's paintings, brimming with raucous, three-dimensional splashes of color, bring to mind David Wiesner's Art & Max."--The New York Times

RAVES FOR BLUE CHICKEN (three stars):

*"Breathtakingly beautiful meta-illustrations will draw many eyes to this tale of a curious chicken who spills some paint. . . Delicate and durable, visually sophisticated yet friendly: simply exquisite." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"Full of surprise and emotion. . . The book has much to pore over on every page, and children will want to experience the action over and over again." --School Library Journal, starred review

*"The spare, poetic text allows the images to shine. . .this delightful treat emphasizes the joy of breaking free of conventional boundaries and turning accidents into art." --Booklist, starred review

"Playful and surreal without getting so kooky that it loses its audience, Freedman knows how to write a picture book that's bound to get kids and their parental units reading and rereading over and over and over again." --Elizabeth Bird, Fuse #8