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Costantia Manoli

Children's Book Author & Illustrator

Costantia Manoli Headshot 2023_edited.jpg

Praise for Costantia's books

"[A] beautifully told and illustrated story that expresses, with sensitivity and inspired use of figurative language, a child’s attempt to fit with the dominant culture... will resonate with many readers and inspire empathy in others."

Kirkus Reviews (starred review for 'Tomatoes in My Lunchbox')

"A great narrative nonfiction purchase on a topic that is rarely discussed"

School Library Journal (starred review for 'The Fig Tree')

"[S]ensitively articulated... [with] lushly wrought illustrations"

Publishers Weekly (starred review for 'Tomatoes in My Lunchbox')

"An excellent choice for back to school and “new kid” picture book collections. This will resonate with many readers. Highly recommended."

School Library Journal (starred review for 'Tomatoes in My Lunchbox')

The Fig Tree
(Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan 2025)

 

In The Fig Tree, war separates two sides of an island, and a solitary tree brings together two children across the divide, in this touching picture book about peace, community, and forgiveness—written by award-winning author Costantia Manoli and illustrated by Leah Giles.

Purchase/request now from your local indie bookstore, or, order through the links below

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2022

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox 
(Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan 2022)

A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.

Purchase/request now from your local indie bookstore, or, order through the links below

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🍅 A Bookstagang Future Classic Best Book of 2022
🍅 An Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award 2023 finalist 
🍅 An SSYRA Jr Award 2023-2024 nominee
🍅 A Sunday Morning Magazine with Rodney Lear 'Best of the Best from the Past 10 Years' selection 
🍅 A 2023-2024 Chickadee Award nominee
🍅 A 2023-2024 FLA Children's Book Award Finalist 

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About Costantia Manoli

Costantia Manoli is the award-winning author of 'Tomatoes in My Lunchbox' illustrated by Magdalena Mora (June 2022), and 'The Fig Tree' illustrated by Leah Giles (June 2025).

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