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Sam & Eva

Harold and the Purple Crayon meets Tom and Jerry in this sweet and funny picture book about a boy and girl who must balance their creativity and figure out how to cooperate after their drawings come to life.

When Sam starts drawing a super cool velociraptor, Eva decides to join in. But Sam isn’t too happy about the collaboration. Soon Eva and Sam are locked in an epic creative clash, bringing to life everything from superhero marmots to exploding confetti. But when their masterpieces turn to mayhem, will Sam stay stubbornly solo or will he realize that sometimes the best work comes from teamwork?

Author: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Illustrator: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
For ages: 4-8 | Oct/2017
Hardcover, 40 pages
ISBN-13: 9781481416283

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Press & Honors

  • Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Finalist
  • Land of Enchantment RoadRunner Award Nominee (NM)
  • Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Selection Title
  • CLEL Bell Picture Book Award Shortlist (CO)
  • Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Reading List

“The kids themselves, rendered in black and white, sparkle….When their mural becomes frantic and out of hand, the kids escape in a way that Crockett Johnson’s Harold would be proud of. Expressive, high-spirited one-upkidship via artwork on walls—there’s nothing wrong with that.” Kirkus

Ohi (Where Are My Books?) celebrates creativity and cooperation in this story of two young artists, Sam and Eva, who don’t see eye to eye…and although the final pages tease another potential argument, readers will finish the book confident that these two will work through their creative differences once again. – Publisher’s Weekly

“This whimsical picture book, with its refreshing take on imagination, is ideal for teaching young readers the value of teamwork.” – Quill & Quire, starred review

“Teamwork saves the day, at least for now, but a new drawing begins on the last page. Funny and imaginative, the story offers ideas for discussion about cooperation and problem solving.” – Booklist Online

“Sam is just beginning to draw when Eva shows up (it appears he is using a blank wall as a canvas, an action that never has any consequences in this story; this is one of those delightful children’s books where adults just straight-up don’t exist)….As they get so wrapped up in trying to one-up each other, Sam completely forgets that he never wanted Eva there in the first place. Their friendly rivalry begets a certain type of co-operation, and both their creative selves are better for it.” – The Globe & Mail

“Why we chose it: This sweet story about the power of teamwork promises to be both imaginative and funny.” – CBC Books, “10 Picture Books You’ll Want To Check Out This Fall”

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