Synopses & Reviews
High on the roof of an apartment building is a garden where neighbors come to laugh, to dance, and to share - stories of helping others, breakfasts of challah and herring, and, once a summer, a Roof Party! Surrounded by loving adults, a girl with cabbage curls feels she lives “on top of the world - in paradise.” But something is about to change. Mamas belly is growing bigger - and bigger! Can the girl share her mama and papa, and her wonderful rooftop world, with a new baby?
Based on the authors own New York City childhood, this warm and spirited story - with bold art in the style of public murals - is a joyous and heartfelt celebration of community. The House of Joyful Living is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Review
“Wideners characteristically stylized paintings adopt a variety of perspectives, including childs-eye level, to convey the multilayered harmony.” —Publishers Weekly
“Drawing on her own childhood memories, Schotter tells a joyful story of a Jewish girl in a small, diverse immigrant community in New York City.” —Booklist
“Kids will respond to the peace and harmony of this community.” —Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books
“Aided by Wideners bold, expressive acrylics, Schotter paints a nostalgic picture of the warmth and joy of a close-knit, urban community and one little girls realization of the blessings a new baby will bring.” —School Library Journal“Warm and comforting.” —Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Based on Schotter's own New York City childhood, this warm and spirited story--with bold art by Widener in the style of public murals--is a joyous and heartfelt celebration of community. Full color.
About the Author
RONI SCHOTTERs acclaimed picture books include
Hanukkah!, winner of the National Jewish Book Award. She lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. TERRY WIDENER has received numerous awards for his illustrations. He lives in McKinney, Texas.