News
Here is the latest news
Publishers Weekly – review of The City Tree
(March 23, 2023)
“Boss writes in praise of city greenery with this appealing story about the planting of a tree in front of a child’s apartment building. Frequently alliterative prose describes the sapling’s positive impact on the block, as witnessed by protagonist Dani, who’s portrayed with brown skin. …Bustling city scenes center the tree not as backdrop but as full-fledged neighbor, reinforcing the text’s encouragement of stewardship.”
School Library Journal – starred review of The City Tree
(February 2023)
“The illustrations are impeccable—vibrant, colorful, and full of sublime detail….The immersive language and onomatopoeia paint a vivid picture of the everyday urban soundscape and the new, sweet sounds of birds and flapping leaves….A simple story of a tree which transforms into a glorious celebration of life, growth, and community.”
Kirkus Reviews – review of The City Tree
(January 15, 2023)
“A delightful combination of metaphors and vivid art as each season the tree continues to make the neighborhood a joyful place to live. Tranquil and calming, this is an ideal bedtime read. A soothing tale of a tree that helps transform a community.”
Maine Association of School Libraries – 2020 Chickadee Award Nominee
(Fall, 2019)
A committee of librarians, teachers and early literacy professionals selected 10 titles published in 2018 as nominees for the 2020 Chickadee Award, and Up in the Leaves is on their list! In 2020, kindergarten through fourth grade students in Maine will vote on a winner from the list of nominees.
American Horticultural Society – 2019 Growing Good Kids Award
(July 12, 2019)
The Junior Master Gardener Program and the American Horticultural Society honor engaging, inspiring works of plant, garden and ecology-themed children’s literature through the “Growing Good Kids – Excellence in Children’s Literature Awards” Program. Up in the Leaves is one of three winners for 2019!
Nautilus Book Awards – Up in the Leaves a 2018 Nautilus Silver Winner
(May, 2019)
The Nautilus Awards honor books that “support conscious living & green values, high-level wellness, positive social change & social justice, and spiritual growth.” Up in the Leaves won a silver award in the children’s illustrated books category for 2018!
Book Culture Bookstore – Up in the Leaves a bestseller for 2018
(January, 2019)
Our local independent bookstore Book Culture has been a fan of Up in the Leaves from the start – and it became one of the Columbus Avenue location’s 18 bestselling books of 2018 – the only children’s book on the list!
Atlanta Parent Magazine – Up in the Leaves named as a Best Book of 2018
(November 28, 2018)
“A New York City boy finds refuge from the traffic, noise and city life in Central Park and begins to build tree houses, a true and amazing story based on the life of Bob Redman.”
Words for Phoebe – Up in the Leaves video Storytime
(November 18, 2018)
Watch the video storytime reading of Up in the Leaves by clicking the link above.
Hoover Public Library Book Report – Up in the Leaves featured in “More Than Common Core”
(November, 2018)
Habitat Magazine – Bob and Shira featured in “Toolkit”
(November, 2018)
“In March, Boss published a children’s book called Up in the Leaves, which tells the story of Redman’s youthful passion for building tree houses in Central Park. The couple offers a short list of do’s and don’ts for the planting and care of trees on city rooftops and terraces:”
Todd Burleson – Review of Up in the Leaves
(October 15, 2018)
“The illustrations were what had me transfixed. Jamey Christoph’s dry bush watercolor accentuates each and every leaf and texture are magnificent.”
Books for the Curious Child – Review of Up in the Leaves
(August 30, 2018)
“Wonderful story inviting readers to follow their dreams, no matter how tall they become!”
Annette Bay Pimentel – Review of Up in the Leaves
(August 8, 2018)
“It’s a lovely book about how one boy found nature when he needed it and ultimately about the goodness of human nature, helping him find a way to make that passion part of his everyday life.”
Katie Reviews Books – Review of Up in the Leaves
(August 7, 2018)
“Up in the Leaves is one of the best books I’ve read this summer!
One of the messages I try to convey to my children’s literature students is that nonfiction does not have to be boring or dry. And now I have Up in the Leaves to help illuminate this message.”
International Society of Arboriculture – Bob Redman named a 2018 True Professional
(August 1, 2018)
Watch a video profile of Bob Redman here.
Learning Magazine – “Stories Inspired by Real Life”
(July, 2018)
Fred, Ted and Company – “Summer Books for Toddlers”
(July 11, 2018)
“What a stunning book and a brilliant story! …I LOVE that this story features a character who defines success for themselves and refuses to be pigeonholed into what they ‘should’ do. This is a very important message to pass on to our children.”
Boogie Down Books – Author Reading of Up in the Leaves
(July 7, 2018)
Books of Wonder – Shira on Non-Fiction Picture Books Panel
(June 23, 2018)
Along Came Poppy – Review of Up in the Leaves
(May 14, 2018)
“The story is ultimately one of childhood adventure and escapism. Bob’s story is testament to the power of patience, resilience and perseverance. He grew up to become an arborist looking after trees all over New York city and doing something that he really loved. …It truly is a wonderful story and a beautiful book that will definitely appeal to readers both young and old. We thoroughly enjoyed it!”
Book Bairn – Review of Up in the Leaves
(May 14, 2018)
“…a wonderful story of a true life free spirit and conservationist. …The illustrations in the book are a delight to behold as they capture the contrast of the city and the park showing the changes through the seasons and making the world amongst the treetops seem magical and blissful.”
Acorn Books – Review of Up in the Leaves
(May 14, 2018)
“This is a truly compelling story about finding your own way and having the confidence to follow your dreams.”
Mamma Filz – Review of Up in the Leaves
(May 14, 2018)
“Shira Boss tells the story of Bob Redman in an uplifting way. Her writing flows so well at each turn of a page and is filled with joyous examples of language that can be further explored with young readers. Examples of repetition at the start of the book repeatedly using the word “crowded” like that of a beating of a drum. Her use of onomatopoeia when Bob begins to build treehouses “Whoosh, Whoosh, whoosh, he sawed” and the fine examples of figurative language.”
Mama Mummy Mum – Review of Up in the Leaves
(May 11, 2018)
“This book holds many lessons within it. The idea of never giving up, a show of great determination and the notion that we can do anything that we put of minds to. …Up in the Leaves is indeed uplifting and utterly enchanting. For those who already love nature, this book is a must and if you’re wanting to get your children enjoying the great outdoors then this is a story that offers some great inspiration.”
BookPage Tips for Teachers – Recommendation
(May 9, 2018)
“With rhythmic text and delicate retro-esque illustrations from Jamey Christoph, Up in the Leaves is an excellent nonfiction read aloud offering several opportunities for further classroom exploration.”
Raisie Bay – Review of Up in the Leaves
(May 4, 2018)
“We all loved the story of the quirky little boy who preferred to view life from a tree branch….The story draws you in, making you feel how much simpler life is in a tree, amongst the squirrels and birds and watching the world go by.”
Rachel Jess – “Lovely New Children’s Books”
(May 1, 2018)
“The story of Bob felt almost like an autobiography of a boy who never gave up.”
Parnassus Books (Nashville) – Staff Pick
(April 18, 2018)
“For anyone who dreams of creating a small retreat in the midst of a busy place.”
Cannonball Read – Review of Up in the Leaves
(April 18, 2018)
“Shira Boss and Jamey Christoph have created a picture book that touches on many issues children can relate to. The main, of course, is just being alone when things are a little too much. And while children may not be able to build a tree house, there are other ways to do this. The adult reader will enjoy the themes of science, nature and environment.”
Books in Bloom – Guest blog post by Shira Boss and Bob Redman
(April 16, 2018)
“Our fervent wish is that children grow up with the confidence that they can find careers doing what they love, and that nobody has to feel pressured to ‘fit in’ where he or she really doesn’t feel comfortable.”
Bookfoolery – Review of Up in the Leaves
(April 12, 2018)
“Highly recommended – What a terrific story! Lovely prose and cheerful illustrations bring this inspiring true tale to life. While the book is geared to young children, there’s an epilogue with a bit more detail and a photo of Bob on the final page so children can see Bob in real life (sitting in a tree, of course!) and tie illustration to reality. On the book flap, you’ll also discover that the author is married to Bob. How cool is that? I absolutely love everything about this book. I smiled all the way through it.”
Book Nerd Mommy – “Fantastic Picture Books about Trees”
(April 8, 2018)
Barnes & Noble – “10 Spring Picture Books We Love”
(April 2, 2018)
“A lyrical picture book with lovely illustrations, Up in the Trees is a standout new release.”
School Library Journal – Review of Up in the Leaves
(April 1, 2018)
“VERDICT: An additional purchase that’s sure to inspire young arborists.”
Interabang Books (Dallas) – Staff Pick
(April, 2018)
“It is a beautiful story about finding that which makes your heart sing and finding your place in the world.”
Bookworm for Kids – Review of Up in the Leaves
(March 30, 2018)
“This warming story grabs with a gentle adventure many kids enjoy, climbing trees, and shows the wondrous paths life can take.”
Bank Street Bookstore – Author Reading of Up in the Leaves
(March 24, 2018)
“What New York kid doesn’t love a good Central Park story? Well, this one delivers that and much more.”
Book Culture – Author reading of Up in the Leaves
(March 17, 2018)
The Baby Bookworm – Review of Up in the Leaves
(March 15, 2018)
“…a sweet story of a boy’s creativity and love of trees shaping his destiny. … It’s a nice lesson in how being ourselves and following our passions can guide us to what we are meant for. “
Publishers Weekly – Book Review of Up in the Leaves
(February 19, 2018)
“When park authorities arrive one morning, readers may anticipate that Bob is in trouble. Boss, however, delivers a gentle surprise: Redman is hired to work as an arborist in the park—so long as he agrees to stop building treehouses. There’s no don’t-try-this-at-home message; the conclusion delivers a heartening suggestion that, when someone breaks the rules in the spirit of ingenuity and imagination, the circumstances call for an equally innovative form of intervention.”
Junior Library Guild – Up in the Leaves is an Official Selection
(February 2018)
Up in the Leaves is an official Junior Library Guild Selection for Spring 2018! The Junior Library Guild is a monthly subscription box for school and public librarians, and their mission is to fuel the lifelong love of reading by making it easy for these libraries to get the very best books for their young readers.
Kirkus Reviews – Book Review of Up in the Leaves
(January 15, 2018)
“Boss shares the tale of Bob Redman, a real arborist in New York, with simple, heartfelt language, displaying compassion and understanding of Bob’s dedication to his trees. The text appears in white spaces nestled among Christoph’s soft, delicately hued illustrations, which beautifully depict, with great attention to detail, the wide variety of trees that Bob encounters. A tender, gentle celebration.”
