SUSAN HUGHES is the author of over 30 children’s books, and a freelance editor and story coach. She lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario. Find out more about Susan and her books at www.susanhughes.ca.
ASHLEY BARRON studied illustration at the Ontario College of Art & Design. She has since illustrated a number of books with Owlkids and Kids Can Press. Ashley shares a studio with her partner and three cats in Toronto, Ontario.
Around the world, little ones are carried in many different ways: in slings, on shoulders, in backpacks, on hips, in baskets, and in loving arms. Up! depicts ten places around the world, from Afghanistan to northern Canada, Peru to West Africa. In each place, a mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling lovingly carries a baby.
With various family configurations and settings ranging from a busy outdoor market to a high-rise apartment kitchen, the book wholeheartedly celebrates diversity. Gorgeous cut-paper collage art adds warmth and brightness, and brings the lyrical text to life. Repetition of the phrase “Upsy-daisy” on each spread lends familiarity, and reminds readers that love for a little one is a universal feeling.Susan Hughes, Ashley Barron
"Inclusivity is a hallmark of this book... A celebration of baby love as it's carried out all over the world." - Kirkus Reviews
"The book makes a clear and pointed effort to promote all kinds of diversity and depict a variety of cultures in a beautiful and respectful light...the concept is very clever, and the three-dimensional cut-paper collage work is exquisitely textured and boldly colored. Barron's past awards are clearly warranted." - Booklist
"Detailed illustrations of realistically diverse families elevate a simple concept. Ideal for sharing one-on-one with toddlers and preschoolers." - School Library Journal
"An utterly charming and beautifully illustrated book that celebrates diversity in all forms while simultaneously exploring cultures around the world." - Canadian Review of Materials
"A wonderful collection of vignettes from around the world...a global story of life and love." - CanLit for Little Canadians