Mister and Lady Day: Billie Holiday and the Dog Who Loved Her [Paperback]

Billie Holiday—also known as Lady Day—had fame, style, a stellar voice, gardenias in her hair, and lots of dogs. She had a coat-pocket poodle, a beagle, Chihuahuas, a Great Dane, and more, but her favorite was a boxer named Mister. Mister was always there to bolster her courage, even at her legendary appearance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Stylish illustrations keep the story focused on the bond between Holiday and her dog. An author’s note addresses the singer’s troubled life, and includes a little-known photo of Mister and Lady Day!

Did you know that American jazz singer Billie Holiday was crazy about dogs?

True to Billie Holiday's life and music, the rhythmic free verse and bright pictures mix joy and melancholy in this picture-book introduction to the great blues singer, known as Lady Day.
—Booklist

By highlighting Lady Day's affectionate relationship with Mister, Novesky and Newton invite readers to admire the illustrious singer in a sparkling new light.
—Kirkus

This introduction to the jazz great has tons of kid appeal.
—School Library Journal

Both text and art capture the sweet bond between Holiday and her beloved animals.
—Publishers Weekly

Amy Novesky’s lyrical writing makes true stories about singers and artists come to life. She lives in Sausalito, California. Visit her website atwww.amynovesky.com.

Vanessa Brantley Newtonis the author-illustrator of many picture books. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Visit her website atwww.oohlaladesignstudio.blogspot.com.