Iris and Cora: Adventures of the Tall Cousins

by Jennifer Paquette, Krystan MacLean (Illustrator)

Overview

Cousins Iris and Cora love being tall. They love it so much they formed a club! Then one day, when faced with hurtful words, Iris begins to question her feelings about being tall. As Iris's confidence sinks, Cora's love for her soars - lifting them both to new heights.

A fun and uplifting story for young readers that reminds us we are what we think and illustrates that when we know this, the sky's the limit!


"Exuberant, funny and openhearted - delightfully illustrated and beautifully told."-Actor and award-winning lyricist, Marion Adler

"A whimsical adventure ... Offering a fantasy spin, this engaging tale encourages readers to accept themselves and others."-Kirkus Reviews

"Delightful and dreamy, a book that's as beautiful as it is insightful. An uplifting lesson for kids that we are what we think and knowing that is the way to success. The dual focus on family bonds and celebration of self makes this one a winner." -The Prairies Book Review

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781039124950
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	11/15/2021
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.11(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 6 Years

About the Author

Jennifer Paquette - Jennifer believes in the power of sharing stories. She is the retired founder and retired artistic director of CAST Theatre Company and now spends her time writing in her home studio in Stratford, Ontario. She is the author of the children's book wish, a collaboration with artist Shane Norrie, and a prize-winning short story writer. Jennifer is grateful to Krystan for the joy their collaboration has brought. To learn more visit www.jenniferpaquette.ca

Krystan Maclean - Krystan is a lover of stories, community, and visual media. She cultivated the joy of storytelling while on stage at CAST, and gravitated to illustrating while exploring language and the brain in university. She self-published a young readers book in 2019, inspired by children who always find the joy in learning.

Editorial Reviews

2022-01-19
Tall cousins embrace their stature and enjoy a whimsical adventure in this picture book.

White cousins Iris and Cora like being tall because it enables them to excel in sports, reach high places, and “touch the bottom of the pool.” They even form a “Stand Tall” club where tall and short Black, Asian American, brown, and White friends celebrate self-acceptance. One day in the gym, Iris leaps so high she hits “her head on the basketball hoop.” As she waits for the nurse, Iris overhears kids ridiculing her height. Feeling hurt, she runs away, but Cora catches up with her. To Iris’ shock, Cora starts flying. When Cora encourages her cousin to join her, Iris says, “I can’t…I’m a giant.” Cora responds, “I think you’re a beautiful bird,” and teaches Iris how to fly. The girls soar high in the sky, and Iris proclaims: “It is great to be tall.” The girls agree that “it’s what we think that makes us who we are.” Despite the story’s quirky, dreamlike ending, the characters’ laudable displays of self-acceptance, friendship, and encouragement are appealing. In Paquette’s inspiring tale, the cousins thoughtfully demonstrate the importance of extending kindness to peers of all sizes, skin tones, appearances, and abilities. Maclean’s boldly colored, cartoonlike illustrations emphasize the girls’ height, as when Cora can’t extend her long legs in the bathtub. The scenes feature charming details like vivid skies with rainbow accents.

Offering a fantasy spin, this engaging tale encourages readers to accept themselves and others.

Kirkus Reviews