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

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

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Local Illustrator

Ages: 6–10 years

Beloved and trailblazing author Judy Blume comes to life in this poetic picture book about her childhood.

Judy Blume is known for fearlessly discussing topics that were once considered taboo. As a young girl, Judy was not encouraged to share her feelings, so instead she invented stories as a way to understand the world around her. Growing up Jewish, during and in the aftermath of WWII, dramatically shaped Judy’s childhood. Her younger years were full of fear. Judy processed her conflicted emotions by making up stories where she could control the conflict as she worked through challenging life scenarios. These stories became the subjects of the books she later published for children, tweens, teens, and adults including Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Freckle Juice, and the Fudge series. This inspiring collection of poems celebrates the childhood years of Judy Blume, one of the most beloved American writers of all time.

Selina Alko, award-winning writer and illustrator, spends her days blending words with mixed-media art to tell stories of hope, identity, and alternative perspectives. Raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Selina grew up immersed in culture and creativity. Her Turkish Jewish father—a painter and polyglot who spoke seven languages—and her Jewish mother, who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling business, filled her world with rich stories, diverse viewpoints, and an appreciation for both art and resilience.

The creative influences of her childhood—infused with culture, history, and empathy—continue to inform Selina’s work. She brings these layers to each of her acclaimed children’s books, including The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, Sharing Shalom, Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, B is for Brooklyn, I is for Immigrants, and Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell.

For more than two decades, Selina has called Brooklyn home, where she continues to find daily inspiration—in the rhythm of city streets, in neighborhood schools, and in the small but universal moments she observes as a parent. When she’s not working on a new book, you’ll likely find her reading, hiking, collaging in her sketchbook, or dance-walking through Prospect Park.

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About the Author

Selina Alko

Selina Alko is an award-winning author and illustrator known for blending lyrical storytelling with vibrant mixed-media art. Raised in Vancouver by a Turkish Jewish father and Jewish mother, she grew up immersed in culture, creativity, and diverse perspectives that continue to shape her work. Selina has a degree in art history from University of British Columbia and a BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts. She has created more than twenty-five acclaimed children's books, with features in The New York Times, NPR, People, and Time Out New York Kids. A two-time National Jewish Book Award winner, her titles have also been honored as Junior Library Guild Gold selections and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. She is the recipient of the Mills Tannenbaum Award for Excellence in Children’s Literacy.

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