Author Biography

MONICA KULLING is a poet who has published over forty books for children, including picture books, adaptations of classic novels, and biographies. Known for introducing biography to children who are just learning to read, she has written about Harriet Tubman, Henry Ford, Houdini, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia Earhart, among others. Her award-winning Great Idea Series features biographies of inventors and their captivating inventions. She is also the author of the hilarious Merci Mister Dash! and Mister Dash and the Cupcake Calamity. Visit her website at The author lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Review

PRAISE FOR Spic-and-Span:

"This engaging picture-book biography details the many accomplishments of Lillian Gilbreth ... Kulling deftly describes early twentieth-century social, physical, and technical conditions that presented challenges to productivity in both public and private settings, and she explains how Gilbreth's innovations improved conditions, creating context so that young readers can appreciate the extent of her contributions. Parkins' rich, cartoon-like illustrations provide clear period detail, and his characters' faces portray an extensive range of emotions, adding interest and emphasizing Gilbreth's primary commitment to her family." - Booklist

"In Spic-and-Span, Monica Kulling tells Gilbreth's life story with warmth and clarity, and David Parkins' illustrations underscore the wit and humanity of this picture book biograpy." - The Boston Globe

"Perfect for National Women's History Month, this fascinating biography reveals the real woman behind the family hijinks in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen.... We owe to Lillian many of today's kitchen inventions and comforts." - Washington Parent

Review Quote

PRAISE FOR Great Idea Series: "Monica Kulling's charming It's a Snap! ... tells Eastman's story with panache and Bill Slavin's entertaining pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations push the humor up a notch. This is terrific storytelling that will work as a read aloud in any class." - Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal "...accessible picture book biography... The strong narrative is peppered with snappy dialogue. Bill Slavin's pen, ink and watercolour illustrations are equally engaging. ...This first book in the Great Idea Series is a picture-perfect introduction to biographies for beginning readers." - Excellent, Resource Links "... Kulling's narrative frames this history in relatable terms through Eastman's life and work.... Slavin's pen-and-ink-with-watercolor illustrations depict the time, while grayscale scrapbook-style pictures evoke the look of early photography." - Kirkus Reviews "...Slavin's artwork sparkles with its usual animism, creating realistic but witty images, and Kulling's prose is crisp and accessible. Kulling frames this biography using traditional storybook elements..." - Quill & Quire

Description for Sales People

The sixth nonfiction picture book in the Great Idea series about inventors that have changed our world. This female inventor will inspire young girls to reach their full potential. Hardback edition was one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year (Non-Fiction). The Boston Globe picked the hardback as a Best Picture Book of the Year. David Parkins' detailed pen-and-ink illustrations bring Gilbreth and her work to life.

Details