The reviews are pouring in!
“I loved this story with all my heart. This is a book that truly understands the intensity, the joy, and the challenges of childhood friendships. To me, Poppy and Esme are more than characters in a book; they feel like real girls — spirited and sensitive and flawed — whose humanity shines forth out of every page. Willink and Sloan have painted a vivid portrait of two resourceful, independent-minded city kids, who refuse to let the heartbreaking decisions of their parents stop them from having the best summer of their lives. In a world where girls and women are all too often taught to compete against each other, THE PEONIES: SUMMER IN THE CITY offers a more true and nuanced story about female friendships — teaching that these bonds are foundational and essential, and that best friends may not always get along, but they will always come back home to each other in the end. Simply a treasure.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert, #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author of Eat, Pray, Love; The Signature of All Things, and City of Girls
“Alix Sloan and Jennie Willink have written a truly inspiring book with their new release of THE PEONIES: SUMMER IN THE CITY. They take the everyday life of two girls living in the East Village of New York City and turn it into a shining example of what teachers are looking for in children’s literature today. The colorful vocabulary, brilliant figurative language, and real-life lessons come together in a charming way as you get to know the two main characters – Poppy and Esme. Sloan and Willink weave essential lessons of life into the adventures of Poppy and Esme. Readers will come away with intentional guidance on topics such as: responsibility, time management, friendships, how to treat others, and coping with difficult situations. Lastly, one of my favorite elements of the entire book is the role modeling of positive relationships among parents and their children, neighbors, and friends. You are guaranteed to fall in love with Esme and Poppy, and you will find yourself yearning for their next adventures.”
– Julie McClellan, Reading Specialist & 5th Grade Teacher
“I loved the book. The colorful neighborhood and dog park characters really brought the setting to life. The friendship between the two girls was realistic, funny and engaging. I appreciated the great message about working towards a goal too. I know my students will really enjoy the book.”
– Constance McGarry Hicks, Elementary School Librarian, Austin Independent School District
“I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Esme and Poppy, aka The Peonies. Alix Sloan and Jennie Willink tell a story of two girls facing a separation they have no control over. A story of a fierce friendship in the face of this challenge. A story of making the best of the last summer they have together before their families will be separated. The authors tell this coming-of-age story with insight, wisdom, and humor. And as someone who visits and writes about cities and cultures all over the world, I particularly enjoyed the way they brought New York City and the girls’ relationships with their families and neighbors to life. I laughed with the girls, I cried with the girls. I hope there is a sequel!”
– Bibi LeBlanc, author, artist and founder of Culture to Color, award-winning educational coloring books for all ages
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon!
