Alight

“The prose has a cumulative, almost incantatory rhythm that mirrors the birds’ restless energy before describing how these creatures came to belong somewhere they seemingly shouldn’t. The illustrations are a standout: Pages pulse with magentas, teals, bright greens, and warm golds that evoke the hazy magic of Southern California light, the parrots glowing electric green against dusky pink skies and lush canopy scenes. Certain to have youngsters scanning their own neighborhoods for flashes of green.”

“The prose has a cumulative, almost incantatory rhythm that mirrors the birds’ restless energy before describing how these creatures came to belong somewhere they seemingly shouldn’t. The illustrations are a standout: Pages pulse with magentas, teals, bright greens, and warm golds that evoke the hazy magic of Southern California light, the parrots glowing electric green against dusky pink skies and lush canopy scenes. Certain to have youngsters scanning their own neighborhoods for flashes of green.”

“[A] poetic, lyrical narrative . . . Colorful, detailed illustrations echo the vibrant nature of the parrot’s feathers in their artificial surroundings, lending a sense of hope and renewal to the text. . . . Straightforward and poignant, this book encourages readers to engage with their surroundings with curiosity, and to consider ways in which resilience is reflected in many creatures around the world.”

“[Torres’s] simple but evocative text . . . nods to the parrots’ displacement paralleling human immigration journeys, but this message is one of resilience. Vibrant illustrations favor tropical hues against which the green of the cheerful-looking parrots pop.”

Jennifer Torres is the award-winning author of Stef Soto, Taco Queen ; The Fresh New Face of Griselda ; and other books for young readers. She writes stories about home, friendship, and unexpected courage inspired by her Mexican American heritage. Jennifer started her career as a newspaper reporter, and even though she writes fiction now, she hopes her stories still have some truth in them. She lives with her family in Southern California.

Molly Magnell is an award-winning illustrator and designer/overgrown child who can be found petting stray cats in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in drawing lifestyle imagery, lush realms, and powerful women. Visit her online at MollyMagnell.com.