Leave Me Alone! - by Vera Brosgol (Hardcover)

About the Book

A wry and funny modern folktale about one grandma's epic quest to finish her knitting, from Anya's Ghost author Vera Brosgol.

Book Synopsis

A 2017 Caldecott Honor Book that The New York Times calls "both classic and ultracontemporary," Leave Me Alone! is an epic tale about one grandmother, a giant sack of yarn, and her ultimate quest to finish her knitting.

One day, a grandmother shouts, "LEAVE ME ALONE!" and leaves her tiny home and her very big family to journey to the moon and beyond to find peace and quiet to finish her knitting. Along the way, she encounters ravenous bears, obnoxious goats, and even hordes of aliens! But nothing stops grandma from accomplishing her goal--knitting sweaters for her many grandchildren to keep them warm and toasty for the coming winter.

Vera Brosgol's slyly clever and unexpectedly funny modern folktale is certain to warm even the coldest of hearts.

A 2017 Caldecott Honor Book
A New York Times Notable Children's Book
A National Public Radio Best Book of 2016
A Horn Book Best Book of 2016
A Huffington Post Best Picture Book of 2016

Review Quotes

"This book reads aloud beautifully to large groups, and should have them rolling in the aisles. Funny is hard; Brosgol makes it look easy." --NPR, Best Books of 2016

"Brosgol's clever text manages to feel both classic and ultracontemporary, as do her illustrations . . . Colorful and fun, Leave Me Alone! will be a good addition to any bookshelf, especially for children who like to shout along." --The New York Times Book Review

"Displaying a firm command of the picture book format and a strong sense of comic timing, Leave Me Alone! [is] so well-executed, it feels almost unfair that this is Brosgol's first foray into picture books." --The Huffington Post, "Best Picture Books of 2016"

"Anyone who has yearned for peace and quiet--and those who enjoy pestering such a person--will appreciate the plight of the crotchety heroine of Leave Me Alone, a picture book by Vera Brosgol that hilariously mingles elements both folkloric and intergalactic . . . The clean lines and bright colors of Ms. Brosgol's pictures convey good cheer throughout, despite the yelling, in this snugly knitted amusement for 4- to 8-year-olds." --The Wall Street Journal

"Brosgol is a master . . . This offbeat tale will please readers who appreciate subtle humor, especially those who crave some time alone." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Brosgol's cartooning delivers laughs throughout . . . The fizzy collision of old-fashioned fairy tale elements with space-age physics is delightful, and even the most extroverted readers will recognize that sometimes you just need a little space." --Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"Brosgol's folkloric tale is full of humor and repetition, making it a good choice to read aloud . . . Understatedly funny, just like the Eastern European folk tales on whose shoulders it stands." --Kirkus Reviews

"An impressive picture book debut . . . Repetition and patterned storytelling ground the out-of-this-world elements for a thoroughly entertaining adventure." --Horn Book

"Brosgol infuses her fairy tale-like story with a hefty dose of humor, thanks to her fantastic page turns and comedic timing . . . As cozy as a new sweater." --Booklist

"With clever trips to the moon and through worm holes, Vera Brosgol brings a fresh new perspective to the world of children's books." --Dan Santat, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

"A cranky, funny, skillful, gentle, beautiful beautiful book." --Jon Klassen, I Want My Hat Back

About the Author

Vera Brosgol was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1984 and moved to the United States when she was five. Her first graphic novel, Anya's Ghost, was published in 2011 by First Second. Her picture book Leave Me Alone! was a 2017 Caldecott Honor book. She drew storyboards for the animated films Coraline, ParaNorman, and The Boxtrolls. She lives in Portland, Oregon, and at last count has knit twenty-two sweaters