The San Fran Book Review Loves A Very Small Something

The San Francisco Book Review gave David Hickey's and Alexander Griggs-Burr's A Very Small Something a glowing review in their current issue, saying, in part:

David Hickey plays with language like few others ever have. This sweet story is written in a strangely syncopated near-rhyme with quirky, clever combinations of words and modifiers. The charming illustrations by Alexander Griggs-Burr are the perfect complement to Hickey’s unconventional rhymes.


Will, the reviewer asks, Olive ever learn how to blow a bubble?  Give it a read and you'll see.  

Winnipeg Free Press reviews A Very Small Something

The Winnipeg Free Press offered up a short but sweet review of our most recent children's book A Very Small Something this weekend in their round-up of new kids/YA lit.

How would you feel if you lived beside a bubblegum factory but couldn't blow a bubble?

That's the problem that torments Olive, who lives in a bubble-mad town in A Very Small Something by David Hickey (Biblioasis, 32 pages, $9).

With the help of large and lavish artwork by Stratford, Ont., artist Alexander Griggs-Burr, London, Ont., author Hickey transports Olive to an enchanted forest where she swallows a magic pill that allows her to blow gigantic bubbles. ...

Perhaps more importantly I've read recent reports that AVSS is in regular heavy circulation in several Biblioasis author households, and ranks as one of the more popular titles on the bedside table.  Which means that you should probably consider picking up a copy for your young bubble-blower today.

David Hickey, Roald Dahl & A Very Small Something

This Saturday Biblioasis joins Small Print Toronto to launch their latest children's title, David Hickey's and Alexander Griggs-Burr's wonderful tale of bubblegum and belonging, A Very Small Something. Part of the International Roald Dahl Day celebrations, David Hickey will be reading at the Gladstone Hotel at noon, as part of a day of festivities which includes a giant peach scavenger hunt, a bubble gum blowing contest, a film presentation of James and the Giant Peach and a writing contest. $10 for an All Dahl Pass.

In anticipation, David has put together this book trailer, which I must say is one of the best I've seen. It gives you a great sense of the story and Alexander's wonderful illustrations.

If you would like to listen to a full version of the story, please visit the book website www.averysmallsomething.com, and click on the link.

for now, the trailer:

A Very Small Something from David Hickey on Vimeo.

Nieve: Red Maple Award Finalist

Though I have yet to find an online link to a press release, it was announced today that Terry Griggs's fabulous YA novel Nieve has made the shortlist for the OLA's Red Maple Award, as part of their Forest of Reading program. Over the next 5-6 months Grade sevens and eights across Ontario will be reading Nieve alongside the other nominated books, and voting on their favourite. The winner will be announced May 12, 2011 at the Festival of Trees in Toronto at the Harbourfront Centre.

I'll post more official information when we have it, but congratulations to Terry Griggs and her son/illustrator Alexander Griggs-Burr.