About this item
Eleven-year-old Shirley Alice Burns lives with her domineering mother, Hurricane Anna, and loving Grandmother. One day she unexpectedly discovers that her beloved father isn't in Absentia as her family would have her believe, but dead. And she understands all too well why they haven't told her; she's always been shy and quiet, and Anna has always been protective of her. But if Shirley doesn't start speaking up, she isn't going to be able to do the things she wants to do: go on vacation to Lake Winnipesaukee with her cousins, stop taking ballet lessons, and talk about her father. Through the help of a mouse, her hero Pippi Longstocking, and her cousin Phillie, Shirley finds the strength to give her dreams a voice and convince everyone, even Hurricane Anna, that she doesn't need to be sheltered, especially from the truth. IN THE COUNTRY OF QUEENS is the debut novel from acclaimed picture-book author Cari Best.
About the Author
Cari Best grew up in New York City in an extended European family dominated by confident, beautiful women who loved to talk. As a result, she became more comfortable with the written word as opposed to the one spoken. A graduate of the City University of New York, she also received a Master's Degree in Library Science from Drexel University, landing a job as the first librarian at the newly built headquarters of the International Reading Association in Newark, Delaware. She served as Editorial Director at a film company for 18 years while raising three children, numerous dogs and seeing the world. Many of Cari Best's picture books depict real life problems and joys that children encounter: disappointment, shyness, bullying, learning to ride a bike, bake a pie, celebrate a loved one's special day - and show a realistic and satisfying outcome in each case, creating a sense of hope and accomplishment.Cari Best lives in Connecticut where she walks, gardens, laughs and reads a lot.
