Alaina and the Great Play

"From cover to cover, this book will steal your heart. With Alaina and the Great Play , beloved author Eloise Greenfield successfully captures the joy of a Black child and the strength and support of her family as they prepare for a special performance. The emotions of the story are brought to life by the gifted Colin Bootman, whose textured paintings exude the qualities of Black Girl magic." Don Tate is an award-winning illustrator
"The story went directly to the heart and life of a child the illustrations were exciting companions to the text." Ashley Bryan, Author of Freedom Over Me , winner of a Newbury Honor and 19 other awards
"Eloise Greenfield is a master storyteller. She and Colin worked their magic. His illustrations made me feel like I was part of Alaina's world." Kelly Starling Lyons, author and founding member of The Brown Bookshelf
"Text and pictures capture the delight, energy, reflection and spontaneity of young Alaina. Lovely book to share with children." Geraldine Larson, librarian an Field Experience Coordinator for the UNC-School of Library & Information Science
"A delightfully illustrated, one-of-a-kind Greenfield creation that will have readers wishing for another." Kirkus Reviews
"Award-winning author Greenfield introduces readers to Alaina, an ebullient kindergartner who discovers her love of live theater. 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." Rosie Camargo, Booklist
"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, Booklist Magazine