Lina Maslo
Lina Maslo is an author, illustrator, and designer. Her debut, Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala, published by Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins, was a Library Guild Selection, as well as a CCBC Choice and the winner of the Living the Dream Book Award. She is also the author and illustrator of Through the Wardrobe: How C.S. Lewis Created Narnia. Lina has a Degree in Art from New College of Florida and currently resides in South Carolina with her husband and children. You can find her on social media @linamaslo.
Reviews
Threads: Zlata’s Ukrainian Shirt
“It’s 1932, and Communists are going door to door collecting extra taxes and grain. Zlata’s mama starts hiding food, and Papa buries bags of grain. On Zlata’s eighth birthday, her best friend and neighbor, Yeva, and Yeva’s parents come over to celebrate. Zlata wears the blouse her mother made with colors traditional used in Ukrainian embroidery: red for love, black for sadness. The conversation between the girls reveals their parents’ opposing political views. When Yeva’s father informs on Zlata’s family, their food and goods are confiscated, including the birthday blouse. Maslo effectively uses dialogue, a first-person narrative with plenty of helpful historical context, and a controlled palette to create a meaningful, engaging tale. Golden wheat is a recurring image, at first suggesting sustenance, then forbidden food. With spring, wheat symbolizes hope. A stark white page—with a corner of shadow—reveals that Zlata’s papa has been taken. Brown sets the mood for hunger. The girls mend their broken relationship when Yeva explains that her father was taken, too, but that he had rescued the blouse. Reflecting on the importance of holding on to what “made us Ukrainian—our language, our beliefs, our traditions,” the protagonist notes: “Beauty made life bearable.” A poignant yet accessible entry into Ukraine’s ongoing suffering—and survival.”—Kirkus, Starred Review
Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia
“A lushly colored look into Lewis’s world, complementing the peaks and valleys of his creative and personal endeavors…. A heartening story, and a rich supplemental read for young Narnia fans.” —Publishers Weekly
“As befitting the creator of the beloved Narnia books, this illustrated biography maintains the sense of a story unfolding, leading up to the moments when the iconic stories came to be….This engaging and affectionate re-creation of Lewis' life highlights resilience, creativity, and inspiration.” —Kirkus Reviews
"The bold, richly detailed illustrations, crafted with vibrant inks and acrylics, feature numerous gems Narnia fans will enjoy discovering. A finely illustrated biography equally suited to research or pleasure reading.” —School Library Journal
“Children who adore ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ will find references to all seven books in Ms. Maslo's simple and affectionate illustrations.” —Wall Street Journal
Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala
“An awe-inspiring tribute to the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner ever” —Booklist
“Timeless in its message, this biography is a fine addition to nonfiction collections.” —School Library Journal
“[A] visually poetic addition to the growing collection of children’s books about [Malala]”—Publishers Weekly