Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.
Barbara McClintock is an American illustrator and author of over forty books for children. Her books have received numerous awards and selections, including five New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, four ALA Notable Book selections, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Award, a China Times Open Book Award, and a British Fantasy Award. One of her books is a bestselling title in Japan. She has lectured about her work nationally and internationally and is currently teaching classes on creating children’s books at Wesleyan University. Originally from New Jersey and North Dakota, she now resides in northeastern Connecticut with her partner, the illustrator David Johnson, and their three overly helpful cats.
“You feel Tomie dePaola’s love and presence as he mourns the loss of his beloved dog in this book, just as we feel the loss of Tomie in today’s children’s book space. This book is just as touching, heartrending, and warm as you think it's going to be, if not more.”
—Celia L., Executive Editor, on Where Are You, Brontë?
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An ALA Notable Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
★ "McClintock’s illustrations are a masterful tribute to dePaola’s legacy, blending her own style with his iconic use of clean lines and vibrant palettes...Where Are You, Bronte? is not only a tribute to a pet, but also McClintock’s reverent homage to dePaola’s life and artistry."
– Bookpage, STARRED REVIEW
★ "In sequences of sensitive pairings, McClintock does full justice to the late dePaola’s last completed manuscript—a poignant ode to his Airedale terrier Brontë—with scenes of a cotton-bearded old man and his woolly, flop-eared comrade sharing 12-plus years of affectionate companionship....this is a fond twin memorial both to a dog and to a beloved writer and artist."
– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
★ "Alongside images that cleverly summon beats from dePaola’s works, simple words about difficult emotions offer layers of comfort for readers wondering about the whereabouts of a late loved one. It’s a moving ode to Brontë and to dePaola—the creator who loved him."
– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
★ "A gentle delight, simultaneously honoring both the dog dePaola lost and the artist we lost in turn."
– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
★ "Created with pens, colored pencils, watercolor, and gouache, the lively illustrations will captivate viewers with their curving lines, pleasing colors, and decorative patterns. A heartening, memorable celebration of dePaola and Brontë’s friendship."
– Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
"In McClintock’s mixed-media art, a pastel color palette, deft line work, and uncluttered compositions pay homage to the beloved author without being derivative. A pleasing variety of spreads, panels, vignettes, and single pages sets the story’s pace and keeps young readers engaged."
– The Horn Book
"Charmingly illustrated ... Weeper ... A worthy, sensitive resource for a family coping with the loss of a pet ... A reminder of the joys of companionship, even if the aftermath is bittersweet."
– The New York Times
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