Review
Named one of Horn Book’s CaldeNott Honour Books 2019
One of USBBY's Outstanding International Books 2019
One of Children’s Book Review’s Best Non-Fiction Picture Books of 2018
A Canadian Children’s Book News Bookseller Recommendation (Winter 2018)
One of CBC Books' Best Canadian Children's and YA Books of 2018
One of Globe and Mail's 100 Notable Books of 2018
One of Globe and Mail's 100 Best Books of the Year 2018
One of Publishers Weekly's Best Children’s and YA Books 2018
One of New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids 2018
One of Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids 2018
A Booklist Editor's Choice, Top of the List 2018
PRAISE FOR Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein:
“[Júlia] Sardà’s distinctive angular illustrations are rife with thoughtful period detail and patterns in rich tones, evoking an appropriately maudlin mood while showcasing how Shelley’s life was a catalyst to art and creativity—and, perhaps, the birth of science fiction.” --STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly
"[Bailey’s] writing is warm and inclusive, posing occasional questions directly to the reader and establishing Shelley as a spirited dreamer . . . . Readers will revel in this artful portrait of a celebrated young author and better appreciate the true brains behind the operation." --STARRED REVIEW, Booklist
“The many decorative details, reminiscent of 18th-century gravestone designs, will fascinate children, and the gaunt, Gorey-like, grave-pallid figures will send chills down the spine. An exciting tale in its own right, this biography should prime readers for the original.” --Kirkus Reviews
“Sardà’s snappy, elegant illustrations evoke Gothic suspense. . . . Visually atmospheric and bold.” --Toronto Star
“If you have an aspiring writer on your list this year, a story of one of literature’s finest female horror writers will thrill and inspire them." --Barnes & Noble
"Linda Bailey will inspire young writers with this picture book biography of Mary Shelley, the girl who dreamed up the idea for one of the greatest novels of all time." --School Library Connection
“Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein . . . is sure to inspire would-be writers and other imaginative minds. I heartily recommend this book for any library, public or personal – adult readers will enjoy it, too!" --Resource Links
“A riveting and atmospheric picture book . . . an exploration of the process of artistic inspiration that will galvanize readers and writers of all ages.” --Children’s Book Review
"[T]his account of Shelley’s life and how she dreamed up her now-famous story will captivate young readers.” --Booklist Online
“Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein shows how a book can be imagined and created through the inspiration of personal experiences and daydreams. It is a book that will inspire readers that they, too, can become writers by tapping into their own experiences and imaginations!” --CM Magazine
“An excellent introduction to classic literature for young readers. . . . With the muted palette of grey, maroon and burnt orange, one feels transported into a world of gothic intrigue where ghouls can roam amongst us.” --Canadian Children’s Book News
About the Author
LINDA BAILEY is an award-winning author who has written more than thirty books for children, including Carson Crosses Canada, Under-the-Bed Fred, The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library and Seven Dead Pirates. She has won the Blue Spruce Award, the California Young Reader Medal and the Georgia Storybook Award, among others. Like Mary, she has been building "castles in the air" all her life. She lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
JÚLIA SARDÀ is an artist who has illustrated many books for children, including The Liszts by Kyo Maclear, and number of classics such as Alice in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Her work has been published around the world in many languages. She lives in Barcelona, Spain.
