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    Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories

    A Tall Tale Based on the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston

    Author Giselle Anatol
    Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
    Look inside
    Hardcover
    $18.99 US
    Penguin Young Readers | Viking Books for Young Readers
    11.31"W x 9.31"H x 0.32"D   | 15 oz | 24 per carton
    On sale Jan 13, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9780593404898
    Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
    Reading Level: Lexile 700L | Fountas & Pinnell Q
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    A tall tale inspired by the life and works of American writer, folklorist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston

    Small-girl Zora knows her stories are going to change the world. Although her neighbors might not believe her outlandish tales, she's sure they're the key to ending the drought in her town. If she can make people laugh at her stories, she'll be able to gather enough tears to bring back her mama's garden and more. But when things don't go exactly as planned, Zora learns that with creativity, determination, and faith, a little magic might be possible.

    Filled to the brim with references to Zora Neale Hurston's classic characters and details from her own life, Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories is a joyful tribute to an icon of American literature and the everlasting power of storytelling.
    Praise for Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories:

    ★ “It’s a delight seeing Black history that doesn’t focus on oppression; instead, it’s about the power of imagination and the worth of the written word… an immensely ­engrossing ­historical ­story, perfect for ­introducing ­elementary readers to past visionaries and locations.” —School Library Journal, starred review

    ★ “The narrative features wonderfully lyrical language and spins out Small-Girl Zora’s tales in whimsical detail; the vibrant illustrations aptly capture all the energy and never-ending optimism.”—Booklist, starred review

    “A dynamically imagined, girl power–infused re-creation of an acclaimed author’s childhood.” —Kirkus Reviews

    “A fantastical reminder of the power of stories, this is a perfect introduction to Hurston and her works.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
    Giselle Anatol is a professor of English at the University of Kansas. She is the author of Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold, influenced by the life and work of Toni Morrison, which Kirkus Reviews called "glowing and overflowing with the legacy of the author who inspired it." She lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

    Raissa Figueroa is the illustrator of several picture books, including Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold and We Wait for the Sun, which received a Coretta Scott King Honor, as well as four starred reviews. She lives outside of San Diego.

    Visit her online at RizzyFig.com or follow her on social media @RizzyFig.
    Giselle Anatol View titles by Giselle Anatol
    Raissa Figueroa View titles by Raissa Figueroa

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    About

    A tall tale inspired by the life and works of American writer, folklorist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston

    Small-girl Zora knows her stories are going to change the world. Although her neighbors might not believe her outlandish tales, she's sure they're the key to ending the drought in her town. If she can make people laugh at her stories, she'll be able to gather enough tears to bring back her mama's garden and more. But when things don't go exactly as planned, Zora learns that with creativity, determination, and faith, a little magic might be possible.

    Filled to the brim with references to Zora Neale Hurston's classic characters and details from her own life, Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories is a joyful tribute to an icon of American literature and the everlasting power of storytelling.

    Praise

    Praise for Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories:

    ★ “It’s a delight seeing Black history that doesn’t focus on oppression; instead, it’s about the power of imagination and the worth of the written word… an immensely ­engrossing ­historical ­story, perfect for ­introducing ­elementary readers to past visionaries and locations.” —School Library Journal, starred review

    ★ “The narrative features wonderfully lyrical language and spins out Small-Girl Zora’s tales in whimsical detail; the vibrant illustrations aptly capture all the energy and never-ending optimism.”—Booklist, starred review

    “A dynamically imagined, girl power–infused re-creation of an acclaimed author’s childhood.” —Kirkus Reviews

    “A fantastical reminder of the power of stories, this is a perfect introduction to Hurston and her works.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

    Author

    Giselle Anatol is a professor of English at the University of Kansas. She is the author of Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold, influenced by the life and work of Toni Morrison, which Kirkus Reviews called "glowing and overflowing with the legacy of the author who inspired it." She lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

    Raissa Figueroa is the illustrator of several picture books, including Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold and We Wait for the Sun, which received a Coretta Scott King Honor, as well as four starred reviews. She lives outside of San Diego.

    Visit her online at RizzyFig.com or follow her on social media @RizzyFig.
    Giselle Anatol View titles by Giselle Anatol
    Raissa Figueroa View titles by Raissa Figueroa

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