A gender nonbinary protagonist named Harmon Jitney finds their joy and purpose in a magical satchel which leads to an extraordinary, previously undiscovered universe. This book features LGBTQAI+ characters seamlessly woven into a delightful, imagination-sparking story, without overtly being a lesson book about gender and sexual orientation. Follow Harmon as they unlock the key to their own inner happiness and sense of community.
Praise:
- “It’s often been said that you can’t be it, unless you see it, but the queer youth of today are often busy being whatever it is by the time they finally see it represented out there in the world. The classification they choose or the person with whom they identify presents itself as an affirmation rather than an inspiration. A More Graceful Shaboom is a major affirmation to anyone who identifies as non-binary—and an inspiration to us all.”
—James Lecesne, co-founder of the Trevor Project - “A More Graceful Shaboom is what would happen if Remy Charlip and Freddy Mercury had a baby. It’s what would happen if you could live in Narnia and Woodstock at the same time. It’s what would happen if the idea of inclusiveness was taken to the outer edges of the universe. There’s room enough for everyone, plus there’s a disco ball. That’s enough for me.”
—Brian Selznick, author and illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret - “I loved A More Graceful Shaboom! This hilarious, sweet, and witty book will open hearts and minds to the many possibilities beyond what’s expected and constrained by society. Harmon’s quest for a purse—something to hold their many treasures—will resonate with anyone who has ever searched for a way to make the world a little more beautiful.”
—Jen Doll, author of Unclaimed Baggage - “Jacinta Bunnell’s nonsense world—where children control the backhoes and there’s a purse for every occasion—will be uncannily familiar to kid and adult readers, since it’s the very world we live in, with a few fabulous alterations. Each time I read it I can’t wait to go back.”
—Cory Silverberg, author of What Makes a Baby
About the book:
Author: Jacinta Bunnell • Illustrator: Crystal Vielula
Series: PM Press / Reach and Teach
ISBN: 9781629638249
Published: November 2020
Format: Hardcover
Size: 8.5×11
Pages: 48
Subjects: Juvenile Fiction / Picture Book
About the Contributors:
- Jacinta Bunnell is the author of five coloring books with PM Press/Reach and Teach, including Sometimes the Spoon Runs Away with Another Spoon, Girls Are Not Chicks, and The Big Gay Alphabet Coloring Book. She is a visual artist, writer, and educator living in the Hudson Valley, NY. For close to two decades, Jacinta has been making media for young readers that challenges heteronormative gender stereotypes.
- Crystal Vielula is a San Francisco–based artist, muralist, and art educator. She works with a variety of different media, including but not limited to collage, painting, pen and ink, acrylic, and textiles. She is currently diving into the world of experimental film and performance.
See and hear interviews, book reviews, and other news on Jacinta Bunnell‘s page HERE
