Elvis and the World As It Stands
“In her debut, Riddiough has lovingly crafted a group of fully realized animal characters—even a fish—as well as three sometimes-mystifying humans, all of whom share their hopes and tribulations and demonstrate that not all happy families look alike.”
—Kirkus starred review
read full review
“Riddiough’s debut doesn’t shy away from sadness or struggle, including a thoughtful discussion of 9/11, with the animal antics providing a lighter framework for tough topics.”
—Booklist
“Readers will race to find out how everything ends, with character growth and plenty of failed escape attempts before the satisfying conclusion.”
—School Library Journal
“While loss is not within our control, what we do next is, and we can choose to move forward and rebuild.”
—Abrams senior editor Erica Finkel, Publisher’s Weekly
ELVIS AND THE WORLD AS IT STANDS Curriculum Guide
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Most shelter animals dream of going home with a forever family. But for Elvis, being chosen by Mrs. Pemberton is a nightmare. He’s been separated from his sister, Etta, and is determined to get back to the shelter to find her. In spite of himself, Elvis becomes curious about ten-year-old Georgina Pemberton, who builds LEGO skyscrapers in her bedroom while navigating her parents’ separation. The longer he’s in his new home, the more he starts recognizing new feelings: admiration for Georgina’s creations, affection for the other pets, and even empathy for the Pembertons—despite their inability to listen.
As Georgina sets out to build her most important skyscrapers yet—the Twin Towers—Elvis realizes that maybe both humans and animals can take a page from Georgina’s Big Book of American Architecture and “build a world of their own choosing,” even if the choices aren’t what they’d initially expected.
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Illustrator Olivia Chin Mueller
Abrams Books
August 2021
Visit Lisa’s Media Room to download a press kit for visits.
Get in Touch if you want to collaborate or say just say hello!
Elvis and the World As It Stands
“In her debut, Riddiough has lovingly crafted a group of fully realized animal characters—even a fish—as well as three sometimes-mystifying humans, all of whom share their hopes and tribulations and demonstrate that not all happy families look alike.”
—Kirkus starred review read full review
“Riddiough’s debut doesn’t shy away from sadness or struggle, including a thoughtful discussion of 9/11, with the animal antics providing a lighter framework for tough topics.”
—Booklist
“Readers will race to find out how everything ends, with character growth and plenty of failed escape attempts before the satisfying conclusion.”
—School Library Journal
ELVIS AND THE WORLD AS IT STANDS Curriculum Guide
DESCRIPTION:
Most shelter animals dream of going home with a forever family. But for Elvis, being chosen by Mrs. Pemberton is a nightmare. He’s been separated from his sister, Etta, and is determined to get back to the shelter to find her. In spite of himself, Elvis becomes curious about ten-year-old Georgina Pemberton, who builds LEGO skyscrapers in her bedroom while navigating her parents’ separation. The longer he’s in his new home, the more he starts recognizing new feelings: admiration for Georgina’s creations, affection for the other pets, and even empathy for the Pembertons—despite their inability to listen.
As Georgina sets out to build her most important skyscrapers yet—the Twin Towers—Elvis realizes that maybe both humans and animals can take a page from Georgina’s Big Book of American Architecture and “build a world of their own choosing,” even if the choices aren’t what they’d initially expected.
Illustrator Olivia Chin Mueller
Abrams Books
August 2021
Visit Lisa’s Media Room to download a press kit for visits.
Get in Touch if you want to collaborate or say just say hello!