My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay Reviewed in The New York Times
January 30, 2015
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, was reviewed in The New York Times’ Sunday Book Review. The review praised Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s “wonderfully spirited” illustrations, and say My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay is “refreshing in its casual approach to racial diversity.” Read the full review here.
Publishers Weekly praises My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
December 09, 2014
Publishers Weekly gave a fine review to My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Publishers Weekly called the book a “frank, encouraging story”, and described Brantley-Newton’s illustrations as “exud[ing] warmth and empathy as they build to a triumphant conclusion.”
Kirkus starred review for My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
November 13, 2014
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, has received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
Aimed at readers aged 5-8, this charming book follows Zulay, a African-American first grader who must learn to navigate around school using a white cane. Although she is encouraged by her three best friends – Chyng, Maya and Nancy – all Zulay wants is to be like every other kid: to fit in. My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay‘s inclusive nature ensures that readers of all backgrounds and abilities will feel welcomed and assured by the story and its characters.
About Brantley-Newton’s illustrations, Kirkus said: “Brantley-Newton’s bright colors and attention to facial expressions swiftly convey Zulay’s enthusiasm, attitude and apprehension, as well as the skeptical and encouraging looks she can’t see.”
On the back cover of the book, a raised braille alphabet will introduce the unfamiliar and provides a nice final touch to the experience.
Buy My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Praise for My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton from School Library Journal
November 3, 2014
School Library Journal praised My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay with a very positive review that noted the book as “a great way to continue building diverse library collections for all readers.”
The book is written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. About the illustration, SLJ said: “Bright, colorful illustrations on a clean white backdrop are crisp and clear and mesh seamlessly with the text.”