The Great Escape - by Deborah Marcero (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A richly illustrated picture book from the author of In a Jar that follows an older sister and her pack of wild, noisy, can't-sit-still younger siblings on a grand and wondrous adventure.

Evie believes in all things magic, but her always-pestering, always-following younger siblings make her life seem a little less magical sometimes. So Evie makes her escape to the snowy world outside, hoping for a bit of peace and solitude, only to discover her siblings trailing behind her, once again.

Luckily, with the help of a wand and a few magic words, Evie turns a snowbank into a portal to an upside-down world full of stars, dolphins, and seahorses to ride. Even the reader is invited to rotate the book and follow the siblings along on their adventure! But when the siblings are faced with danger--and someone who needs their help--can they come together to save the day?

Review Quotes

* "Lilting prose and detailed, luminous art make for an adventure readers will eagerly dive into again and again. . . A glorious look at the often-frustrating nature of family dynamics--and the power of magic." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "The use of images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope, combined with traditional mediums, makes the story feel both magical and rooted in reality. A fantastical book that will remind readers (older siblings in particular) about the importance of cherishing time with family." --Booklist, starred review

* "Wildly inventive . . . Mixed media art seamlessly blends a playful cartoony style with ethereal beauty . . . There's a Wild Rumpus look to Evie's sibs, dressed as they are in animal onesies and frolicking in the evening-colored palette; youngsters may find this pretend world as appealing as Sendak's classic." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"Luminous. . . the best magic isn't about making problems disappear but rather finding new ways to orient to them." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Deborah Marcero is the author and illustrator of the picture books In a Jar, which was called "stunning" in a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and "beguiling" by the Wall Street Journal; Out of a Jar, which was an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year and an ALA Notable Children's Book; and Hope in a Jar; as well as the board book Little Bunny, Spring Is Here!. She also wrote and illustrated the picture book My Heart Is a Compass and the Haylee and Comet emerging reader series.