Blizzard is based on John Rocco's childhood experience during the now
infamous Blizzard of 1978, which brought fifty-three inches of snow to
his town in Rhode Island. Told with a brief text and dynamic
illustrations, the bookopens with a boy's excitement upon seeing the
first snowflake fall outside his classroom window. It ends with the
neighborhood's immense relief upon seeing the first snowplow break
through on their street. In between the boy watches his familiar
landscape transform into something alien, and readers watch him
transform into a hero who puts the needs of others first. John uses an
increasing amount of white space in his playful images, which include a
gatefold spread of the boy's expedition to the store. This book about
the wonder of a winter storm is as delicious as a mug of hot cocoa by
the fire on a snowy day.
Praise for Super Hair-o and the Barber of Doom
"With a light, humorous touch, Rocco reveals that sometimes the
Kryptonite is all in your head."
---Publishers Weekly
"Bold, colorful pen-and-ink illustrations burst with power from each
spread in comic-book style. This story will make a feel-good impression
on budding comic book/superhero fans."
---School Library Journal
Praise for Blackout
"The plot line, conveyed with just a few sentences, is simple enough,
but the dramatic illustrations illuminate the story...Not all young
readers will have experienced a blackout, but this engaging snapshot
could easily have them wishing for one."
---Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"The colorful pictures work beautifully with the book's design. Rocco
uses comic-strip panels and a brief text to convey the atmosphere of a
lively and almost magical urban landscape. Great bedtime reading for a
soft summer night."
---School Library Journal (starred review)
2012 Caldecott Honor BookNew York Times Notable BookWall Street
Journal Best Book of the YearPublisher's Weekly Best Book of the
YearSchool Library Journal Best Book of the YearKirkus Reviews Best
Book of the Year
Praise for Fu Finds the Way
"Rocco's story flows smoothly and his illustrations are rich and
appealing..."
---Kirkus Reviews
