Alyssa Casey - Nothando's Journey, written by Jill Manly, illustrated by Alyssa Casey Colored pencil, pastel, charcoal and collage on paper. Please scroll down to see select images, and please click here to see an animation of the book by Joel Karabo Elliot. To purchase the book, please click here.Nothando's Journey awarded:- Winner. Children’s Picture Book (0-5 Years). 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Bronze medal winner, Category: Picture Book - All Ages Moonbeam Children's Book Awards (Please click for more information) "The Moonbeam Children's Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. The Awards recognize and reward the best of these books and bring them to the attention of parents, booksellers, librarians - and to children themselves." I would like to thank Hanson Digital in San Francisco for their digital copy work/scanning of the original collages. Reviews of illustrations: "...While Nothando’s story is an inspiring one, what makes the book really leap out is the quality of illustrations. In an age of so much computer illustration, Nathando’s Journey is tactile and three-dimensional, using a variety of media, including ripped paper, twine, cloth, and collage to be one of the more expressive children’s books you’ll find. Each page is a unique work of art. That may sound like awfully high praise, but it’s true – this is a book full of immense care and artistry..." - Lysa Grant, Self-Publishing Review "...While the book offers a solid story and vocabulary that’s not too difficult for lower elementary readers, the most appealing aspect is the beautiful artwork. Casey uses many textures of collage paper, frequently torn at uneven angles to heighten the sense of landscape. Her colored pencil, pastel, and charcoal details make the animals and children come alive, particularly on the double-page spread where Nothando imitates several creatures at the watering hole. The baobab tree, constructed of twisted cords pressed together, looks as if a reader could touch the scratchy surface..."- See more at: KirkusReviews.com "The best thing about Nothando's Journey are the colorful textural illustrations which take us on the sibling's journey to the other village. Along the way Nothando observes and learns from the animals and their tracks which they see. The book reinforces a greater connection between humanity and the animal kingdom especially in cultures who live close to the land and take the time to be still and learn." - Pamela H, Educator. Reviewed on NetGalley "...NOTHANDO’S JOURNEY is a beautifully illustrated story of a young girl overcoming her fears and learning from her surroundings. The simple syntax and third person narration pairs well with the rich, earthy tone illustrations meant to invoke a sense the beautiful culture of Swaziland. The use of various art mediums for the illustrations—including collage and painting—allows for a visually dynamic and engaging telling of Nothando’s story. It’s hard not to pause and study each beautiful page with its varying textures, colors, and shapes..." - See more at: IndieReader "...Alyssa Casey's illustrations are rich in color with vibrant shades of orange, red, tan, and brown that bring out the African land. Children will be intrigued by the illustration of the giant baobab tree. The use of multi-media in the illustrations gives rich texture to each page..." - See more at: examiner.com "...Nothando's Journey" is especially illuminated by stunning artwork of strange fabric paper collages and mixed media in gorgeous tones of peach, orange, sepia, and rainbow myriads, all contrasting with the dark skin of Jabu and Nothando dancing and moving. Active, Yoga-like poses decorate the inner pages of the book and strengthen its message of learning from nature... The bold, striking art perfectly complements this inspirational storybook."

Nothando's Journey, written by Jill Manly, illustrated by Alyssa Casey

Colored pencil, pastel, charcoal and collage on paper.

Please scroll down to see select images, and please click here to see an animation of the book by Joel Karabo Elliot. 

To purchase the book, please click here.

Nothando's Journey awarded:

- Winner. Children’s Picture Book (0-5 Years). 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Bronze medal winner, Category: Picture Book - All Ages

Moonbeam Children's Book Awards (Please click for more information)

"The Moonbeam Children's Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. The Awards recognize and reward the best of these books and bring them to the attention of parents, booksellers, librarians - and to children themselves."

I would like to thank Hanson Digital in San Francisco for their digital copy work/scanning of the original collages.

Reviews of illustrations:

"...While Nothando’s story is an inspiring one, what makes the book really leap out is the quality of illustrations. In an age of so much computer illustration, Nathando’s Journey is tactile and three-dimensional, using a variety of media, including ripped paper, twine, cloth, and collage to be one of the more expressive children’s books you’ll find. Each page is a unique work of art. That may sound like awfully high praise, but it’s true – this is a book full of immense care and artistry..." - Lysa Grant, Self-Publishing Review

"...While the book offers a solid story and vocabulary that’s not too difficult for lower elementary readers, the most appealing aspect is the beautiful artwork. Casey uses many textures of collage paper, frequently torn at uneven angles to heighten the sense of landscape. Her colored pencil, pastel, and charcoal details make the animals and children come alive, particularly on the double-page spread where Nothando imitates several creatures at the watering hole. The baobab tree, constructed of twisted cords pressed together, looks as if a reader could touch the scratchy surface..."

- See more at: KirkusReviews.com

"The best thing about Nothando's Journey are the colorful textural illustrations which take us on the sibling's journey to the other village. Along the way Nothando observes and learns from the animals and their tracks which they see. The book reinforces a greater connection between humanity and the animal kingdom especially in cultures who live close to the land and take the time to be still and learn." - Pamela H, Educator. Reviewed on NetGalley

"...NOTHANDO’S JOURNEY is a beautifully illustrated story of a young girl overcoming her fears and learning from her surroundings. The simple syntax and third person narration pairs well with the rich, earthy tone illustrations meant to invoke a sense the beautiful culture of Swaziland. The use of various art mediums for the illustrations—including collage and painting—allows for a visually dynamic and engaging telling of Nothando’s story. It’s hard not to pause and study each beautiful page with its varying textures, colors, and shapes..." - See more at: IndieReader

"...Alyssa Casey's illustrations are rich in color with vibrant shades of orange, red, tan, and brown that bring out the African land. Children will be intrigued by the illustration of the giant baobab tree. The use of multi-media in the illustrations gives rich texture to each page..." - See more at: examiner.com

"...Nothando's Journey" is especially illuminated by stunning artwork of strange fabric paper collages and mixed media in gorgeous tones of peach, orange, sepia, and rainbow myriads, all contrasting with the dark skin of Jabu and Nothando dancing and moving. Active, Yoga-like poses decorate the inner pages of the book and strengthen its message of learning from nature... The bold, striking art perfectly complements this inspirational storybook."

- Midwest Book Review

lysacasey@gmail.com