Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume

Alko’s detail-rich biographical poems and charismatic acrylic and collage illustrations result in an exuberant homage to Judy Blume. A titular piece, “Judy the Great,” begins by celebrating the subject’s birth, and proceeding free verse progresses loosely through her childhood. While numerous poems emphasize her “Close-Knit” family, symbolized visually and textually as a sweater, others, including “Tales of a Fourth Grade Reader,” highlight the would-be author’s early appreciation for books. Nods to Blume’s published work (“Are you there, God?/ It’s me, Judy”) mingle among pieces that unpack formative life experiences including WWII. Book pages fittingly peek through unevenly applied paint, with broad brushstrokes used to capture the pink-clad subject and family. Text and art alike create a smart portrait of a literary star. Most characters are portrayed with pale skin. An author’s note, timeline, and sources conclude. Ages 6–10. (Feb.)