Blanket & Bear, a Remarkable Pair

“Kelly, a debut author (and grandson of Roald Dahl), writes austere, emotionally blunt rhymes [that], when combined with Tanaka’s (One Moon, Two Cats) velvety but highly formal acrylic illustrations, keep the book’s more playful fantasy elements in check. On the spectrum of stories about the inner lives of playthings, this is more Velveteen Rabbit than Toy Story.”–Publishers Weekly

“Kelly gives lost possessions a new life in his first book . . . The message is heartfelt and it may comfort children who are missing their favorite toys”–School Library Journal

“Can offer copious comfort to children with the suggestion that their closest childhood friends have found second lives elsewhere.”–Kirkus Review