The Fairest in the Land - by Lesléa Newman (Hardcover)

About the Book

When Annabelle and Benjamin play dress-up they both want to be the bride, the ballerina, and the princess which causes a problem until the two friends realize they can both be whoever they want to be.

Book Synopsis

Fairest in the Land is a heartwarming, inclusive picture-book story about self-expression and friendship, from Stonewall Honor-winning author Lesléa Newman with full-color illustrations by Joshua Heinsz.

When it comes to playing dress-up, best friends Annabelle and Benjamin both want to be the bride, the ballerina, and the princess. Can they both be the fairest in the land?

In this spirited and inclusive story about expressing our true selves with pride, two friends ultimately realize that they can both be their authentic selves--and that having two princesses means twice the fun.

Review Quotes

***STARRED REVIEW***
"A pink and purple sparkling celebration of self-expression."--Kirkus

"A heartwarming tale... Filled with vibrant illustrations and cute animal friends that capture the joy and nostalgia of children playing pretend, Newman's story reminds readers that they are who their imaginations say they are. The fresh bubblegum palette...will spark a fresh wave of inspiration for young friends to be their truest selves."--Book List

About the Author

Lesléa Newman is the author of over 70 books for children and adults. She has received many awards, including two Stonewall Book Awards honors, the National Jewish Book Award (Gittel's Journey), fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Book Award, a Sydney Taylor Book Award and Honor, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, and the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, among many others. Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists. She is also a popular guest lecturer at college campuses across the country and is a faculty mentor at Spalding University's School of Creative and Professional Writing. Newman lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Joshua Heinsz is an internationally published illustrator, writer, and designer specializing in markets for children and a focus on character design for animation. His picture books include Except When They Don't by Laura Gehl, A Paintbrush for Paco by Tracey Kyle, and Frog Boots by Jill Esbaum. He is a graduate of the MFA in illustration practice program at MICA, and he has a love for bright and whimsical imagery with a flair for the fantastical and an air of nostalgia. Heinsz lives in Denver, Colorado.