The Can Man

“The full-page oil paintings have a quiet realism reminiscent of Edward Hopper in scenes of Tim’s close multiracial family indoors and the Can Man alone outside. A humanizing story that reaches beyond easy messages.”-Booklist

“Orback’s realistic oil paintings on canvas bring the tale’s urban setting into clear focus in warmly lit scenes that illuminate the characters’ feelings—notably Tim’s unease and his beneficiary’s gratitude—and readily transmit the weighty themes at work.”-Publishers Weekly

“What makes this title a standout are the carefully thought-out details of Craig Orback’s illustrations. To Williams’ few hundred words, Orback seamlessly adds a few thousand more with his pictures. The result is a definitively noteworthy collaboration indeed.” -Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program

“”Rich oil paintings complement this heartfelt story.” -Chicago Sun Times

“Orback’s illustrations reflect the same honesty as the words. His paintings glow with a warm light and offer a realistic view of the neighborhood the story is set in.” -Kids Lit

The Can Man won the 2011-12 Pennsylvannia Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award, Intermediate level as well as the 2012 Charlotte Award (state of New York), Intermediate level. The Can Man was also included on Smithsonian magazine’s list of Notable Books for Children in 2010 and was named as a 2011 Horace Mann Awards Honor Book. It is also a final nominee for the Show Me readers 2012-2013 award from the Missouri Association of School Librarians. The book was also selected by the Alabama Department of Education as a finalist for the Alabama Camellia Award Program 2011-12 Book List and it was also the winner of the 2011 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People

To purchase a copy, please go to:
Lee and Low or Bookshop.org