Where Are You, Brontë?

Five starred reviews!
“A gentle delight, simultaneously honoring both the dog dePaola lost and the artist we lost in turn.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock.

Where are you, Brontë?
The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.
And I did. Every day, every night.
But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever.

Children’s book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte.

A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD Selection
★ "McClintock’s illustrations are a masterful tribute to dePaola’s legacy, blending her own style with his iconic use of clean lines and vibrant palettes...Where Are You, Bronte? is not only a tribute to a pet, but also McClintock’s reverent homage to dePaola’s life and artistry." -- Bookpage, STARRED REVIEW
★ "In sequences of sensitive pairings, McClintock does full justice to the late dePaola’s last completed manuscript—a ­poignant ode to his Airedale terrier Brontë—with scenes of a cotton-bearded old man and his woolly, flop-eared comrade sharing 12-plus years of affectionate companionship....this is a fond twin memorial both to a dog and to a beloved writer and artist." -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
★ "Alongside images that cleverly summon beats from dePaola’s works, simple words about difficult emotions offer layers of comfort for readers wondering about the whereabouts of a late loved one. It’s a moving ode to Brontë and to dePaola—the creator who loved him." -- Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
★ "A gentle delight, simultaneously honoring both the dog dePaola lost and the artist we lost in turn." -- Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
★ "Created with pens, colored pencils, watercolor, and gouache, the lively illustrations will captivate viewers with their curving lines, pleasing colors, and decorative patterns. A heartening, memorable celebration of dePaola and Brontë’s friendship."  -- Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
"Charmingly illustrated ... Weeper ... A worthy, sensitive resource for a family coping with the loss of a pet ... A reminder of the joys of companionship, even if the aftermath is bittersweet." -- The New York Times

Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.

Barbara McClintock is an American illustrator and author of over forty books for children. Her books have received numerous awards and selections, including five New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, four ALA Notable Book selections, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Award, a China Times Open Book Award, and a British Fantasy Award. One of her books is a bestselling title in Japan. She has lectured about her work nationally and internationally and is currently teaching classes on creating children’s books at Wesleyan University. Originally from New Jersey and North Dakota, she now resides in northeastern Connecticut with her partner, the illustrator David Johnson, and their three overly helpful cats.

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