Praise for The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi; illustrated by Monica Arnaldo:
An Amazon Best Book of January (2025)
Abtahi masterfully weaves an everyday tale that will be familiar to designated translators of all ages from immigrant families. . . . Arnaldos bright watercolor and pencil-crayon artwork provides much-needed levity . . . Sensationally true to life. Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Abtahi (Twin Flames), making a well-developed picture book debut [ with] lively watercolor and pencil crayon illustrations from Arnaldo (The Museum of Very Bad Smells) show the strain of Cecilias moving back and forth, until supportive changes help her become a kid whos happy to help, ...just not all the time.' Publishers Weekly, starred review
With its emotionally resonant look at one aspect of immigrant family dynamics, this title is a solid purchase for picture book collections. School Library Journal, starred review
Abtahi's story about circumstances of bilingual family life that sometimes force children into these adult roles is engagingly rendered in Arnaldos colored pencil and watercolor drawings that both reflect the silliness of the situation and neatly show how overwhelmed Cecilia becomesIn addition to nicely balancing an important topic with lighthearted comedy, the book also offers a solution of teamwork that is both thoughtful and respectful to the entire family. Booklist, starred review
A clever, straight-from-the-heart story . . . excellent. Shelf Awareness, starred review
Stellar. BookPage
Abtahi, who took inspiration from her own multilingual childhood, strikes an important balance...the necessity of interpreting for immigrant parents is not dismissed or shamed, while the pressure it can place on their children is addressed with empathy. The Horn Book
Select praise for Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi: 2023 Texas Lone Star Reading List 2022 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick 2022 ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List 2021 New York Public Library Best Book 2021 Chicago Public Library Best Book
A joyful celebration of the right to take up space in the world. Booklist, starred review
Truly delightful. School Library Journal, starred review
Select praise for Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo: Amazon Best Book of the Month & Editor's Pick A Junior Library Guild Selection Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2023 Indigo Best Book of the Year 2023 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2023 New York Public Library Best Book 2023 School Library Journal Best Book Booklist Editor's Choice
Deliciously goofy." Publishers Weekly, starred review
A memorable read-aloud choice." Booklist, starred review
Fun and entertaining." School Library Journal, starred review