Outside Amelia's Window

Caroline Nastro was born and raised in New York City. Her first picture book, The Bear Who Couldn’t Sleep, illustrated by Vanya Nastanlieva, has been translated into three languages and was chosen as a Bank Street Best Picture Book of the Year in Spanish. Outside Amelia’s Window is Anca Sandu Budisan and Caroline Nastro’s second collaboration. Their first book, Fly, Little Bird, Fly!, was published in 2021. Caroline attended the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, and has a master’s degree in theater from Stanford University. She is an award-winning theater director and playwright. Learn more about the author at www.carolinenastro.com.

“Budisan’s delicate but vivid pencil-and-watercolor illustrations subtly convey Amelia’s emotions and lend a dreamlike feel to the redstarts’ rhythmically described migration, quietly enhancing Nastro’s simple, gently encouraging text. Fledgling ornithologists will particularly appreciate the notebook-style bird facts scattered across the endpapers.…An uplifting tale of birds and bravery.” —Kirkus Reviews“Budisan’s dreamy artwork employs a mix of pencil and watercolor techniques, creating a delicate effect that suits Nastro’s quiet narration and its interweaving of natural elements.” —Publishers Weekly“The delightful story does a marvelous job of giving Amelia room to explore life on her own terms, and the dreamy pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are wonderfully creative.…A gentle reminder of the joy to be found in embracing adventure and expanding horizons.” —Booklist“Nastro’s reflective, gentle text captures Amelia’s thought process and growth, while interweaving facts about birds. Budisan’s colorful pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are nothing short of stunning.…Inspirational and informative, this story is highly recommended for purchase for picture book collections.” —School Library Journal“From cover to cover, this book is beautifully illustrated and wonderfully complements the whimsical imagination of the story. This story is not just about being differently abled, it captivates the imagination in a way that allows even the youngest child to understand being brave and acceptance.” —Midwest Book Review