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Book Cover for: A Bus Called Heaven, Bob Graham

A Bus Called Heaven

Bob Graham

"In a story where every turn is possible, if improbable, Graham makes readers believe. High hopes and busy, vibrant artwork . . . will entice children." -- Booklist (starred review)

One morning in front of Stella's house, an abandoned bus appears, looking sad as a whale on a beach. On its front, held up with packing tape, is a hand-painted sign that says Heaven. Right away, the bus brings change to Stella's street when people stop to talk about it instead of rushing by. "This bus could be ours," Stella declares. With a master's eye for finding the magic in the mundane, Bob Graham creates an encouraging story about community -- a whimsical tale about neighbors of all ages and stripes coming together, and about one little girl who comes into her own.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
  • Publish Date: Dec 11st, 2018
  • Pages: 40
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 11.60in - 7.90in - 0.30in - 0.50lb
  • EAN: 9781536202946
  • Recommended age: 03-07
  • Categories: Social Themes - Values & VirtuesLifestyles - City & Town LifeTransportation - Cars & Trucks

About the Author

Bob Graham is the author-illustrator of many award-winning books for children, including How to Heal a Broken Wing, and April and Esme, Tooth Fairies. He lives in Australia.

More books by Bob Graham

Book Cover for: The Concrete Garden, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: How to Heal a Broken Wing, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: April and Esme, Tooth Fairies, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: Rhoda the Alligator: (Learn to Read, Diversity for Kids, Multiculturalism & Tolerance), Bob Graham
Book Cover for: Let's Get a Pup! Said Kate, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: The Poesy Ring: A Love Story, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: Max, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: Jigsaw: Mystery in the Mail, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: The Silver Button, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: World at Risk: The Report of the Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism, Commission on Prevention/Wmds
Book Cover for: How the Sun Got to Coco's House, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: Home in the Rain, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: America, the Owner's Manual: You Can Fight City Hall--And Win, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: Ellie's Dragon, Bob Graham
Book Cover for: Como Sanar Un ALA Rota, Bob Graham

Praise for this book

It is the lovely communality of the story--an ever-presence that is elegantly, softly presented--that will grab young readers, simply because the school bus is just so cool. It's got birds nesting in the engine block, a Foosball table, music, all sorts of things going on and the usual joyful noise of people up to whatever it is they enjoy being up to. Aiding the mood of merriment are Graham's illustrations, with their sinewy black line work, delicate, peaches-and-cream colors and loving depiction of all kinds of people. The destination sign on the bus reads "Heaven," and just so, a little piece here on Earth.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In a story where every turn is possible, if improbable, Graham makes readers believe. High hopes and busy, vibrant artwork that mixes metaphor with true grit will entice children--and parents--into further rereadings.
--Booklist (starred review)

Graham's ink-and-watercolor scenes capture the small details of a struggling urban neighborhood eager for a sign of hope. And he effortlessly depicts a slice of city life, in which people of various religions, races, ages, and occupations pull together as one. As Stella shifts from meek to bold, and the bus transforms into a rainbow of color and activity, Graham's artwork grows brighter, too, highlighting the story's transformative message.
--Publishers Weekly

Ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations reinforce the earnest story's message of unity and hope, capturing the welcoming heart and spirit of Stella's urban neighborhood.
--School Library Journal

Graham's inviting ink and watercolor illustrations vary perspectives dynamically. Close-up, detailed panels celebrate difference, while expansive single- and double-page views pull back to place this little urban utopia in a bleak industrial landscape.
--The Horn Book

If you've ever wanted to teach your children about the importance of community, and what can be accomplished with a little determination and a lot of creativity, this one's for you.
--Huffington Post Parents blog