Out of her pocket Tiana pulls green words like spring, night words like moon, and even words with wings, like angel. Each of these magical words is the inspiration for Nikki Grime's paired poems, lyrical free verse and haiku, that capture Tiana's lively spirit and urban outlook. Javaka Steptoe's inventive collage illustrations are crafted from a wide range of materials that include faucet handles and a hand-sculpted, gilded alphabet. Spring flowers jump from a window box; red, white, and blue fireworks twinkle in the night sky over Harlem; and beneath the decoreated tree are piled gifts for Tiana--and for the reader. Taking the picture book art form to new levels of creativity and playfulness, this unique collaboration is a year-round delight. |
