2024
O Stickler Tree,
O Stickler Tree,
how lovely are
my branches!
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD Gold Standard Selection
A KIDS’ INDIE NEXT book
★ STARRED
Stickler’s love and care for its friends are oddly touching—in a sea of more saccharine winter holiday selections, this wildly funny, whimsical story stands out in all the best ways... To quote the strangest little fellow ever to star in its own Christmas picture book: “Joy.”
Kirkus Reviews
★ STARRED
Smith’s mixed-media illustrations begin with a daytime palette that grows in contrast as night arrives with a showstopping reveal of Stickler draped in twinkle lights, garlands of popcorn, and ornaments. Emphasized facial features (googly eyes and squiggly, animated mouths) give characters emotional range, while fluffy snowflakes and winter landscapes wrap the story in seasonal cozy. Dynamic design adds interest to each page as perspectives zoom in and out... VERDICT Amid many holiday book options that retell the same stories, Stickler stands out as a fresh expression of Christmas spirit.
School Library Journal
The textured mixed-media illustrations are classic Smith, as is Leach’s spirited design, and both complement the wacky quality of his humorous story, which ends sweetly with Stickler also receiving the perfect present (spoiler: it’s a stick).
The Horn Book
Stickler knows just what to get everyone for Christmas: sticks! Each one is special, including Doug-the-Fir’s stick, which Stickler supplements with his own version of holiday cheer. No previous Stickler introduction needed for this silly Christmas joy!
Tildy Lutts, Belmont Books, MA, for Kids’ Indie Next
Interviews about Stickler’s first book: Stickler Loves the World
The Illustrator Who Revolutionized Children’s Publishing is Doing It Again - Fast Company
Lane Smith Sticks to a Natural Theme -The Daily Heller
Too Fantastical: A Look at Lane Smith’s Imaginary Creatures - Orion
Lane Smith Is Still Thinking Like a Kid - Mahnaz Dar
What Matters to Lane Smith - Debbie Millman
WATCH Doug Salati and Lane talk Hot Dogs and Sticklers at the 2023 Library of Congress National Book Festival
LISTEN to Lane chat with Travis Jonker on THE YARN podcast
LISTEN to Nick Patton talk Stickler at PictureBooking.
