Since before it came out in September, All the World has been received very kindly by a bunch of very fine folk — from bloggers, librarians and reviewers to cereal makers, booksellers and honest-to-goodness kids.
For me, each note or nod acts as ballast to the careening nerves and crises of confidence that beleaguer my everyday work.
Because while I’m mindful that I oughtn’t attach myself too closely to external affirmation, it doesn’t hurt to be told (in not so many words) to carry on.
And that’s what happened this weekend when we got a little love from the New York Times.
THE New York Times.
Seriously you guys.
First, there’s this lovely review that includes one of my favorite spreads from the book.
And then (this totally flipped my lid) we made the top ten list of Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2009.
Gulp.
Yipes.
Sigh.
Carry on…
Congratulations!!! Do you wake up every day and pinch yourself? 🙂 So happy for you.
Bravo on every front. 🙂
Applauding madly over here!
We don’t *need* affirmation, but dang it, our sweat and tears have to be tempered with gold stars and a joyous, unqualified GOOD JOB! every now and again. So I say, FRAME that list!!!
We’re gulping, yiping and sighing right along with you. What a beautiful review in the Times! And congrats on the 10 Best Illustrated List. (Frankly, I would have been highly upset if it wasn’t on there.) So happy for you and Marla!!
Congratulations!!!
Deep breaths!
Take some today. Take some tomorrow. And let the praise pour down upon you and All the World!!!
The NYT review was a thing of beauty. It’s so wonderful to see All the World gather the appreciation it deserves. Also lovely to see you doing tree pose, trying to keep your balance and take big breaths amid the acclaim. To revel, but not obsess, moving on.
You and your lovely book deserve all this and more, my friend. I know lots of folks who’ve used the word “Caldecott” when discussing your lovely book. I’m holding thumbs for that.
I’m so happy to hear all the good news! Congratulations!
Tanita Says 🙂
Had a little teary moment over the NYT piece this weekend. I was shrieking, and for once, even D. knew what I was talking about, since the book has pride of place on top of the bookshelf. (I have a rotating set of picture books up there, by season.) I’m so excited for you. I was so excited when you described how your editor/publisher responded to the book, leapfrogging it over Noodle and Lou because they felt so strongly about it. With that kind of belief behind you — amazing things are simply going to continue to come.
Yaaay!
NYT review
Congratulations Liz! We are so happy for you! xoxo, Crose Family