At its heart, Nothing Special is a tribute to the pilgrimage South that Black families make to remain connected to our kin and our history. For us, that is something very special.
~The Brown Bookshelf
This heart-warming and gently paced story is a perfect read aloud, sure to be a bedtime (or any calm-down time) favorite. Kids will feel welcomed along on Jax’s visit to his grandparents' Virginia home, and will marvel at the tactile crafted art, which literally stitches together the theme that there's just ‘something special’ in taking the time for homemade fun.
~Meg Lemke, MUTHA Magazine
A heartfelt ode to the simple, forgotten pleasures of ‘going home’— to old places, bygone times, and circles of love. Sloane’s rich and tactile illustrations perfectly complement Cooper’s warm and affecting prose.
~Holman Wang, children’s author and fiber artist
Contrary to its title, Nothing Special is both a loving reminder of a family’s cultural roots and the simple pleasures of life. Wrapped in a story of multiple generations coming together, it’s a warm love letter to the grandparent/grandchild relationship.
~Dan Yaccarino, children's book author and illustrator
Nothing Special is a visual treat that invites viewers into a handcrafted world, cleverly created with fabric and other found objects. Each scene is filled with a playful spirit that emphasizes the growing bond between young Jax and his grandparents.
~Salley Mayor, illustrator of My Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep around the World
"From fishing for crabs to wishing on shooting stars, everything Jax and his elders do together is magical. Unique textile-rich graphics turn this sweet tale of generation-spanning affection into something truly special."
~Washington Independent Review of Books
The inventive and unique illustrations in Nothing Special perfectly complement the warmth of this story about a childhood rite of passage familiar to many African Americans—summers spent revisiting our southern roots. Nothing Special is a joy to experience!
~Constance Moore, illustrator of Brown: The Many Shades of Love and Black: The Many Wonders of My World
Nothing Special is a lovely story capturing the beautiful relationship a child can have with his grandparent - and how time together with loved ones can exceed your wildest expectations. With mesmerizing artwork and warmth reverberating within each page, this is a book to be read and cherished with the ones you love.
~JaNay Brown-Wood, author and educator
Nothing Special invites connection through simple pleasures in the company of family we might not know so well, but we know love us. Sometimes we worry when we leave the familiar foods and activities of home, but like Jax, we discover so many wonderful things when we do.
~Amy Wilson Sanger
This story of black family love is disarming in its simplicity: young Jax has traveled south for a summer visit with his grandparents, and he unwittingly becomes immersed in the joys and adventures that are part of the life of his beloved PopPop and Nana. Desiree Cooper's use of language and rhythm is captivating. And she creates a scenario that can be treasured across generations and cultures as Jax emerges with an appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
~Jean Alicia Elster
Desiree Cooper's Nothing Special reminds us that the simplest things in life are the ones that mean the most, especially when accompanied by love. Bec Sloane's exuberant illustrations evoke a vivid patchwork dream quilt. A treasure!
~Sharon Dennis Wyeth
Such a heartwarming story. Soft childhood memories of visits with grandparents have been brought to life so beautifully in handcrafted textures. All the little details make me want to touch the page!
~Philippa Rice
Nothing Special is a testament that even our ordinary days can be spectacular and full of wonder. A story for all ages, it speaks to the child who is discovering family traditions for the first time and to the nostalgic adult longing to pass down home.
~Renee Watson
As young Jax gets an unexpected taste of his grandfather's boyhood, readers get a treat in this beautiful book. Desiree Cooper's wonderful storytelling celebrates the bond between children and family elders, while Bec Sloane's amazing illustrations bring Nothing Special to vibrant life. Together, they create an incredibly special experience, indeed!
~Denise Lewis Patrick
