The Elevator on 74th Street

“A charming story with a unique point of view that will have children thoroughly connected to the human and non-human characters alike. A highly recommended tale of friendship.” – School Library Journal“Uplifting.” – Publishers Weekly“Gehl’s comfortable and familiar narrative is an apt match for the vintage-feeling images that enliven our anthropomorphized protagonist. A stylish and lovely perspective on happenstance.” – Kirkus Reviews“Sweet Ellie is the star here, with her light blue arch resembling a face and row of numbers above her doors curving into a blushing smile. Imamura blends subtle colors with pastels and patterns to create an elegantly lived-in apartment building, and she uses her gouache, watercolors, markers, and crayons to fill the story with characters outlined with vibrant fine lines, which bring a particularly cheerful dynamic. Think of this as a cousin to The Giving Tree, with a healthier message: the story ends with Ellie wearing a jaunty tinsel crown, smiling a shy smile, surrounded by joyful residents, happy herself while also making others happy.” – BCCB

Laura Gehl is the author of One Big Pair of Underwear, Cat Has a Plan, Goat Wants to Eat, Pig Makes Art, Dog Can Hide, Cat Sees Snow, Frog Can Hop, Snow Is…, You’re the Sprinkles on My Ice Cream, You’re the Pumpkin in My Pie, and The Elevator on 74th Street. She lives with her husband and their four kids in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Yas Imamura is an Asian American illustrator living in Portland, Oregon. Her works include collaborations with Anthropologie and Sanrio, as well as her growing list of children’s books such as Can You Imagine? by Lisa Tolin and The Elevator on 74th Street by Laura Gehl. Her preferred materials are gouache and watercolor and she often finds herself drawn to projects that are playful, mysterious, and a little offbeat.

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