SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: Fire Pups to the Rescue
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: www.lisadesimini.com
CITY: Los Angeles
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: SATA 216
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
ADDRESS
CAREER
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
School Library Journal vol. 56 no. 4 Apr., 2010. Maggie Chase, “Annino, Jan Godown. She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper: Seminole Tribal Leader.”. p. 143.
School Library Journal vol. 56 no. 7 July, 2010. Brommer, Shawn. , “Alda, Arlene. Lulu’s Piano Lesson.”.
Kirkus Reviews Feb. 15, 2014, , “Gifford, Peggy: THE GREAT BIG GREEN.”.
Kirkus Reviews Feb. 1, 2017, , “Desimini, Lisa: THE FLEATASTICS.”.
Booklist vol. 113 no. 12 Feb. 15, 2017, Lock, Anita. , “The Fleatastics.”.
Kirkus Reviews Mar. 1, 2025, , “Desimini, Lisa: FIRE PUPS TO THE RESCUE!”.
How I Got Started
I started drawing on my own when I was seven years old. I used color pencils and markers to copy images from greeting cards, coloring books and beach towels. My parents were always supportive. They loved everything I created. It gave me the confidence to decide to study art in college. After researching the different types of artists, I knew I wanted to be an illustrator because I loved to read. The idea of illustrating the covers of novels and articles in magazines and newspapers was thrilling.
Six months after graduating from The School of Visual Arts, someone referred me to Harper Collins. I assumed it was for adult book jackets, but, much to my surprise, Toni Markiet, was an editor of children’s books. She asked me to do two sample illustrations for a manuscript by Ann Turner. A month later I found out I got the job! HERON STREET came out in 1989 to rave reviews. It was a such a satisfying creative experience that I fell completely in love with picture books. After illustrating many books, I started writing some of them, too.
Now, I have illustrated and/or written over 35 books for children. MY HOUSE was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; LOVE LETTERS by Arnold Adoff was a BCCB Blue Ribbon Book and School Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year, DOT THE FIRE DOG has sold over 400,000 copies. MY BEAUTIFUL CHILD was illustrated by my husband, Matt Mahurin. A school librarian had this to say: “With its spare text and quiet illustrations lies the powerful message of teaching a child to appreciate the simple things in life through a parent’s unselfish love…I plan to buy a copy for my library, my daughter, and as a gift for everyone I know with kids. It’s that good.” MY most recent book is THE FLEATASTICS, “Desimini’s universe of fleas delights with boundless imagination and pockets of hilarious flea dialogue, vivaciously depicted.” –Kirkus Reviews
I have created over 150 book covers, including those for Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal Dreams, The Bean Trees, and Pigs in Heaven; Ayelet Waldman’s Nursery Crime Series; The John Nichols trilogy; The Sookie Stackhouse Series which was turned into HBO’s True Blood, and most recently I was commisioned to create the cover and six interior images for a special edition of The Man Who Fell to Earth which will be released Fall 2022.
I’ve also worked as an editorial illustrator. Some of my clients were: New York Newsday, Business Week, Seventeen Magazine, Spin, The Utne Reader, The Chicago Tribune, Fortune Magazine and many more.
I have visited schools and led workshops all over the country. I taught illustration and children’s book illustration at The School of Visual Arts for four years.
I have worked in oils, acrylics, paper collage, photography, and digital–sometimes I combine them all!
I live in Topanga with my husband and two kitties; BuddhaBear & Crash (BabyGirl)
Interview with author/illustrator Lisa Desimini
March 6, 2018 by Henry Herz Leave a comment
Lisa Desimini grew up reading and drawing every chance she got. Her friends and fellow students told her that she should be an artist when she grew up, and Lisa agreed. She graduated from The School of Visual Arts in NYC. Now, she has written and/or illustrated over 35 books for children. She has also illustrated many book jackets for YA and adults novels.
For what age audience do you write/illustrate, and in what genre(s)?
My children’s books are for children ages 3-7. Some of my books are for all ages. My favorite genre is fantasy, but I’ve published non-fiction, too. I adore illustrating poetry collections.
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Henry: I met Lisa at a book event at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, where she was signing her new picture book. I was especially surprised and pleased to learn she also illustrated the covers for the Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood) paranormal fantasy novels!
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is THE FLEATASTICS. It’s about an acrobatic troupe of fleas that travel from sleeping dog to sleeping dog to put on a show. Sarafleana’s family wants her to be part of their parasite pyramid, but she dreams of having her own act. When someone in the audience says the forbidden “T” word…Sarafleana gets a chance to prove what she can do.
Henry: My agent is right now shopping a narrative nonfiction picture book told by and about fleas. Fascinating little dudes.
What do you hope readers will get from reading that book?
There are two messages in this book. First, it’s important to do what it takes to follow ones dreams. The second message is that no matter what knocks us down, we have to get back up, brush ourselves off and get back on the horse… But I usually don’t set out with a mission for my books to have a message. It just happens sometimes.
Henry: If you’re a flea, you brush yourself off and get back on the cat.
What aspect of writing or illustrating do you find most challenging?
For me, writing is more challenging. I write something and, at first, I love it. Then I kind of like it, then I’m not sure about it at all, so I put it away for a few days. When I look again, I say, “OK, this has potential!” Then I show a friend and they make me see something I could do to make it better, so I do it and I like it better. Rinse and repeat and then maybe I send it to my editor and maybe it gets published. I don’t have as much back and forth when it comes to illustration because I’ve been making pictures since I was a little kid.
Henry: I certainly agree that critique groups (the external opinion) is absolutely vital to good writing.
What is a powerful lesson you’ve learned from being a writer/illustrator?
The powerful lesson I’ve learned is the more research the better! Nowadays, the internet makes it easier to find books, gather information, and see images from different regions. When I was younger I illustrated a book about the Navaho and I thought I did a good job in recreating their hogans, but I got a very sweet letter from the tribe saying they weren’t accurate. I felt terrible. More recently, when I illustrated, SHE SANG PROMISE about a Seminole woman named Betty Mae Jumper, I was thrilled that National Geographic sent my images to the Seminole museum to be approved.
What has been a memorable experience that you never would have had if you had not been a writer/illustrator?
The memorable experiences for me are when I do a drawing at the end of all my school visits. They’re not preplanned. I use the students’ ideas, and they never cease to amaze me. When their creativity is lit up, there is an exuberant energy in the room. They might call out instead of raising their hands, bounce around, and get a bit loud, but it’s all worth it to me because when creativity is unleashed, it’s wild. It’s not always about being perfectly behaved.
Henry: I also call out instead of raising my hand.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors or illustrators?
I would tell aspiring authors and illustrators to read as much as you can. Go to the library or bookstore every week–read classics and the latest books. Take a class and join the SCBWI. If kid’s books are truly your passion, you will have the energy and desire to follow the ideas that come to you. Some of my ideas have flowed quickly, but most of my books have taken years to come together and sell.
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Henry: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has been helpful to many a career. Their website is http://www.scbwi.org.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
My favorite quote: “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
Henry: I also like “Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot, you are right.”
Do you have any strange rituals that you observe when you write/illustrate?
I like to clean up and organize before I start working on a new project. Then I read a bunch of favorite books. Even if they’re not related to my new project, they get me excited and revved up about stories and the infinite worlds they create.
Henry: Is that preparation or procrastination? 🙂
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be the ability to teleport myself–anytime and anywhere.
Henry: I love it. No time wasted commuting or in traffic. No greenhouse gas emissions.
If you could have three authors over for dinner, who would it be?
Is it OK if I answer a slightly different question–a dinner with my favorite characters from books instead of authors? I love authors, but Owen Meany, Harry Potter and Pippi Longstocking popped into my mind!! Owen because he is so dearly earnest, Harry because of his bravery, and Pippi because of her adventurous spirit!
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Henry: No, it is not OK. This interview is cancelled! Per Wikipedia:
A Prayer for Owen Meany is the seventh novel by American writer John Irving. Published in 1989, it tells the story of John Wheelwright and his best friend Owen Meany growing up together in a small New Hampshire town during the 1950s and 1960s. According to John’s narration, Owen is a remarkable boy in many ways; he believes himself to be God’s instrument and sets out to fulfill the fate he has prophesied for himself.
What is your favorite creature that exists only in literature?
My favorite creature is a centaur. I like that they have the intellect of a human and an animal’s wild nature.
Henry: I like them too. One is featured on the cover of my first book.
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What do you like to do when you’re not writing/illustrating?
When I’m not writing, I like to be with my husband and our kitty Crash, cook, read, watch movies, be in the garden and do yoga.
Henry: But not all at the same time…Yoga cooking!
What would you like it to say on your tombstone?
I plan on being cremated and turned into a tree, so my treestone would say, “She always tried to be better and do better.”
Henry: I’m going to go out on a limb and say the root of that choice is that one must be thick-skinned to be an author.
Where can readers find your work?
You can find my work in bookstores, libraries and on my website: http://www.lisadesimini.com
Henry: Thank you for spending time with us, Lisa!
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Q&A with Lisa Desimini
Lisa Desimini is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book The Fleatastics. Her many other books include Dot the Fire Dog and Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Feet!. She lives in Topanga, California.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for The Fleatastics, and for your main character, Sarafleana?
A: I was doodling and thought about the long body of a dachshund. I sketched the dog’s head as the first spread, then there were 12 spreads of his body and the final spread was the tail.
I thought maybe a story could be happening behind the dog with time passing and weather changing. The body sketch was just a horizontal line. One day I looked at it and saw a stage and that’s when I thought of a performance. Of course, fleas would be the performers!
I did not have a main character when I sold the story. My first idea was a flea named Farley Fillmore that no one took seriously because he was so tiny; I had a character that was always perfectly put together and a couple of other ideas. I worked for weeks on each storyline, but they just weren’t right.
When I came up with the first line, “Sarafleana was a born jumper,” I knew I was on the right track. It made complete sense that my main character would love to jump and dream of being the highest jumping flea of all time, but it still took a while for the story to unfold with the help of editor Rebecca Davis, her assistant, Brittany Ryan, and art director Barbra Grzeslo. They were an absolute joy to work with.
Q: Did you come up with the illustrations or the text first, or did you work on them simultaneously?
A: For me it’s usually the story that comes first. Sometimes a sketch or doodle will inspire a book idea, or maybe a word or a phrase.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?
A: The main message is about following our heart. I never get tired of that message. Sarafleana has to stay focused, practice hard, and keep her jumping ability a secret because to follow her path means she can’t be part of her family’s Parasite Pyramid. It’s not always easy to have different desires and dreams from our families.
The book has another message that I love: No matter what happens we have to pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and keep moving forward. The show must go on!
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors and illustrators?
A: My favorite author/ illustrator is M.B. Goffstein–all of her books, especially Artists’ Helpers Enjoy the Evening. I love Ana Juan’s illustrations, Cynthia Rylant, Maira Kalman, and Aaron Reynolds.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m working on an idea for a graphic novel about a magician and putting together a proposal for a picture book series called The Adventures of Lucy and Seven. I’ve also created a whole new body of photo-digital illustrations. These images would be for adult, Y/A and middle grade covers.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: My husband and I created a trailer for The Fleatastics. I wrote the narration and Matt did the animation. He made Sarafleana flip and jump, the fleas parachute to Sparky the dog, and the Fleatastics perform.
We listened to about 150 different kinds of circus music to find the right one. Then Matt layered park sounds, crickets, boings, a drum roll, and applause. Here is the link.
Thanks Deborah! This has been fun!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
Jul 14
Artist-Author LISA DESIMINI & THE FLEATASTICS + book for you!
LISA DESIMINI & THE FLEATASTICS
Today I am thrilled to interview my favorite picture book
artist who is also a dear pal.
Lisa Desimini is a frequent illustrator – interpreter of poems
for children, in beloved titles such as
DOODLE DANDIES, Poems that Take Shape
GOOD MOUSEKEEPING And Other Animal Poems
LOVE LETTERS
TOUCH THE POEM
The poets Lisa appears with, between covers, are
among my many favorites, including –
Naomi Shihab Nye, J. Patrick Lewis, Arnold Adoff.
Lisa is also the author of her own delightful picture books.
They include DOT THE FIREDOG and also a story my
Book Bear puppet & I schlep along to reading time at
school each October, TRICK-OR-TREAT, SMELL MY FEET!
c. Peggy Gifford/ Lisa Desimini
FAMOUS Naomi Shihab Nye/Lisa Desimini
Until recently, Lisa’s newest lovely books are
THE GREAT BIG GREEN, which she illustrated for poet Peggy Gifford, and
FAMOUS, illustrated for poet Naomi Shihab Nye.
This spring Lisa’s newest, THE FLEATASTICS, which she
wrote and illustrated, jumped into the welcoming world.
These reviews scratch the surface:
“Desimini’s frolicking microscopic world of fleas is a realm within a realm…
Amid the plot about perseverance, (she) sprinkles in the flea family’s running
commentaries.
The engaging, brightly colored scenes filled with comical asides
should be a great story time read for high-energy kids.” – Booklist
“Desimini’s…universe of fleas delights with boundless imagination
and pockets of hilarious flea dialogue, vivaciously depicted.” – Kirkus Reviews
Let’s give a bouncy Poetry Friday welcome to LISA DESIMINI as she shares about
THE FLEATASTICS.
LISA: Hi Jan, I’m thrilled to be a part of your book blog!
Thanks for having me!
THE FLEATASTICS Artist-Author LISA DESIMINI, c. 2017 Lisa Desimini
Q.
It’s a joy to be with you, Lisa.
You jumped from one coast to the other. When we visited years ago
in New Orleans, your base was the NYC area. These days the West Coast
is your muse. Is the children’s book vibe different in California and as
author and artist in children’s literature, what resources do you
connect with there?
LISA: SCBWI has a summer conference here and I’ve attended twice.
I saw friends from NY and met some new ones here on the west coast.
I received tons of valuable information and inspiration.
Even though I’ve done many books, I find there is always more to learn.
Q.
I remember your sharing (and I kept it under wraps) about this lively
idea that you couldn’t shake off – a flea circus! It made me giggle.
And now that I have met tiny main character Sarafleana, I have a seat
on the front row of the tent. What were the high points of your creating
Sarafleana, her family, and her journey?
LISA: It was a long circuitous journey. I tried out several main characters with different motivations.
I had Farley Fillmore–he was too small to be a part of the circus.
I thought about a traveling sporting event with a tiny flea that was never allowed to play.
When I came up with the first line, “Sarafleana was a born jumper.”
I knew I was on the right track.
Another joy was coming up with flea-inspired ideas, names and terms like the grand fleanale.
The classic name Sarafeana was perfect, I just had to add the “l” to transform it to Sarafleana.
Q.
One of the delights of this book is finding the sly puns and terms, especially
on re-reading THE FLEATASTICS for hidden treasures.
Here is the chicken or egg question. Art and image first, or words and story?
LISA: Well, the first thing I came up with was a quick sketch of a Dachshund.
His tail was on page one, then there were 13 spreads of his body,
(just a line through the middle of the page) the final spread was his head.
I thought maybe there could be different scenarios going on behind the dog.
The seasons could change or the weather.
One day I looked at that simple sketch and saw the dog’s body as a stage.
That’s when I came up with the idea of a flea circus performing.
I developed the story before I did any serious sketching.
It took many rounds of sketches before I came up with the look of the fleas.
I wanted them to look cute and silly not scary and mean.
Q.
You aced that!
Switching to another species, I know about the serendipitous arrival of the kitty,
Crash, into your life. (How is Crash these days?) But you LOVE dogs, too.
Right here on the shelf, I’ve pulled out DOT THE FIRE DOG, the sweet visit
with a dedicated dalmation that you wrote and illustrated. What is it
about dogs that makes them ideal characters for picture books?
LISA:I think dogs are loyal, silly and present.
They are our pals.
I’ve only had and been around good-natured dogs that want to be a part of everything.
And they can be so wise.
I am now a kitty lover since we got our, Crash.
Beloved Crash devotedly assists in all aspects of office work.
c. Lisa Desimini
If things go well with THE FLEATASTICS I would love to do a sequel with cats.
Cats have their own silly quirky habits.
I think grooming their entire body, hairballs and catnip might be a part of that story.
Q.
As an upright who has lived with spunky kitty Ginger
for 16 years, that sequel sounds so mewvelous.
For visual artists and for writers who glom onto art-process
details, please share a peek into your studio.
At home or off site?
Corner of a room or an entire four walls?
Natural light or electric?
Digital-creation or hand-drawn?
And, just how do you corral all the supplies that a dedicated
collage artist such as yourself, wrangles?
LISA: Good question! I counted… my studio is about eighty-eight steps from our house.
It was the garage turned into an apartment by a previous owner.
So it has a bathroom, bedroom and kitchen, but I removed the stove and put two sets of flat files in there. They contain all my collage papers and many paintings from kids books and book jackets.
I have a futon bed for guests or in case I work late.
I have acrylics, oils and my computer.
c. Lisa Desimini
For THE FLEATASTICS, I made paper collages, I sealed them with a clear gel and painted shadows and highlights and added texture.
Then I scanned them into the computer and added backgrounds and other details.
I made the fleas in the computer because they were too tiny.
I keep a folder of scanned papers, objects, fabric, photos and painting textures in my computer so I can do my collages digitally, if I have to.
Q.
Appreciations for a groovy peek into your process and the inspiring studio.
We are not giving away any story spoilers today about performers
in THE FLEATASTICS circus, to savor the surprises in reading it.
But before we leave the famous act, is there any encore information
you’d like to share?
LISA: This book was very different for me, it was challenging but
SO much fun!
I loved working with thought/dream bubbles, the background
flea dialogue, and subplots.
I want to explore that format even more so I’m working on a
graphic novel idea about a magician.
Q.
A Lisa Desimini graphic novel – that sounds magical.
Thank you again for this visit about fun but also educational,
THE FLEATASTICS.
(I didn’t know anything about flea hatching!)
Please tell high-jumping Sarafleana, Brava!
And we wish THE FLEATASTICS family many tents of happy
performances ’round the world.
Also a scratch of the heads, to sweet
Sparky and sleepy Snoozer.
LISA:
Thanks, Jan! I loved your Q’s!
Q:
Applause back at you, Lisa!
This is a joyful book that unfolds in
an easy- to- follow surprise story line, yet with many fascinating asides.
I love seeing each little flea’s “look” and how the visitors
to the dog park have personalities, such as the one dog always
thinking of the yellow ball.
Also, I love seeing the woman wonder about a cat park.
Every time I read it, I find discoveries. You will too.
THE FLEATASTICS Show Continues
Now, ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, cats and dogs,
fleas and fleamasters,
Lisa’s Desimini’s flea circus offers an encore right here on
Bookseedstudio’s stage with our giveaways, via generous
publisher Boyds Mills Press.
Please comment below and your name will identify you.
If I don’t know you let me say, Hello!
Be sure to share your real name & contact info (website link, email)
if that info can’t be easily found online. If you don’t want to be considered
for the give-away – and we do have multiple copies – you can still comment & say so.
After Monday July 24, more comments are welcome, but they won’t be entered,
so be sure to comment before Tuesday July 25.
Thank you.
Hop over to these links, too.
Mr. Schu Reads
Watch a book trailer for THE FLEATASTICS
I previously reported on THE GREAT BIG GREEN
Rate this:3 Votes
ANNINO, Jan Godown. She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper: Seminole Tribal Leader. illus. by Lisa Desimini. 48p. map. bibliog. chron. glossary. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0592-4; PLB $26.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0593-1. LC 2009016066.
Gr 2-6--Young readers are introduced to the life and accomplishments of an amazing person: the first woman ever to be elected as a tribal leader of the Florida Seminole Tribe. As a young girl, Jumper demanded to learn to read, sought the education and training needed to become a nurse, and returned to her people to fight diseases and maladies that could easily be avoided with proper medical attention. Annino tells her story in free verse, but supplements the telling with a wealth of information at the back, including a time line of Seminole presence in Florida, an afterword by Jumper's son, and a more inclusive exposition of the woman's life. The book also contains an extensive glossary. The narrative itself has only a few headings that indicate specific years and places, which may lead to some confusion as to when a particular phase of her life ends and the next begins. The illustrations are richly detailed and bring attention to design elements found in traditional Seminole objects and cloth. This book will serve as a wonderful addition to studies of the contributions Seminoles have made--and continue to make--and will also add to the growing number of biographies of women whose strong leadership has made a difference in the lives of many people.--Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID
* Excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject or in the same genre. Tr Hardcover trade binding; RTE Reinforced trade binding; PLB Publisher's library binding; BD Board Book; pap. paperback; CIP Cataloging in publication.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2010 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Chase, Maggie. "Annino, Jan Godown. She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper: Seminole Tribal Leader." School Library Journal, vol. 56, no. 4, Apr. 2010, p. 143. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A224167997/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=afd05e25. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
ALDA, Arlene. Lulu's Piano Lesson. illus. by Lisa Desimini. unpaged. CIP. Tundra. Aug. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-88776-930-6. LC 2009938087.
K-Gr 3--Readers meet Lulu as she leaves the home of her piano teacher, Mr. Sharp, after her weekly lesson. They then spend the rest of the week with her, witnessing each day's excuse to not practice "Old MacDonald." On Monday, she'd rather soar on squeaking swings; on Tuesday and Wednesday, she rides her bike and plays in the branches of an apple tree; on rainy Thursday, she stays indoors and plays with stuffed animals. By the time Friday arrives, Lulu hasn't practiced at all and dreads her lesson. She admits her lapse to Mr. Sharp and he asks her to describe all the things she did instead. She describes the sounds associated with the fun times and soon she is singing about her week to the tune of "Old MacDonald." Relaxed, she sits down at the piano, plays her lesson, and makes up new words to the familiar song. Lulu dances all the way home, imagining an orchestra playing her song. Many readers will identify with the young protagonist who, despite good intentions, fails to find time to practice her music. The adults in Luhfs life are sympathetic and do not force the issue. Alda's text is nicely paced, and Desimini's cheery and inviting, jewel-toned, mixed-media collages provide a playful, active accompaniment. Young musicians, parents, and teachers will appreciate this compassionate book about the connections between practice and play.--Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
Brommer, Shawn
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2010 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Brommer, Shawn. "Alda, Arlene. Lulu's Piano Lesson." School Library Journal, vol. 56, no. 7, July 2010, pp. 54+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A231088304/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b17ba674. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Gifford, Peggy THE GREAT BIG GREEN Boyds Mills (Children's Picture Books) $15.95 4, 1 ISBN: 978-1-62091-629-2
An abundantly illustrated puzzle poem provides a spectacular celebration of green in the world. The author of the Moxy Maxwell chapter-book trilogy offers something completely different in this lush tribute. An opening line sets the conversational tone: "The thing is, / the thing is green." She goes on to provide examples of "mean green," "dark and dangerous green" and "green things / that are good for you." Her examples aren't just things that grow; there are green socks, a green light for "go" and an old green door. The text reads aloud beautifully, building to the question, "Have you guessed yet?" and the final answer, revealed not in words but in a familiar image of Earth from space, with previous elements cleverly placed. Desimini's imaginative illustrations complement and extend the graphically flexible text. Done with scanned textures and images combined into mixed-media collages, these are both realistic and imaginative, full of whimsy. Two young children, one dark-skinned, one light-, explore a world in which the range of green colors is remarkable and balanced with some surprises. There are the orange and tan of a green-eyed tiger, the red of a ladybug or a tree-frog's eyes, and pink-purple skies. Readers will want to identify every fruit and vegetable and look for added elements (a snatch of "Greensleeves" in musical notation, for example). Two fertile imaginations grow a grand salute. (Picture book. 3-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2014 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Gifford, Peggy: THE GREAT BIG GREEN." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Feb. 2014. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A358425093/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c97329ca. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Desimini, Lisa THE FLEATASTICS Boyds Mills (Children's Picture Books) $16.95 4, 4 ISBN: 978-1-62979-303-0
It's "the greatest show on dogs!"Born on a drowsy basset hound, Sarafleana is a natural jumper. Snoozer the hound is actually home to a community of fleas; his pelt even boasts its own acrobatic troupe, The Fleatastics. Sarafleana and her siblings easily impress Mr. Itchy, the troupe's leader, and Sarafleana seems destined for the tippy-top of the Parasite Pyramid. But that would mean staying still, and she doesn't want to. Earning acclaim as "THE HIGHEST-JUMPING FLEA EVER" is her dream. One morning when Snoozer is at the dog park, the flea circus packs up and parachutes to Sparky, a dog napping nearby. As the crew sets up the circus tent and the hot dog stand, Sarafleana secretly practices. The circus begins, and Sarafleana's siblings build their pyramid. She goes to the top, planning to impress everyone with her jumping. But, inexplicably, she can't leap. The show continues and is at its fleanale when a child in the audience calls out for "another TREAT!" Uh-oh. Sparky perks up and starts to scratch, threatening the flea circus. Sarafleana becomes a hero by jumping all over and shouting "Treat," distracting Sparky and allowing everyone to flee to safety. Desimini's story is more than a bit disjointed, but her universe of fleas delights with boundless imagination and pockets of hilarious flea dialogue, vivaciously depicted. Kids enjoying the intricate visuals won't worry that the story doesn't make much sense. (Picture book. 4-7)
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"Desimini, Lisa: THE FLEATASTICS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Feb. 2017. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A479234465/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=5514768a. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
The Fleatastics. By Lisa Desimini. Illus. by the author. Apr. 2017. 32p. Boyds Mills, $16.95 (9781629793030). PreS-Gr. 1.
"Sarafleana was a born jumper. The older she got, the more she jumped." Although her one-of-a-kind talent is fantastic, Sarafleana often gets in trouble for jumping when she's supposed to be doing anything else. When her family auditions for The Fleatastics, a famous acrobatic troupe, Sarafleana is determined to show off her amazing ability. Desimini's frolicking microscopic world of fleas is a realm within a realm--Sarafleana and her family all live on an old dog named Snoozer, who is napping at a dog park, and their traveling circus takes them from dog to dog. Amid the plot about perseverance, Desimini sprinkles in the flea family's running commentaries, which range from scoldings, complaints, and random comments to dog facts, riddles, and knock-knock jokes. But when the dog they're performing on gets curious about all the itchy activity going on, it's up to Sarafleana and her amazing ability to save the day. The engaging, brightly colored scenes filled with comical asides should be a great storytime read for high-energy kids.--Anita Lock
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
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Lock, Anita. "The Fleatastics." Booklist, vol. 113, no. 12, 15 Feb. 2017, pp. 82+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A485442602/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=eca0f4cd. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Desimini, Lisa FIRE PUPS TO THE RESCUE! Christy Ottaviano Books (Children's None) $17.99 5, 20 ISBN: 9780316576871
Dogs get fired up about their jobs.
Children interested in the vital work that firefighters do will be fascinated by this easy-to-understand book that offers a reassuring perspective. Created with paper collage and paint and finished digitally, the illustrations provide insight into the work of four adorable, eager, helmeted Dalmatian puppies named Spot, Zippy, Wink, and Pip as they use their remarkable sensory skills to aid their human partners. Readers will learn how the highly efficient two-legged firefighters and the fire pups help humans and nonhumans alike at the scene of a fire: The firefighters expertly battle a blaze and evacuate human residents, while the pups do equally crucial work bringing family pets to safety. The fire pups receive special training to learn to carry out their tasks and offer friendly cheer to their firehouse partners. Readers will especially appreciate the onomatopoeic sound effects incorporated into the text, representing, among other things, firehouse-bell clangs and blaring sirens. The firefighters are racially diverse. Backmatter offers information on the history of fire dogs and notes that while Dalmatians no longer run along horse-drawn fire brigades as they once did, they "still have a place of honor at the firehouse."
An engaging tale that sheds light on the efforts of community helpers. (fire safety tips)(Picture book. 4-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Desimini, Lisa: FIRE PUPS TO THE RESCUE!" Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A828785199/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=47e69529. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.