Books by Dianna
AN EGG IS QUIET
Award-winning artist Sylvia Long has teamed with award winning author Dianna Aston to create this gorgeous and informative introduction to eggs. From tiny hummingbird eggs to giant ostrich eggs, oval ladybug eggs to tubular dogfish eggs, gooey frog eggs to fossilized dinosaur eggs, it magnificently captures the incredible variety of eggs and celebrates their beauty and wonder.
The evocative text is sure to inspire lively questions and observations. The book introduces children to more than 60 types of eggs and an interesting array of egg facts. A tender and fascinating guide that is equally at home being read to a child on a parent's lap or in a classroom reading circle.
Reviews:
• “…dramatic…. Breathtaking…. This attractive volume pleases on both an aesthetic and intellectual level.”–Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
• “…a delight for budding naturalists of all stripes, flecks, dots, and textures.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
• “Exceptionally handsome… a beautiful guide to the unexpected panoply of the egg.” –School Library Journal
A SEED IS SLEEPY
This gorgeous book from award winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston offers children a beautiful and informative look at the intricate, complex, and often surprising world of seeds. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts, making it perfect reading material at home or in the classroom.
Reviews:
• “…will stretch children’s minds and imaginations.” –School Library Journal, starred review
• “…will encourage kids to wonder about the plant world’s mysterious, gorgeous spectrum of possibilities.” –Booklist
• “Gorgeous is the only way to describe this book.”–San Diego Union-Tribune
• An IRA Teachers' Choice Reading List
A BUTTERFLY IS PATIENT
From the creators of the award-winning "An Egg Is Quiet", "A Seed Is Sleepy", and "A Rock Is Lively" comes this gorgeous and informative introduction to the world of butterflies. From iridescent blue swallowtails and brilliant orange monarchs to the world's tiniest butterfly (Western Pygmy Blue) and the largest (Queen Alexandra's Birdwing), an incredible variety of butterflies are celebrated here in all of their beauty and wonder. Perfect for a child's bedroom bookshelf or for the classroom!
Reviews:
• “A lyrical, colorful, and elegant production.” –Booklist, starred review
• “Both eye-catching and informative.” –School Library Journal, starred review
• “Delicate, elegant, and informative…Enchanting…A lovely mix of science and wonder. –Publishers Weekly, starred review
A ROCK IS LIVELY
Gorgeous and informative introduction to the fascinating world of rocks. From dazzling blue Lapis Lazuli to volcanic Snowflake Obsidian, an incredible variety of rocks are showcased in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this book introduces an array of facts, making it equally perfect for classroom sharing and family reading.
Reviews:
• "A visual and verbal feast, this book deserves a place on every library shelf. " –Boston Globe/Best Children's Books of the Year
• "Makes geology fun and visually arresting." –Entertainment Weekly
A NEST IS NOISY
Gorgeous and informative, "A Nest is Noisy" looks at the fascinating world of nests. From tiny bee hummingbird nests to orangutan nests high in the rainforest canopy, an incredible variety of nests are showcased here in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book introduces children to a captivating array of nest facts and will spark the imaginations of children whether in a classroom reading circle or on a parent's lap.
Reviews:
• “Another beauty from Aston and Long. Eye-catching and eye-opening.” –School Library Journal, starred review
• “This beautiful picture book will be an asset to science collections.” –Booklist
• "Will inspire so many children to open their eyes and look up at the trees - and down at their feet - to spot nests of all kinds." –Cool Mom Picks
A BEETLE IS SHY
The award-winning duo of Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long team up again, this time creating a gorgeous look at the fascinating world of beetles. From flea beetles to bombardier beetles, an incredible variety of these beloved bugs are showcased here in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched and visually striking book is perfect for sparking children's imaginations in both classroom reading circles and home libraries.
Reviews:
• "A sparkling homage to a diverse category of insect." –Publishers Weekly, starred review
• “VERDICT Children and adults will love this beautiful and fascinating book.” –School Library Journal
• "This delightful book promotes a sense of wonder about a group of little creatures with whom we share this Earth." –Science Magazine
THE MOON OVER STAR
In July 1969, the world witnessed an awe-inspiring historical achievement when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon. For the young protagonist of this lyrical and hopeful picture book, that landing is something that inspires her to make one giant step toward all of the possibilities that life has to offer. Caldecott Honor–winning painter Jerry Pinkney and the poetic Dianna Hutts Aston create a moving tribute to the historic Apollo 11 Mission, just in time to commemorate its upcoming fortieth anniversary.
Reviews:
• “In a child’s voice but with lovely storytelling cadences, Aston tells the story of the excitement, anticipation and skepticism felt by one family on July 20, 1969…. Pinkney’s vibrant illustrations exquisitely complement the moving story.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
• “A quiet, satisfying tribute to this milestone in human history and its power to inspire others….Perfect for one-on-one sharing, this lovely book has a universality that gives it broad appeal.” –Booklist
DREAM SOMETHING BIG
Between 1921 and 1955, Italian immigrant Simon Rodia transformed broken glass, seashells, pottery, and a dream to "do something big" into a U.S. National Landmark. Readers watch the towers rise from his little plot of land in Watts, California, through the eyes of a fictional girl as she grows and raises her own children. Chronicled in stunningly detailed collage that mimics Rodia's found-object art, this thirty-four-year journey becomes a mesmerizing testament to perseverance and possibility. A final, innovative "build-your-own-tower" activity makes this multicultural, intergenerational tribute a classroom natural and a perfect gift-sure to encourage children to follow their own big dreams.
A BEETLE IS SHY
THE MOON OVER STAR
LOONY LITTLE: THE ICE CAP IS MELTING
When a drop of water falls — plop! — on Loony Little’s head, she and her friends decide that they must bring this unfortunate news to the fearsome queen. Maybe she can explain how this strange turn of events will affect them. But when sly Foxy Loxy volunteers to escort all the animals to the queen’s lair, Loony suspects that the fate of the Arctic and its marvelous creatures is not what the fox — or the queen — really cares about. Now, who can they find who does care? Back matter includes an author’s note and information about the animals.
Review:
• "Aston overlays the Chicken Little tale with an environmental theme. . . . Murphy paints a wilderness worth preserving." —Publishers Weekly
AN ORANGE IN JANUARY
Plump, juicy oranges are one of the great pleasures of winter—and one that is usually taken for granted. Now here's an eloquent, celebratory picture of how those oranges have found their way to the grocery store shelves, and then into kids—tummies! With vivid, glowing paintings, this unique picture book offers a poetic lesson about a plant's growth cycle and about the produce industry. We follow an orange from blossom to ripe fruit, from tree to truck to market . . . and into the hands of a boy who shares this treat with his friends on the playground, —so that everyone could taste the sweetness of an orange in January.
In the tradition of Apple Farmer Annie and Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, this is a satisfying, celebratory look at an everyday object with a remarkable life story.
Reviews:
• “Readers’ mouths will water in anticipation. A good springboard for discussing food’s origins for the youngest listeners.” –Kirkus Reviews
• “Even the youngest listeners will gain awareness that food doesn’t magically spring into being on the shelves of markets.”
–School Library Journal
• "Ideal for teachers, parents, and volunteers who are seeking enjoyable children’s books for younger readers with substantive content in
economics and social studies.” –Rutgers University of Arts and Sciences
Reviews:
• “Aston’s telling is lyrical and reads aloud beautifully. Roth, working in her signature mixed-media collage, is the perfect choice to illustrate the building process.” –Kirkus Reviews
• “This book beautifully illuminates a little-known story of imagination and perseverance that resulted in a national landmark”.
– Publishers Weekly
• “[Aston’s] winding, poetic language evokes the strange beauty of the sculptures themselves.” –Booklist