CAPE Review

"The boy isn’t slaying dragons... but he guards his universe in a way that might be galvanizing for a young person..."

Horn Book Fanfare 2023

CAPE appears in the Horn Book Fanfare as a best book for 2023.

CAPE - NYPL Best of 2023

CAPE is selected by the New York Public Library as a best book for 2023.

2023 Blue Ribbon

CAPE is selected by the BCCB as a best book for 2023.

NPR Interview

NPR's Miles Parks talks with author Kevin Johnson and illustrator Kitt Thomas about their new picture book, "Cape."

CAPE ★ Starred Review

"Johnson’s terse prose brims with emotion... A resonant child’s-eye view of grief—and hope."

CAPE ★ Starred Review

"Johnson ­sensitively portrays a young child­ grappling with grief... Despite the small number of words, the boy’s big emotions are clear. Thomas’s digital illustrations provide beautiful support to the story."

CAPE ★ Starred Review

"The boy’s narration is simple, weighted with an aching loss that turns each delicate phrase into a profound moment of grief..."

CAPE Review

"In a weighty picture book debut that considers a child’s experience of grief, Johnson follows a Black child narrator who uses a red cape to navigate the emotions associated with losing a loved one..."

CAPE Review

"The sentences are brief, aptly demonstrating the difficulty of communicating the process of grieving... The full color artwork equally imparts emotional gravitas through dramatic scenes."

CAPE - A Kids' Indie Next Selection

“An incredibly beautiful and moving book for kids and their grown-ups about grief, and how to hold onto someone we love after they have died. I’ll have this on our shelf forever.”

CAPE - A Common Sense Selection

"Heartrending, important story about love and loss."