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” garnered raves and recognition on NPR, USA TODAY and MSNBC. It received a starred review from Kirkus, who called 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."
Austin is the author and illustrator of numerous children's books including Monsters Love School and Monsters Love Colors, Fire Engine No. 9, Rescue Squad No. 9 and Junkyard.
Reviews
Rescue Squad No. 9
"A brilliant little book not just for emergency services fans. Highly recommended." — School Library Journal Starred Review
“Following Fire Engine No. 9, Austin looks at maritime emergency vehicles. In Austin' s second No. 9 book, the youngest readers find a gripping, exciting ocean rescue conducted by a mixed-race, mixed-gender team using intriguing vehicles and tools: helicopter and boat, with assists from the lighthouse and trucks on the dock.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"More than a thrill ride for adrenaline junkies, this picture book tells a compelling story from start to finish." —The Horn Book, Starred Review
Summer Supper
"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
"A simple, satisfying—and ultimately sweet—offering."—Publishers Weekly
"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
Henny, Penny, Lenny, Denny, and Mike
“Budding aquaculturists will enjoy this tale of friendship from a fish-eye view." —Kirkus Reviews
"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
"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
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
"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
"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