★ “Differently scaled settings invite connective bedtime play in this frolicsome work. Reportorial text and bright, layered digital patterns result in a smarty worked telling of epic proportions that puts child and stuffy on the same level.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Inside this surreal picture book, Cristina plays, Cristina cleans and Cristina dances.
Cristina explores ordinary tasks like eating and tidying and makes curious discoveries before tumbling into sleep and visiting a fantastical dream world. Cristina Plays sweeps the reader into a clever game where Cristina might be a toy rabbit in a doll house or the child playing with it.
★ “Differently scaled settings invite connective bedtime play in this frolicsome work. Reportorial text and bright, layered digital patterns result in a smarty worked telling of epic proportions that puts child and stuffy on the same level.”
“The narrative’s structure is deceptively simple, bringing readers along on a strange yet rewarding ride. What at first seems like a story about a rabbit turns into one about the power of imagination. Ortiz’s sweetly surreal illustrations make expert use of light and shadow and perfectly capture the intimacy of childhood fantasy. A sweet close-up on the quiet wonder of play.”