INTERVIEWS AND REVIEWS
Nila's Perfect Coat
What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair?
Benny's True Colors
INTERVIEWS/BLOG POSTS
Red Reading Blog with Jill Bennett
Kidlit Creative with Manju Howard - How Norene Paulson Makes Back Matter Really Matter in her Picture Books
#FirstDraftFriday Anniversary with Hollie Woverton
REVIEWS
“With a lesson of putting other’s needs before one’s own desires, Paulson’s narrative is community-focused and stresses the importance of charity in a supportive—but never patronizing—way. Mola’s painterly and rustic-looking art fits the ‘thrifted’ theme of the story. . . . A warmhearted tribute to the spirit of altruism.” ~~Kirkus Review
Maria Mola’s rustic illustrations in earthy colors are a perfect complement to a gentle story that can open a dialogue with children about what we value and what is important. (That Nila shops in a thrift store is a message in itself.) The story also has a magnanimous intent: giving readers suggestions at the end of the book as to how they can help provide warm clothing to disadvantaged children living in cold climates, through donations, fundraisers and “coat drives.” A perfect way to “share the warmth.” Reviewed By: Barbara Roman, Manhattan Book Review
“A fun and engaging picture book with an important underlying message about having enough and helping others in need. . . a very special and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children.” ~~Midwest Book Review
This picture book acknowledges economic realities within a story that is wholly positive. While the narrative has an implicit message, it’s lightly delivered. The characters’ emotions are sensitively portrayed in the colorful illustrations. An appealing read-aloud choice for primary-grade social studies units on wants and needs. ~~Carolyn Phelan, ALA Booklist
This book is genuine and heart-warming and is a must-read by every child (and adult) who wants...more! More of this and more of that. A gentle reminder that we all need to be a little more like Nila. More giving. More thoughtful. Children will get a PERFECT lesson in generosity, empathy, and friendship disguised in this PERFECT story. ~~Dedra Davis, Children's Book Author and PB Reviewer
Kids will resonate with Lily feeling left out for not having a coat (or a lunch or the “cool shoes” or jeans that fit) and with Nila’s giving heart.~~Sincerely Stacie, Book Reviewer
I think they [Christian Publisher} handled the topic thoughtfully and sensitively. Thrift store shopping is presented as something enjoyable rather than shameful. This is important because when Nila gives a second-hand coat to another girl, it’s one she wanted for herself and not a distressed cast-off. Additionally, Nila isn’t given special praise for her compassion, nor is Lily the object of pity. Sympathy yes, but not pity. I also appreciated that the mom in the story makes sure to check with Lily’s parents rather than assume the gift is wanted and to avoid embarrassment. These are subtle things, but it’s important when teaching children about charity to emphasize the dignity of all involved, most especially the recipients ~~Faranae, Book Reviewer
An endearing story that perfectly illustrates the difference between what we need and what we want~~Michelle Nott, Book Reviewer
This gentle lesson showing the difference between needing and wanting something, and the role of charity shops in reducing waste, is told in a non-preachy, sensitive way, and equally warm are Maria Mola’s illustrations. ~~Jill Bennett, Red Reading Blog
INTERVIEWS
What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair?
Kidlit Creatives with Manju Howard: Joint Interview with Author Norene Paulson and Agent Naomi Davis
Writing Outside the Lines with Ellen Leventhal
PODCAST
REVIEWS
WHAT'S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR?
Reading Style Guide - Blog Review
...While the story addresses one specific physical condition, there are many ways that children may observe others who exhibit differences in physical appearance or other observable characteristics. Youngsters are encouraged to appreciate and accept all class members.
School Library Journal -"Bea's resolution is empowering, and provides a reminder for school administrators to offer inclusive alternatives for school activities. Paulson effectively conveys Bea’s tricky feelings, in the face of warm support from friends and family, and occasional feelings of exclusion."
Reading Style Guide - Blog Review
...While the story addresses one specific physical condition, there are many ways that children may observe others who exhibit differences in physical appearance or other observable characteristics. Youngsters are encouraged to appreciate and accept all class members.
School Library Journal -"Bea's resolution is empowering, and provides a reminder for school administrators to offer inclusive alternatives for school activities. Paulson effectively conveys Bea’s tricky feelings, in the face of warm support from friends and family, and occasional feelings of exclusion."
Paulson and Carrossine break with the problematic representations of physical differences to tell a story of friendship and creativity that happens to involve a character who has a noticeable difference. This is exactly the type of representation we need more of. Kids are kids are kids. What's Silly Hair Day With No Hair? is a good anytime book or can be read in connection with any number of foci (Spirit Week, friendship, hair loss...)
INTERVIEWS
Benny's True Colors
Writing Outside the Lines with Ellen Leventhal
Creating a Winning Twitter Pitch with Author Norene Paulson - Journey to KidLit
Super Awesome Story time with Crystal, Instagram Channel - Australia (January 2021)
HONORS
Benny's True Colors
REVIEWS
BENNY'S TRUE COLORS
Benny’s True Colors reinforces the concept that every individual is capable of accurately identifying themselves...a great resource for parents looking to build a firm foundation of respecting both their identity and the identities of their fellow humans.
Devyn Douvier, MUTUALLY INCLUSIVE: Inclusive Book Recommendations for Inclusive Families (Click to read the complete review)
An incredibly powerful, compassionate book- a must read for anyone who wants to encourage kids to be true to themselves.
~~Dr. Donna Cangelosi, Child Psychologist/Children's Author
Benny’s True Colors reinforces the concept that every individual is capable of accurately identifying themselves...a great resource for parents looking to build a firm foundation of respecting both their identity and the identities of their fellow humans.
Devyn Douvier, MUTUALLY INCLUSIVE: Inclusive Book Recommendations for Inclusive Families (Click to read the complete review)
An incredibly powerful, compassionate book- a must read for anyone who wants to encourage kids to be true to themselves.
~~Dr. Donna Cangelosi, Child Psychologist/Children's Author