Robinson

Sis's story, based on a childhood incident, opens at a school's costume party. The narrator, Peter, comes dressed as Robinson Crusoe, in fur garments carefully sewn by his mother. His friends, dressed as pirates, jeer him. Shaken, Peter retreats to his bedroom, where subsequent spreads follow his dream journey to Crusoe's island, a place filled with strange trees, beautiful flowers, and multicolored birds--"Is there no one here but me?" he wonders. Washes of amethyst, rosy pink, indigo, and emerald evoke the scents and sounds of the strange land. An exquisite aerial view shows the boy in a dozen places at once, fishing, farming, and guiding baby sea tortoises into the water; in another, he feasts with animals at a dinner table. Dream morphs into reality as the arrival of pirates turns into a visit from Peter's friends, with an apology. Using the boy to reenact Crusoe's story lovingly underscores the way books allow readers to see themselves in what they read, and to find adventure and solace there. Sis further reflects on his memories in a candid afterword, accompanied by a priceless childhood photo of him dressed as Crusoe. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3—Sis's latest picture book fuses an episode from his childhood with the plot of Robinson Crusoe—a favorite novel when he was young. Sequential panels lead to full-bleed double spreads as the first-person accounts describe the way a group of five diverse friends play pirates in every conceivable setting, from a backyard tent to the bathtub. When the school costume party is announced, the collective choice is obvious, until Peter's mother suggests that he go as Crusoe. The ensuing drama—contrasting the boy's anticipation about wearing the lovingly crafted outfit with embarrassment as the friends (unfamiliar with the story) tease him—is one that will resonate with many readers. A dream sequence follows the boy's retreat to his room, where the bed becomes a boat, and he floats "in and out of hours, or maybe days." The artist's signature meticulously detailed watercolor and ink scenes become looser, stylized, the colors more saturated—think Matisse's Fauve period. Peter enters lush landscapes, a maze of tropical fruit and wild creatures, and nurturing green and blue scenes of exquisite beauty. He takes on the persona of his favorite protagonist, "owning" the costume at last. Ever on the lookout for pirates, he makes peace with his friends in a deeply satisfying conclusion. Visual references to earlier books, nods to Maurice Sendak, and a photograph with the author's note describing the incident that inspired this tale all provide depth and insight. VERDICT Sis's ability to represent and resolve the theater unfolding in children's minds is unparalleled. A brilliant adventure to share one-on-one or with a small group.—Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Robinson

"Intimate...arresting...evocative." — The New York Times Book Review

"A beautiful meditation on hurt, healing and friendship...lush...deft and rewarding." — The Wall Street Journal

"[This] magical new picture book focuses on the freedom to be yourself... And the takeaway? The pleasures of story and imagination deepen capacity to be resourceful, brave, forgiving and free." — San Francisco Chronicle

* "An enchanting love letter to the magic of childhood and the fertile relationship between good literature and young readers' imaginations." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Lovingly underscores the way books allow readers to see themselves in what they read, and to find adventure and solace there." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Sís's ability to represent and resolve the theater unfolding in children's minds is unparalleled. A brilliant adventure." — School Library Journal, starred review

* "Alive with color and hope and possibility... [a] visually stunning and empowering tale." — Horn Book Magazine, starred review

"[A] beautifully illustrated parable about the value of self-reliance and solitude." — Booklist

"Simply gorgeous... an unforgettable journey and a feast for the eyes." — Bookpage

"[Kids will] relish the notion of adventurous survival on a desert island.... [with a] Gauguin-like tropical atmosphere." — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, recommended