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

The media could not be loaded.

Such a perfect homage to an author who touched our lives at least one time in our lives, from Are You There God to grief and loss in Tiger Eyes, and more. The author presents us with a poem about the author's life and journey very cleverly written with Judy Blume's most iconic titles. Awesome artwork.

Most of the books I read as a tween were authored by Judy Blume, so I had to check out this biography-in-verse when it released. It didn’t disappoint. Each poem serves as a snapshot of different stages and events in Judy Blume’s childhood so the reader can learn how these events shaped her to become a hugely successful author of beloved books for children, teens, and adults. The lyrical text accompanying art (including my favorites – illustrated end papers and surprise “undies”) is captivating and full of nods to Judy Blume’s books. If you’re a fan of Judy Blume, biographies, books-in-verse, or picture books in general, you’re going to love this one!

As a kid of the 70s and 80s who LOVED reading, I couldn’t get enough of Judy Blume’s books. I read them all at least three times, so I was absolutely thrilled to get my hands on this incredible picture book, written and illustrated so beautifully by Selina Alko. In a series of short poems of various types, the book recounts Judy Blume’s childhood and shows how her early experiences and relationships helped influence and inspire her love of writing, as well as types of stories she wanted (and needed) to tell. The brightly colored kid-friendly collage-heavy illustrations have so much texture and incorporate so many interesting elements – I can’t stop looking at them! Back matter includes an extensive author’s note, a timeline, and few photos of Judy as a child and today. Oh, and the end papers include Alko’s renderings of many of the original Judy Blume covers. What a blast from the past! The entire book is absolutely stunning! Highly recommend.

Otherwise Known as Judy the Great is one of those nonfiction books that parents and grandparents will buy for their little ones because of their own experiences reading books by Judy Blume. I know I would. In fact, my kid has read a number of Judy’s books, many of which were my own beloved copies.Judy’s writing resonates with young people. And that may be because, as author Selina Alko, explores of Judy’s own life. Through accessible poetic prose, Alko hits on key moments and feelings that will resonate with readers new and old.Alko’s acrylic and collage illustrations are full of color and texture and imagination. They are a beautiful celebration of Judy.Otherwise Known as Judy the Great is a must-have biography for fans of Judy Blume.