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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: WHAT ARE YOU?
WORK NOTES:
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WEBSITE: http://www.christiantrimmer.com
CITY: Hillsdale
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COUNTRY: United States
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PERSONAL
Male.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Author and editor. Disney Hyperion Books, senior editor; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, executive editor; Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, editorial director, 2016-2021; MTV Books, 2021-present.
MEMBER:Hudson Literacy Fund (board member); Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
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By his own admission, Christian Trimmer has spent a great deal more time and energy editing children’s and YA books than he has writing them. He has held high-profile editing positions at Disney Hyperion Books and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. In 2016, he went to Macmillan where he became the executive editor for Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. He also oversaw books that were being turned into feature films, such as Children of Blood and Bone and the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water. In 2021, he was hired by MTV Entertainment to lead the relaunch of MTV Books. He was given responsibility both for finding new writers and pinpointing books that could be developed into films or mini-series.
In his career, Trimmer has edited numerous books for children and teenagers, including the series “The Teddies Saga,” the picture book Fitz and Cleo, and nonfiction books for young people such as The Second Amendment and the Fight over Guns, by Hana Bajramovic. Trimmer’s own writing has focused on picture books, and his debut was Simon’s New Bed, which was published in 2015.
Simon’s New Bed features the dog Simon who is excited to try out his new bright red bed, excited that is until he discovers that the cat Miss Adora Belle has laid claim to it first. Simon does everything he can to get her to move, without success (he is too sweet to actually push her out). It is only when he realizes that the bed is big enough for two that he can enjoy it. Illustrations by Melissa van der Paardt detail the battle of wills. The reviewer for Publishers Weekly wrote that the book will “tap into feelings of ‘I’ve been there myself'” for young readers who feel like they have been taken advantage of by siblings or friends. The reviewer for Kirkus Reviews also focused on the lesson young readers may take away: “Accepting what can’t be changed is a lesson everyone has to learn.”
Teddy’s Favorite Toy is another story about someone who cannot have something they desperately want. In this case, Teddy and his favorite toy, a pink-dressed doll named Bren-Da, are separated. Teddy’s mom thought the doll was broken and threw it away, then was horrified to discover Teddy still wanted it. It is up to her, with Teddy doing the best he can to help, to see if Teddy and Bren-Da can be reunited. Illustrations by Madeline Valentine reinforce the book’s challenging of gender norms.
“A heartwarming story that uses an everyday occurrence to push the envelope on many fronts” is how the review in Kirkus Reviews described Teddy’s Favorite Toy. The review noted that some children may be put off by how many other toys Teddy seems to have, but it appreciated the “creative depictions” and “humorous portrayals” of the characters and their actions. Nell Beram, writing for Horn Book Magazine, also praised the book for “presenting gender nonconformity as perfectly normal” and lauded the illustrations for being “full of comical flourishes.” The reviewer for Publishers Weekly called the story an “imaginative free-for-all” as well as a “closely observed portrait.”
Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies retells the Snow White story but with ponies. Queenie is jealous of Snow Pony’s appearance and tries her best to lure Snow Pony away from the stable. Lost in the woods, Snow Pony meets the other ponies of the title, each of whom is a different color with a different skill to highlight, and all of whom help her get back to the farm where Queenie gets her comeuppance. The reviewer for Publishers Weekly wrote that the adaptation works “surprisingly” well. They argued that horse lovers will be particularly attracted to this retelling but noted that there are some good jokes for the adult readers. “Wryly magical” is how the reviewer for Kirkus Reviews described it and noted that the story has “many, many twists.” They appreciated how the “ornate text-box frames and bountiful sparkles” of illustrator Jessie Sima “add to the fairy-tale mystique.”
After a break of a few years, Trimmer returned with Little Things: A Story about Acts of Kindness and then What Are You? The latter is a book about identity that is told with dogs. A puggle meets two poodles, who are confused by their new friend and start asking it questions, beginning with “What are you?” Once they learn about its breed, they wonder what it might be good at and reveal their own assumptions and biases. This leads to a deeper discussion of what people expect when they meet someone: “Are you good at those things because you are poodles?” Illustrator Mark Curato’s marker-style pictures portray the dogs’ interactions. The reviewer for Publishers Weekly wrote that the dogs’ conversation is “squarely focused on curiosity and empathy,” which helps the characters (and readers) “understand the folly of making others fit into biased notions of identity.” The reviewer for Kirkus Reviews disagreed, arguing that the book is “an insufficient attempt to address the complexity of identity” and worried that the story “may introduce more stereotypes than it breaks down.”
Trimmer’s 2023 outing, The Good Hair Day, is about a boy named Noah who wants to grow out his hair until it is long and wavy, but he hesitates asking for permission to grow it out because of what people around him have said about long-haired men. When his family discover his wish, however, they give him a wig for his birthday, and the story skips to a year later with Noah sporting long hair of his own. The reviewer for Kirkus Reviews called the book a “heartwarming story that’s ultimately about far more than hair.” The reviewer also praised illustrator J Yang’s “vivacious images, which glow with warm colors and lively details.”
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BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Horn Book Magazine, March-April, 2018, Nell Beram, review of Teddy’s Favorite Toy, pp. 73+.
Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2015, review of Simon’s New Bed; October 1, 2015, review of Mimi and Shu in I’ll Race You; November 15, 2017, review of Teddy’s Favorite Toy; July 1, 2018, review of Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies; March 15, 2021, review of The Little Things; October 15, 2022, review of What Are You?; January 1, 2023, review of Wombat, the Reluctant Hero; March 1, 2023, review of The Good Hair Day.
Publishers Weekly, May 11, 2015, review of Simon’s New Bed, p. 60; June 11, 2018, review of Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies, p. 66; November 27, 2018, review of Teddy’s Favorite Toy, pp. 36+; August 29, 2022, review of What Are You?, p. 102.
ONLINE
Christian Trimmer website, http://www.christiantrimmer.com (May 30, 2023), author website.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi, https://debbieohi.com (August 31, 2015), author interview.
Publishers Weekly, https://www.publishersweekly.com (October 11, 2016), Diane Roback, “Trimmer Named Head of Holt Books for Young Readers; Godwin to Get Imprint”; August 23, 2018, author interview.
Variety, https://variety.com (January 12, 2021), Mónica Marie Zorrilla, “Christian Trimmer to Head MTV Books Relaunch.”
Macmillan Editor Christian Trimmer Tapped To Head Relaunch Of MTV Books
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January 12, 2021 9:00am
Trimmer
MTV
MTV Books is getting a relaunch in partnership with Simon & Schuster and with YA publishing industry vet Christian Trimmer heading up the endeavor.
The Trimmer announcement suggests a ramp-up of MTV Entertainment’s book-to-tv & film pipeline and its hunt for new writer voices. Trimmer will be based in New York and report to Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer for MTV Entertainment.
Trimmer arrives at MTV Books from Macmillan, where he oversaw titles like the international bestsellers Children of Blood and Bone and The Shape of Water, the latter being the basis for the Oscar-winning film version.
As Head of MTV Books, Trimmer will acquire and edit books for young adults, furthering the Group’s commitment to stories that reflect the breadth of its audiences. Working closely with MTVE’s Meghan Hooper, EVP, Head of Original Movies and Limited Series, Trimmer will identify titles for development into films and mini-series across the Group’s brands/studios and evaluate existing IP to be reimagined as book projects.
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The MTV Books imprint will be housed under the Branded Publishing Group of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, overseen by Vice President, Publisher Valerie Garfield, with Kara Sargent, Director of Branded Publishing, as the lead editor on the Simon & Schuster side.
Trimmer has more than 15 years of publishing experience, including as editorial director at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers and prior to that as Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster. He will build on MTV Books’ legacy which includes acclaimed titles like Stephen Chbosky’s Perks of Being a Wallflower and Bethany Hamilton’s Soul Surfer, both of which were turned into feature films, and Tupac Shakur’s The Rose That Grew from Concrete, among others.
“With the relaunch of MTV Books, we have the opportunity to uncover new, cutting-edge voices and fast track their stories into series and TV movies,” said Diaz. “Christian has a keen eye for identifying some of the most pioneering authors of this generation and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
“I could not be more excited to bring my skills as a book publisher and editor to MTV Entertainment,” said Christian Trimmer. “Chris (McCarthy) and Nina have built an incredible team, and I look forward to working with them and Meghan to develop stories that surprise and delight audiences.”
Garfield said that Simon & Schuster “has a long history working with MTV, as well as significant experience in developing content that can work across multiple forms of media.”
Christian Trimmer is a children’s book author and editor. He lives in Hillsdale, New York. If you’d like to learn more about him, his writing, and the books he edits, click on the tabs above or the following links.
In February 2021, Christian started a new job at Paramount Global, where he’ll be overseeing the relaunch of MTV Books. Prior to that, he was editorial director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an executive editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and a senior editor at Disney Hyperion Books. He is a board member of the Hudson Literacy Fund and a member of SCBWI.
He contributed posts to the Children's Book Council Diversity Blog, one about reading to build empathy called "Read More! End LGBTQ Bullying!" and another about being biracial entitled "What Are You?"
He chatted with the Children's Book Council Early Career Committee back in 2013. Read the full interview here.
In advance of the 2013 Crested Butte Writers Conference, he spoke with the wonderful women of Five Scribes here.
Jan 12, 2021 9:00am PT
Christian Trimmer to Head MTV Books Relaunch
By Mónica Marie Zorrilla
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MTV Books
MTV
Children’s book author and editor Christian Trimmer will head the relaunch of MTV Books in partnership with Simon & Schuster, ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group announced today. Trimmer’s appointment will accelerate the MTVE book-to-TV/film pipeline as the YA industry veteran will help discover new voices that reflect the breadth of its audiences. Some critically acclaimed MTV Books titles that have already been turned into feature films include Stephen Chbosky’s Perks of Being a Wallflower and Bethany Hamilton’s Soul Surfer.
“With the relaunch of MTV Books, we have the opportunity to uncover new, cutting-edge voices and fast track their stories into series and TV movies,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer at MTV Entertainment, in a statement. “Christian has a keen eye for identifying some of the most pioneering authors of this generation and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
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Courtesy of Viacom
For the past four years, Trimmer has served as editorial director at Macmillan, where he oversaw titles like international bestseller “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi (which is being adapted for the big screen by director Rick Famuyiwa at Fox 2000), and the New York Times-bestselling magical realism novel “The Shape of Water,” the Guillermo del Toro-directed film version of which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2018. Prior to Macmillan, Trimmer served as a senior editor at Disney Publishing Worldwide for nearly eight years, as editorial director at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, and as an executive editor at Simon & Schuster.
As head of MTV Books, Trimmer will work closely with MTVE’s Meghan Hooper, exec VP, head of Original Movies and Limited Series, to identify titles and evaluate existing IP for development into films and mini-series. Trimmer will directly report to Diaz and will be based in New York.
The MTV Books imprint relaunch will be housed under the Branded Publishing Group of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, overseen by Vice President, Publisher Valerie Garfield, with Kara Sargent, Director of Branded Publishing, as the lead editor on the Simon & Schuster side.
Three Questions For Christian Trimmer: Advice For Young Writers, Ben Clanton and SIMON’S NEW BED
AUGUST 31, 2015
In addition to being a debut picture book author, Christian Trimmer is an editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. I love his enthusiasm for kidlit/YA on his Twitter feed, plus he’s edited some pretty amazing books. Like THE DEATH AND LIFE OF ZEBULON FINCH by Daniel Kraus (here’s what I posted about the book), which comes out from S&S BFYR this October.
You can find Christian Trimmer on Twitter at @MisterTrimmer, his website at Christiantrimmer.com and the Simon & Schuster BFYR team page.
Synopsis of SIMON’S NEW BED, written by Christian Trimmer and illustrated by Melissa van der Paardt:
“After a lazy afternoon of watching cat and dog videos, I was inspired to write this harrowing tale of the deep-rooted tension that exists between siblings. Much like Cal and Aron Trask or the daughters of King Lear, Simon and Miss Adora Belle are in a never-ending battle for supremacy. Also, cats stealing dog beds!”
Q. Could you please take a photo of something in your office and tell us the story behind it?
I’m a huge Ben Clanton fan. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers recently published his Something Extraordinary, which I was very fortunate to inherit from Julia Maguire (who is now at Random House). Ben’s stories are so sweet and playful, and his art is wonderfully expressive. He and I are working on a bunch more books together. He happened to be in New York for BEA this year, and we hung out at the Art Auction. He had donated a fantastic piece to the auction, and I put in a bid on it—I was desperate for more original art for my office, specifically Ben Clanton art. Ben saw my name on the sheet, and he was all, “Christian, you really don’t have to do that” to which I responded, “Ben, I want to do it” and he said, “I mean, you really don’t have to do that.” I thought he was just being modest or shy. At the last minute, someone outbid me. But as it turns out, which I discovered when we met at the S & S offices the next day, he had packed a different piece from the same series—this one—for me. All together now: Awwww!
Q. What advice do you have for young writers?
1. Be nice. To everyone.
I know that this is advice you give to a small child, but it’s really applicable when you’re an aspiring writer. Because when it’s time for your book to come out, the book that you’ve spent years perfecting, the story you’ve cried over and on, the manuscript that represents everything good about your mind and soul…you want people to think of you fondly. Because when people like you, they want to support you. So maybe they buy your book. Maybe they talk about your book with their teacher friends. Maybe they share your Facebook status update. More than that, you never know from where the next great opportunity is going to come. As an example, I recently ran into this restaurant manager that I’ve known for a couple of years. He’s a great guy and so good at his job, and I’m always happy to see him. This most recent time, I mentioned that my debut book, Simon’s New Bed, was about to come out. He was so genuinely excited for me, and not only that, he reached out to his mom who oversees the nursery division at one of the best schools in New York. Now, I’m scheduled to read to her students in October!
2. Everyone has her/his own path.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed in our glorious industry. Advice is flying at you from every direction, advice from editors and agents and other writers, published and not. But it’s important to regularly remind yourself that this is your journey, and it’s not going to look like anyone else’s. For a long time, despite hungering to create something, I resisted writing. As a book editor, I’m surrounded daily by gifted writers, many of whom have studied the craft for years, who have masters degrees, who have written for TV shows, who have won awards. I often thought, Don’t bother. Leave it to the real professionals. But something clicked one day, this acceptance that I had something worthwhile to say. So I finally took the chance. And I sold the first picture book manuscript I wrote, and then the second, and then the third. I still have moments of insecurity, but I’m getting better. So, listen to the advice that others are giving you and take the advice that makes sense to you. Then, go create!
Q. What are you excited about right now?
My Fall 2015 list is AWESOME. I’m, of course, excited for all of those books, which you can find here. But I’d like to single out a novel that my colleague Ruta Rimas is editing called The Way I Used to Be. It’s by Amber Smith, and it’s beautiful and devastating and empowering. It comes out this March.
In Conversation: Jessie Sima and Christian Trimmer
Aug 23, 2018
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Jessie Sima and Christian Trimmer at BookExpo.
Jessie Sima is the author-illustrator of Not Quite Narwhal, Harriet Gets Carried Away, and Love, Z. Sima’s forthcoming picture book, Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies, was written by their editor, Christian Trimmer, formerly executive editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and now editorial director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. We asked Sima and Trimmer to interview each other about their new collaboration, a playful retelling of “Snow White” that features ponies with distinct personalities in all of the major roles.
Christian Trimmer: Jessie, do you remember how we first met? Not our first IRL meeting, but the reason we know each other. (Hint: It concerns your first book.)
Jessie Sima: Christian, of course I do! Let me set the stage.
The year was 2015. It was a hot July day and I was visiting family in a town where my cell phone reception was spotty at best. My agent, Thao Le, had recently sent my first book, Not Quite Narwhal, out on submission. I was shocked to learn that we quickly had multiple offers and that I would be speaking to the interested editors as part of the decision-making process. One of those interested editors was someone named Christian Trimmer. Because my cell phone couldn’t be trusted, I asked my agent to have you call me on the landline and I hid in a dark bedroom while we had a deep conversation about family and identity. I could tell you really got Kelp and his story, which sounds a little pretentious, but you know what I mean. I could tell we’d be a great creative match, and I think we have proven me right.
Trimmer: I loved our first conversation so much. Winning Not Quite Narwhal was one of the highlights of my career, and I was very sad to leave S&S before its publication. (Congrats on its amazing success, BTW.)
Sima: Did our experience working together on Not Quite Narwhal influence the decision to ask me to illustrate Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies?
Trimmer: When Justin Chanda (our editor) and I talked about what look we wanted for Snow Pony, it was always, “Someone like Jessie Sima.” Because you and I were working together at the time, Justin and I didn’t feel we could reach out to you with my manuscript. But then I left, and Justin made the phone call... and I’m so glad he did!
Sima: I’m glad Justin made the call, too! It was really nice to have my first experience as illustrator-only be with an author I already knew. It took away a lot of the anxiety I think I would have felt otherwise. Plus, I love fairy tales and drawing ponies, so it really couldn’t have worked out better.
Trimmer: Switching gears a little, we haven’t really talked about your experiences as a published author-illustrator. Are they what you expected? Do you have any advice for folks who are on the path to becoming published?
Sima: Honestly, I didn’t have many expectations for what being a published author-illustrator would be like. I knew going in that there were no guarantees that my books would do well or that this would be a sustainable career. There were a lot of things I couldn’t control, so I tried not to dwell on them. The thing that has surprised me about making books is how collaborative it all is. So much work goes into editing and making the book stronger at every step. I was also surprised by how much I loved that collaboration. Having agents and editors and art directors to bounce ideas off of and to give you feedback is both fun and challenging, and it really takes your book to a new level. It’s magical!
I have lots of advice for people on their way to publication, but since we’re on the topic of collaboration, I’ll settle for: Find a good critique partner or group. Get comfortable with critique now, and learn how to identify suggestions that will make your work better and reject those that don’t fit with what you’re trying to do. It’s great practice for when you eventually work with your editorial team. Plus, it’s nice to have people to celebrate and commiserate with every step of the way.
Christian, you and I did an early signing for Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies at BookExpo, and I got to see you in author mode. I’ve been wondering, what is it like being an editor as well as an author? Do you feel like you have to put on different hats for different situations?
Trimmer: I’m more comfortable in my editor hat (a sleek little Trilby) than my author hat (a more relaxed Panama). 98% of the time, I’m an editor, so it is a little challenging for me to pivot into author mode. I’ll say that I work much harder editing a book than I do writing one. As a picture book writer, once my manuscript has been accepted, I mostly sit back and wait to see what happens, which is totally the opposite of what I do as a picture book editor, where I’m deeply involved in everything. Isn’t it weird how little we talked through the process of making Snow Pony, particularly since we were so in touch in the development of Not Quite Narwhal? Justin absolutely involved me on Snow Pony, but there were a handful of moments, where I was like, “I should just reach out to Jessie directly.” But I didn’t! Because I trust the process. That said, it is nice that they’re letting us talk again.
Sima: Yeah, it was weird working on a book with you but not with you, especially since we’d worked so closely in the past. But I think you were right to trust in the process. I’m so happy with the end result!
One final question from me, if that’s okay. It’s the most important one of all. The miniature ponies in Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies each have a job that contributes to the household (stablehold?). If you were a miniature pony, what would be your job?
Trimmer: I would absolutely be the stable’s bartender. I have long dreamed of living in a Melrose Place-like arrangement, with all of your closest friends just steps away. The miniature ponies are living that dream. In situations like that, you need at least one person/pony who has an eclectic mix of glassware and a fully stocked bar and who understands the importance of gathering to unwind after a long day of work. That’s me. Same question for you, as well as your drink of choice this steamy summer. I always enjoy an Aperol Spritz, but they go down like water so I have to be careful. I’ve also fallen back in love with greyhounds.
Sima: I’d be a barista pony! If I’m being honest, my summer drink of choice is cold brew, so I feel like I’d be the pony providing everyone with caffeine! Buzz buzz. Wait, that sounds like bees. There’s already a pony with that job. I’m a coffee pony!
Trimmer: Perfect! We have our morning coffee and our evening cocktails!
Sima: Exactly! Thanks for sharing this experience with me, Christian! I can’t wait for all of our upcoming Snow Pony events. Good-bye for now, but not for long.
Trimmer: See you at our launch party!
Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies by Christian Trimmer, illus. by Jessie Sima. Simon & Schuster, $17.99 Aug. 21 ISBN 978-1-4814-6268-6
Trimmer Named Head of Holt Books for Young Readers; Godwin to Get Imprint
By Diane Roback | Oct 11, 2016
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Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group is reorganizing its Henry Holt Books for Young Readers imprint. Christian Trimmer has been named editorial director of the imprint; he is currently executive editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and will join the company on November 7. Laura Godwin, v-p and publisher, will launch her own imprint, called Godwin Books. Both will report to senior v-p and publishing director Jean Feiwel.
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Christian Trimmer.
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Authors Trimmer has worked with at S&S include Michelle Hodkin, Terry Fan and Eric Fan, and Daniel Kraus. “Christian will bring a distinct and enthusiastic direction to Holt BYR,” Feiwel said in a statement. “I look forward to working with him and expanding on the great Holt personality and legacy.”
Godwin has been with Henry Holt for more than 25 years and has worked with a wide range of authors, including Eric Carle, Mike Curato, Peter McCarty, Rosemary Wells, Jacqueline Kelly, Eugene Yelchin, and Denise Fleming. Her new imprint will publish fiction and nonfiction across all age ranges. “Laura is one of the most gifted editorial talents I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, and the time is right to allow her the freedom to grow and focus her own list,” Feiwel said.
As a result of the reorg, two editors will be leaving the imprint: executive editor Sally Doherty and editor Lauren Bisom. Christy Ottaviano, who has an eponymous imprint at Henry Holt, will now report to Trimmer.
Simon's New Bed
Christian Trimmer, illus. by Melissa van der Paardt. S&S/Atheneum, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4814-3019-7
Simon the dog has a brand-new bed, and he's stoked to take "the best nap of his life." Then he discovers that the family's Siamese cat, Miss Adora Belle, has already claimed the bed. Readers will sense from the sly one-eyed gaze she shoots at Simon that her actions are as much about pulling Simon's chain as they are about getting enough shut-eye. To his credit, sweet-natured Simon never even considers violence, although he does bark and attempt to dislodge the cat by dragging the bed around the house and yard. Newcomer van der Paardt chronicles this two-character comedy of wills in digital drawings that turn the red dog bed into a visual punctuation mark and a taunting object of desire. Trimmer, a children's book editor making his debut, will almost certainly tap into feelings of "I've been there myself' in many of his readers: when you're clearly within your rights and no one is around to intervene, how do you deal with someone whose sense of entitlement is intractable? The solution, it seems, is a literal application of the phrase "strange bedfellows." Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 PWxyz, LLC
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"Simon's New Bed." Publishers Weekly, vol. 262, no. 19, 11 May 2015, p. 60. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A413481435/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=83bf96be. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian SIMON'S NEW BED Atheneum (Children's Picture Books) $17.99 8, 25 ISBN: 978-1-4814-3019-7
A huge, tan dog named Simon learns to share his new dog bed with the family cat. From the very first page of the book, even prior to the title page, Simon considers his big, red bed a perfect present. But when the dog returns from a walk, he finds his bed has been taken over by the family's sly Siamese cat, Miss Adora Belle. Simon tries several methods to evict the cat, including polite requests, howling, barking, and dragging the bed through the house and yard. He even tries to dislodge Adora Belle by perching on her special purple pillow. Simon finally decides to share his bed with the cat, concluding that "sometimes... / you have to pick your battles." That expression may need explanation for younger readers, along with Simon's habit of "rehydrating" by drinking out of the toilet. The story is quietly humorous as it tracks Simon's tenacious attempts to solve his problem, but his capitulation to the cat's stoic territorial occupation falls a little flat, as readers have no idea what other battles the dog and cat may have encountered. Digitally rendered illustrations in a moody palette of grays and blues are set off by the bright red bed, and the dog's increasing frustration is conveyed by his sad face and sagging posture. Miss Adora Belle is sneaky rather than adorable, although both animals seem contented with their shared nap on the final pages. Accepting what can't be changed is a lesson everyone has to learn, even big, boisterous dogs (and presumably young readers, as well). (Picture book. 4-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Trimmer, Christian: SIMON'S NEW BED." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2015. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A411371795/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=7a2049b6. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian MIMI AND SHU IN I'LL RACE YOU! Atheneum (Children's Picture Books) $17.99 12, 15 ISBN: 978-1-4814-2330-4
In the story of a "Tortoise and the Hare"-like race by way of the Chinese zodiac, a friendship between a cunning mouse and a snack-obsessed kitten is tested. Shu the mouse and Mimi the kitten are invited by Jade Emperor to a palace race promising "Cupcakes! PRIZES! Did I mention cupcakes?!" While Shu, a crafty, industrious planner, strategizes, Mimi daydreams of sweets. Soon, they're outwitting and outracing Dragon, Rabbit, Ox, and other fierce competitors. It only takes a moment of bad judgment, however, for Mimi to lose sight of her friendship with Shu and to not only lose the race, but her spot on the zodiac. Why do you think there's no Year of the Cat? Apart from its pourquoi-tale aspect, the book presents an opportunity for young readers to learn about the rewards of hard work as well as the merits of forgiveness as thoughtful Shu saves the last cupcake for his wayward kitten friend. Illustrations throughout are action-packed, with big, bright, expressive faces of animals in motion. The closing endpapers present all 12 Chinese zodiac animals, years (not the lunar ones, though), and personality traits ("Horse: You are outgoing and funny! Make sure to finish what you start! 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026"). If the story is not dazzlingly original, it's at least an entry point to learn about one of the ways animals are anthropomorphized in the histories of different cultures. (Picture book. 3-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Trimmer, Christian: MIMI AND SHU IN I'LL RACE YOU!" Kirkus Reviews, 1 Oct. 2015. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A430104266/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=25c81a01. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian TEDDY'S FAVORITE TOY Atheneum (Children's Fiction) $17.99 2, 27 ISBN: 978-1-4814-8079-6
Knuffle Bunny is reimagined with dialogue and a dash of suspense.
Teddy, a brown-skinned boy, has many toys ranging from firetrucks to jigsaw puzzles, but Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica, is his absolute favorite. But after excessive use, Bren-Da's leg snaps one morning. Teddy does not have the time to fix her, so he leaves her in his room and goes to school. When he comes back, Bren-da has disappeared! (Readers will have seen that his mom, who appears to be white, mistook the heavily bandaged Bren-Da for trash.) Teddy can't find her anywhere, so he immediately seeks his (horrified) mom's help. Now it's up to Teddy and his mom to find Bren-Da. Trimmer's simple story of a universal experience will captivate young readers and have them rooting for Teddy's reunion with Bren-Da. Teddy's problem-solving abilities also serve as a useful model. Valentine's illustrations bring the story to life with creative depictions of orange-haired, pink-skinned Bren-Da's style and humorous portrayals of Teddy's and his mother's actions. The long list of Teddy's toys in the beginning of the story may be a little disconcerting for children who don't have as many. On the positive side, the story gently pushes gender norms by showing a doll as Teddy's favorite toy and Teddy's mom as nothing short of a superheroine as she tries to get Bren-Da back.
A heartwarming story that uses an everyday occurrence to push the envelope on many fronts. (Picture book. 4-8)
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"Trimmer, Christian: TEDDY'S FAVORITE TOY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Nov. 2017. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A514267755/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b79e529a. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Teddy's Favorite Toy
by Christian Trimmer; illus. by Madeline Valentine
Preschool, Primary Atheneum 40 pp. g
2/18 978-1-4814-8079-6 $17.99
e-book ed. 978-1-4814-8080-2 $10.99
Teddy has loads of "cool toys," but his favorite is Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica, a redheaded doll in a pink dress. Teddy loves Bren-Da not only because she has the "sickest fighting skills" but also because she has impeccable manners and can "pull off a number of different looks." One morning, Teddy accidentally breaks Bren-Da's leg. After he bandages her "wounds" with an excess of Scotch tape and bubble gum, Bren-Da is so unrecognizable that when Teddy is at school his mother mistakes Bren-Da for trash and throws her away. When Teddy returns home to find Bren-Da missing, his mother performs some sick moves worthy of the Warrior Queen of Pacifica herself: she swings from a tree branch and rides a bicycle balancing on its handlebars in order to catch up with the garbage truck making off with Teddy's prized possession. The story's implicit messages--that it should be unremarkable when boys play with dolls; that parents can become superheroic to do right by their children--ring loud, true, and (in a book full of comical flourishes, particularly in the mixed-media illustrations) funny. Trimmer's use of modern-day vernacular ("Yas, queen!") may date this book soon, but in terms of presenting gender nonconformity as perfectly normal, it's ahead of the curve.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Beram, Nell. "Teddy's Favorite Toy." The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 94, no. 2, Mar.-Apr. 2018, pp. 73+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A530106791/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b6f947c5. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies
Christian Trimmer, illus. by Jessie Sima. Simon & Schuster, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-4814-6268-6
In what might be a send-up of a popular entertainment franchise, Trimmer (Simon's New Bed) retells the "Snow White" story with ponies in all the important roles. The story fits surprisingly neatly into its new form: "Once upon a time there was a pony who had a coat as white as snow and a mane as black as ebony." In addition to being beautiful, Snow Pony hosts performances with her human friend, Charmaine, and Charmaine's dog, Hunter. When jealous Queenie lures Snow Pony away from farm and stage and into the woods (using apples, naturally), she encounters the seven miniature ponies of the title. Rendered by Sima (Not Quite Narwhal), they're a fresh upgrade from dwarfs; each is a different color, with forelocks that hang cunningly over their eyes, and each has a special role (" 'I gather water.' 'I take care of the bees.' 'I'm a tax attorney"'). The new ending trades princely kisses for a friendly reunion and an improved performance retinue. This book will top the pile of bedtime favorites in horse-loving households, with jokes thrown in for the grown-ups, to boot. Ages 4-8. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra & Assoc. (Aug.)
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"Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies." Publishers Weekly, vol. 265, no. 24, 11 June 2018, p. 66. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A542967386/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=cdb34152. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian SNOW PONY AND THE SEVEN MINIATURE PONIES Simon & Schuster (Children's Fiction) $17.99 8, 21 ISBN: 978-1-4814-6268-6
An equine retelling of a classic fairy tale, with many, many twists.
Snow Pony is a stunning mare with a snow-white coat and a black, braided mane (hair braiding is one of her specialties--those are some clever hooves). She loves to put on shows with her favorite friend, Charmaine (a medium-tan gal with long black hair, also perfect for braiding). Children come for miles around to see the shows. Queenie, a dappled mare, is jealous of all the attention lavished on Snow Pony. She decides to trick her, leaving a trail of (nonpoisonous) apples leading out the gate, into the dark, scary forest. Snow Pony eats the apples and finds herself lost. But then she comes across a stable with seven tiny stalls. Interestingly, the story here takes a "Goldilocks" turn: Seven shaggy miniature ponies return to find someone has nibbled their hay, eaten 77 sugar cubes, and is asleep in their stall. The ponies introduce themselves (adults will get a chuckle out of the bespectacled tax-attorney pony). Snow Pony joins them for a while but misses Charmaine. They figure out a way back to the farm, and mean ol' Queenie gets her comeuppance (a large glue bottle is a shocking clue until a page turn reveals the true ending). Sima's ornate text-box frames and bountiful sparkles that follow Snow Pony add to the fairy-tale mystique.
Wryly magical. (Picture book. 4-8)
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"Trimmer, Christian: SNOW PONY AND THE SEVEN MINIATURE PONIES." Kirkus Reviews, 1 July 2018. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A544637879/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=3ecdbb9e. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Teddy's Favorite Toy
Christian Trimmer, illus. by Madeline Valentine. Atheneum, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-4814-8079-6
Teddy's favorite toy is Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica. She's a pink-skinned Barbie-style doll, and Teddy's play with her ranges from action-hero combat sequences ("She has the sickest fighting skills") to extravagant fashion looks worthy of Project Runway or RuPaul's Drag Race. (Teddy's couture creations drape Bren-Da in mismatched socks, a bath pouf, and pretzels in a plastic baggie.) After Bren-Da's leg falls off, Teddy's mother mistakenly throws her away--and readers see the garbage truck take off with the trash. Teddy's mother takes his anguish seriously. Valentine's gouache and pencil drawings blend action and comedy as Teddy's mother chases the truck with daring moves worthy of Bren-Da herself "Yas, queen!" Teddy shouts in exultation. Trimmer's smart, closely observed portrait celebrates a boy and a mother whose relationship grows out of mutual respect. Although it's left unsaid, Teddy's play resists gender stereotyping in that he's allowed the freedom to play with whatever toys he likes in whatever way strikes his fancy--and the result is an imaginative free-for-all. Ages 4-8.
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"Teddy's Favorite Toy." Publishers Weekly, vol. 265, no. 49, 27 Nov. 2018, pp. 36+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A564607223/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=6b942230. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian THE LITTLE THINGS Abrams (Children's None) $17.99 4, 27 ISBN: 978-1-4197-4226-2
A little girl’s small act of kindness energizes her town into doing the same—with a beautiful, cumulative impact.
After a terrible storm washes “thousands of sea stars” onto the beach, a brown-skinned child with three teal pigtails gets to work. One at a time, the child returns starfish to the ocean, despite the daunting number of stranded creatures. An elderly, White passerby notices her project, and asks, “What’s the point? You won’t be able to save them all.” The intrepid helper’s response sets the tone for the rest of the story: After plunking a single starfish back into the waves, she replies, “Of course I can’t save them all….But I saved that one, didn’t I?” This single show of generosity creates a chain reaction of freshly galvanized townspeople, encouraging one another to help out wherever they can—no matter how seemingly small the overall impact. Examples of these kindnesses include adopting a dog from a shelter full of strays in need of homes after the storm; cleaning up storm debris from a neighbor’s yard, though the storm trashed the entire block; and donating Tooth Fairy funds “to charity.” By the time the starfish-rescuing girl returns to the beach to take up her small mission again, she finds many of her neighbors already on the shore, saving sea stars and picking up litter. In a crowded market of picture books extolling random acts of kindness, illustrator Juanita’s charming images set this story apart. The details of each townsperson’s personality and identity sparkle on the pages, including disabled, Black, queer, and gender-nonconforming characters. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 20.3% of actual size.)
With its fun illustrations, this story may inspire young readers to try a little kindness. (Picture book. 5-10)
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"Trimmer, Christian: THE LITTLE THINGS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2021. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A654727429/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=0085bbc3. Accessed 14 May 2023.
What Are You?
Christian Trimmer, illus. by Mike Curato. Roaring Brook, $18.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-250-78602-9
After enjoying a game with two new poodle acquaintances, a puggle faces an unexpected question from its playmates: "What are you?" Proudly, it replies: "I am a dog!" Learning that the puggle is a cross between a beagle and a pug, the poodles make inferences about what it might be "good at." All pugs are skilled at hula hoop, they insist, and all beagles are adept with pogo sticks. The puggle smartly--and without rancor--turns the tables: after asking the poodles what they're good at ("Lots of things!"), it follows up with, "Are you good at those things because you are poodles?" Now the poodles understand the folly of making others fit into biased notions of identity; one is adept at things because "I like them and I practice and I am me." Trimmer (The Little Things) employs matter-of-fact dialogue to keep the stereotype-prompted conversation squarely* focused on curiosity and empathy, while cotton candy--hued, marker-style digital art by Curato (Where Is Bina Bear?) lends the same vibe to the characters' interplay. A human variation of the conversation opens up to a reader-equipping discussion guide. Ages 3-6. Agent (for Trimmer and Curato): Brenda Bowen, Book Group. (Oct.)
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"What Are You?" Publishers Weekly, vol. 269, no. 36, 29 Aug. 2022, p. 102. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A716641326/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=682284a9. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian WHAT ARE YOU? Roaring Brook Press (Children's None) $18.99 10, 18 ISBN: 978-1-250-78602-9
A puppy play date leads to an uncomfortable question.
Though the dogs--a puggle and two poodle siblings--are having fun, the play stops abruptly when the poodles ask the puggle, "What are you?" Unsatisfied by the puggle's answer of "dog," the poodles inquire about the puggle's parents--a combination of pug mother and beagle father--and attempt to justify their preconceived notions about pugs and beagles. The puggle disrupts the stereotypes by turning the question back on the poodles, asking what they are good at (many things) and if this is because of their breed. Affirming that their abilities are not intrinsic but are the result of interest and effort, the poodles realize the same is true of the puggle. The friends play once more until they notice two White human children asking the same question of a brown child; the poodles offer to disrupt the interaction. Trimmer endeavors to confront, and possibly reclaim, a dehumanizing question. Coupled with Curato's soft, muted illustrations, the book may appeal to families seeking an indirect approach to conversations about identity. However, the work only grazes the surface when it comes to the experiences of biracial people and other people of color. Further, the choice to use purebred poodles and a designer mixed-breed dog as stand-ins for, respectively, White children and a biracial child may introduce more stereotypes than it breaks down--namely, the idea that biracial people are exotic or other. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An insufficient attempt to address the complexity of identity. (discussion questions for children and caregivers) (Picture book. 4-6)
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"Trimmer, Christian: WHAT ARE YOU?" Kirkus Reviews, 15 Oct. 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A721918075/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=57016d83. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian WOMBAT, THE RELUCTANT HERO Roaring Brook Press (Children's None) $18.99 3, 21 ISBN: 9781250788573
What makes a hero?
Wombat is clean, tidy, and orderly. Not so her "disheveled," "bedraggled" neighbors, Wallaby, Wallaroo, and Kangaroo, who, like Wombat, are native to Australia. She observes that this summer is especially hot and dry, and levels in the water hole are low. Taking matters into her own paws, Wombat dons special gear and uses her powerful claws to dig deep underground until she strikes water, thus replenishing the hole's supply and earning her pals' relieved gratitude. Next evening it's hotter; more animals surround the water hole, which is depleted once more. Wombat digs furiously and locates water again; everyone cheers. A greater threat looms the following afternoon when Koala alerts Wombat to a raging bush fire. This time she demonstrates heroism by inviting all her neighbors into her burrow, offering them safety and refuge when their homes are destroyed. When the fire subsides, they join forces and rebuild their community, bringing a satisfying conclusion to a sweet story about friendship and cooperation--and reminding readers that true heroes assist others whenever they're needed and without having to be asked. An author's note includes fascinating true facts about wombats that inspired this story. The lively, textured digital illustrations are colorful, their bright hues foreshadowing a hopeful outlook at story's end. Wombat is portrayed as expressive and gruffly determined, her underground home, cozy and warm. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Welcome evidence that heroes come in all sizes, colors, shapes, and species. (illustrator's note) (Picture book. 4-7)
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"Trimmer, Christian: WOMBAT, THE RELUCTANT HERO." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Jan. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A731562314/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=aec44eeb. Accessed 14 May 2023.
Trimmer, Christian THE GOOD HAIR DAY Abrams (Children's None) $18.99 5, 23 ISBN: 9781419745881
Noah is a boy who longs for lengthy locks, but will others support his wish?
As his birthday approaches, brown-skinned Noah begins dropping not-so-subtle hints about the gifts he's hoping for: a telescope, a toy robot, and crafting beads. But what Noah wants most is something he can't bring himself to admit--something that his sister and mom have but not his dad, his grandpa, his uncle, the mailman, or almost any other boy in class. What Noah desperately wants is something "he just didn't think he was allowed to ask for": long hair. Noah's longing becomes apparent to his observant family; they notice when Noah breaks down after a buzzcut and when he wears a T-shirt on his head to resemble hair cascading down his shoulders. In honor of his unspoken birthday wish, Noah's family (including his lighter-skinned, mustached father; his brown-skinned, wheelchair-using mother; and his brown-skinned sister) gives him his first wig. The child's joy is moving, captured in Yang's vivacious images, which glow with warm colors and lively details. This gesture of celebration has beautiful consequences. One year later, Noah happily sports shoulder-length locks, which he continues to grow. Combined with backmatter offering helpful "conversation starters" around "gender, identity, and self-expression," this tender validation of one boy's emotional experiences around his gender presentation is a valuable, affirming tale for all children. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartwarming story that's ultimately about far more than hair. (Picture book. 4-10)
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"Trimmer, Christian: THE GOOD HAIR DAY." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A738705368/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=8f04422d. Accessed 14 May 2023.