MICHAEL AUSTIN
Mike Austin is an award winning-illustrator and graphic designer. Originally from Pennsylvania, he now lives in Hawaii with his wife, illustrator Jing Jing Tsong, their two children, and a cat named Milo. His first digital children’s book app, A PRESENT FOR MILO (Ruckus), has garnered raves and recognition on NPR, USA TODAY and MSNBC. The recipient of both the Parents' Choice and Mom's Choice Awards, A PRESENT FOR MILO also received a starred review from Kirkus. The board books in The Adventures of Milo & Mouse, COUNTDOWN WITH MILO and WHERE IS MILO’S CIRCLE? (Blue Apple Books; 2012), continue the series. Look too, for Mike’s upcoming picture books in 2013: MONSTERS LOVE NEW COLORS (Harper Collins) and the series launched by JUNKYARD (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster).His first digital children’s book app A Present for Milo has garnered raves and recognition on NPR, USA TODAY and MSNBC. It received a starred review from Kirkus, calling it "...a Next Gen version of a lift-the-flap Spot story, this digital cat-and-mouse chase features very simple art, familiar settings and hidden surprises in every scene." A Present for Milo is the recipient of both the Parents’ Choice and Mom’s Choice Awards.
"Firefighter-wannabes ride along as Engine No. 9 races across town to put out a fire...With strong lines visually propelling readers to the next page."
-The Horn Book (Starred Review) (Fire Engine No. 9)
"Bold and energetic, and complete with fire-safety tips and fire-gear endpapers, this is one surefire win for the firefighter fan."
-Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) (Fire Engine No. 9)
"Young children will enjoy chiming in on the many sound effects and other repeated words, while the well-constructed, colorful illustrations offer pleasures of their own."
-Booklist (Starred Review) (Fire Engine No. 9)
PRAISE FOR
SUMMER SUPPER
"Budding aquaculturists will enjoy this tale of friendship from a fish-eye view."
-Kirkus Reviews (Henny, Penny, Lenny, Denny, and Mike)
"Underneath the geeked-up antics is a subtle reminder that even when life seems downright blissful, there are some . . . who could use a little attention and care."
-Publishers Weekly (Henny, Penny, Lenny, Denny, and Mike)
"Austin’s eye-popping digital illustrations handily emphasize the hubbub without clutter or chaos and imbue a fair amount of personality into the characters."
-Booklist (Henny, Penny, Lenny, Denny, and Mike)
"A simple, satisfying—and ultimately sweet—offering."
-Publishers Weekly
"With jaunty pictures that look striking from a distance, this farm-to-table picture book is a lively classroom read-aloud choice."
-Booklist (Starred Review)
"Vivid colors, a multiracial cast, and seamless alliteration make this book a wonderful read—not once, not twice, but again and again."
-Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)