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Victoria Allenby has been writing poetry and stories for as long as she can remember. Her debut picture book, Nat the Cat Can Sleep Like That, won the 2014 Preschool Reads Award and was nominated for the 2015 SYRCA Shining Willow Award. Timo's Garden was a New York Public Library Best Books for Kids & Teens selection. A freelance writer and editor, Victoria lives in Toronto, Ontario. Dean Griffiths is a popular picture book artist with more than 25 titles to his name. His many awards include the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Book Prize for Maggie Can't Wait, the Chocolate Lily Award for Ballerinas Don't Wear Glasses, and the Rainforest of Reading Award for Bad Pirate. Dean lives in Duncan, British Columbia, with his daughter.
The warm, detailed illustrations evoke a comfortable small-town charm, sure to entice readers to visit Toadstool Corners again and again. The book also does a nice job of highlighting everyday texts within the narrative, including lists, invitations, and newspaper articles, which could prompt discussion about the importance of reading and writing in daily life... Depicting acts of courage, selflessness, and kindness, Timo's Party is wholly designed to support its readers' character development...[T]his latest iteration of Timo and friends offers another gentle and useful tale about the power of friendship. Resource Links Timo's Party is an exceptional early reader for imparting an engaging life lesson. But author Victoria Allenby never preaches or instructs...Instead, she swathes that message in Timo's daily experiences, taking advantage of a true story-telling opportunity...Dean Griffiths's artwork helps take the reader into the friendly world of Toadstool Corners. From the plaid jacketed Timo with his subtle smile and relaxed ears, to the rose-toqued badger Rae and the bustling Hedgewick, Dean Griffiths gives life to the animals in Timo's Party, taking them from characters to neighbours. And, let me say, we are all pleased to have been invited to this party, and look forward to more good times in Timo's neighbourhood. CanLit for LittleCanadians What a fun little book about a friend who looks out for his friends. Lovely illustrations, and we hope to make the included recipe - Hedgewick's Happy Apple-Banana Cake. Book Time There is a lot to love about Timo's Party. The premise and its attentive execution are particularly noteworthy. Timo is honestly anxious about hosting a party but decides to do it anyway. The story provides tools for dealing with intimidating situations...and gives tips on dealing with mild social anxiety as well as navigating social situations...Not only does the book have some good advice, but it embeds that advice in a story that children will want to read. CM Magazine
