Praise for author Nadia L. Hohn and illustrator Irene Luxbacher for Malaika''s Surprise: "[A]n intimate and culturally rich picture book." -- Kirkus Reviews "[A] joyful read." -- Huffington Post "A warm portrayal of a loving, close-knit community." -- Horn Book "An enjoyable, feel-good read for young children." -- School Library Journal "Malaika''s beautiful interracial family and new friendships make this story a powerful one." -- Toronto Star "Malaika''s Surprise offers a refreshing new sibling narrative . [the] joyful, textured illustrations are busy and inviting, like the other titles in this series, and the blend of English and Caribbean patois makes Malaika''s voice sing.
" -- Canadian Children''s Book News "Much of our lives, like Malaika''s, involves change and a newness of circumstances. But what Malaika''s Surprise demonstrates is that, though newness and change can be stressful because of the anticipation of the unknown, the reality is often not as bad as expected, especially with the knowledge that others care." -- CanLit for LittleCanadians "[A] joyful read." -- Huffington Post "Hohn''s mastery of the craft command[s] a standing ovation." -- Cloud Lake Literary "Written in a combination of standard English and Caribbean patois, Hohn''s work celebrates family values and acceptance of cultural diversity. Bright and lively illustrations by Irene Luxbacher add to the book''s attraction." -- Winnipeg Free Press "There is kindness and generosity, celebration and family all woven into this wonderful story told in Malaika''s distinct voice, with a rich dialogue strongly rooted in her Caribbean heritage." -- Storytime with Stephanie Blog "The use of English, Patois, Arabic, and French is seamless, woven into the fabric of the story - as colorful and beautiful as the carnival costumes Malaika and her sister wear.
It''s a song that any immigrant kid will instantly recognize." -- Mr. Alex''s Bookshelf Blog "Malaika''s Surprise is filled with the same warmth and charm as the first two books in the series." -- 49th Shelf Blog Praise for author Nadia L. Hohn and illustrator Irene Luxbacher for Malaika''s Winter Carnival: "Luxbacher''s stunning mixed-media collage illustrations surround Hohn''s lilting narrative with color, texture, and sensitivity." -- Booklist Online "Hohn contrasts [Caribbean] and Canadian cultures tenderly, with deep understanding of both, and she and Luxbacher have created a sweet, immersive and loving book that will benefit both young new arrivals to a country and those just meeting them." -- Kirkus Reviews "[A] joyful read." -- Huffington Post "This book is a well-written, beautifully illustrated, and heartwarming story.
The use of English, Patois, Arabic, and French is seamless, woven into the fabric of the story - as colorful and beautiful as the carnival costumes Malaika and her sister wear." -- Mr. Alex''s Bookshelf Blog Praise for author Nadia L. Hohn and illustrator Irene Luxbacher for Malaika''s Costume: "The text is told in the colloquial voice of the little girl, and readers will quickly and easily feel a part of her circle. Carnival is an important holiday in many cultures, and it''s good to have a picture book to celebrate it." -- Horn Book "Like a rainbow peacock itself, the illustrations in this book burst with a frenzy of colors and textures." -- Booklist Online Praise for Irene Luxbacher and Mr. Frank: Commended USBBY Outstanding International Book, 2015 Commended Cooperative Children''s Book Center Choices, 2015 "Outstanding mixed-media collages and a thoughtful text create a distinctive book that rises far above most tributes to grandparental love .
a perfect book." -- Kirkus, starred review Praise for Irene Luxbacher and Deep Underwater: Finalist Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, 2018 "Masterful artwork and nuanced verse" -- Kirkus, starred review.