Booklist's review of Eloise Greenfield's ALAINA AND THE GREAT PLAY

In their May 15, 2021 issue, Booklist calls ALAINA AND THE GREAT PLAY (Alazar Press) by Eloise Greenfield and illustrated by Colin Bootman a "wonderful story to explain what theater is and how it conveys storytelling to an audience." Here's the whole review:

"Award-winning author Greenfield introduces readers to Alaina, an ebullient kindergartner who discovers her love of live theater. On the day of the second-grade play, Alaina wakes up excited because she gets to make the closing speech, "Thank you for coming. Goodbye." She runs her lines through her head all day, but when her big moment comes, she is so blown away by the performance, she almost forgets what she is supposed to say. After turning a few celebratory summersaults, she delivers her lines and later falls asleep smiling and thinking of the play. Bootman's gorgeous illustrations use vibrant colors and soft brushwork to create realistic scenes of a loving Black family and the exciting bustle of school. Alaina experiences many emotions throughout the day, and Bootman always clearly shows them on her face, making it easy for readers to share in her feelings as the story progresses. A wonderful story to explain what theater is and how it conveys storytelling to an audience." – Rosie Camargo

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