“The characters—including the book’s plentiful feathered and furry chorus—the setting, and the story radiate humor, humanity, and history. While some readers may be content to follow Mella’s story, others will appreciate the visual bounty of everyday life in Renaissance Florence as well as the depiction of artistic practices. Botticelli’s Apprentice is pure lapis lazuli, no smalt.” ~Carol Tilley, comics scholar, librarian, 2016 Eisner Judge, and Associate Professor in Information Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Ursula Murray Husted's engaging and impressive new book, Botticelli's Apprentice, imagines a young would-be female artist named Mella who struggles to contend with the dauntingly male-exclusive artworld of fifteenth-century Florence. If only all early modern women artists had been able to achieve the same happy ending that Mella does! Husted's vivid images and well-informed engagement with many aspects of fifteenth-century Florentine painting make this book a fun and fascinating read. I enjoyed every page.” ~Dr. Babette Bohn, author of Women Artists, Their Patrons, and Their Publics in Early Modern Bologna

“An utterly engaging and entertaining graphic novel. Well-researched, with a light touch. A delightful introduction to the craft of painting in Renaissance Florence.” ~Dr. Kathleen Walker-Meikle, author of Medieval Pets and The Dog Book: Dogs of Historical Distinction

“With deeply researched detail, witty dialogue and humor, Ursula Murray Husted's beautifully drawn and colored Botticelli's Apprentice invites us into an immersive world of Renaissance Florence, and the story of young Mella's determination to become a painter. Expect to close this book with a new understanding of 15th century painting techniques-- how to gesso a panel and paint in egg tempera—as well as a renewed sense of how ingenuity, friendships, and one licky blue dog help to persevere in what makes you feel most alive.” ~Glynnis Fawkes, comic illustrator of 1177 B.C. A Graphic History of the Year Civilization Collapsed

“A moving and very funny love letter to the craft of painting, and to the forgotten assistants, apprentices, and women who helped make the great works of the Renaissance.” ~Hope Larson, author of Salt Magic

“Truly, it is a fabulous book” ~Koo Schadler, master painter of the Copley Society of Boston and author of Egg Tempera Painting, A Comprehensive Guide

“A delightful story about having faith in yourself, and believing in your art.” ~Michael Rex, author of the Your Pal Fred series

“A charming, clever, and deeply heartfelt story about a young artist’s struggles for opportunity and recognition! This is a delightfully warm-hearted tale of ambition, heartbreak and friendship in a Renaissance art studio that’s also astoundingly relatable.” ~Sarah Becan, artist of Let’s Make Dumplings, Let’s Make Bread, and Let’s Make Ramen

“Botticelli’s Apprentice is a feast for the eyes and the heart. I laughed and cried reading it, and I will think about it for a long time.” ~Scott McCloud, creator of Understanding Comics

“Brimming with charm and historical detail, Botticelli’s Apprentice will transport you back in time to Renaissance Italy with a tale of following your dreams despite the odds.” ~Tim Probert, The Lightfall Series

“Oh, what a delightful book! I loved this charming and informative tale of a girl who desperately wants to become an artist in 15th century Italy. Ursula's funny and lovely drawings illustrate a timeless story of friendship and determination. Can't wait to give it to the young artists (and graphic novel lovers) in my life!” ~Tina Connolly, Hugo-nominated author of Seriously Wicked

“I’ve never seen Renaissance Italy glow so real and relatable! Mella’s work grinding pigment and cooking glue may seem so 500 years ago. But her sensitive struggle with those who steal credit for her work is very familiar today.” ~Rachel Elliott, author of The Real Riley Mayes

“A highly entertaining and instructive imagining of how, against all odds, a young girl in Renaissance Florence realises her dream of becoming an artist”. ~Rosalind Brown-Grant, translator of Christine de Pizan’s Book of the City of Ladies

Praise for A Cat Story

"A book that can be read on many levels and enjoyed by a wide range of readers, this is a beautiful reminder that there’s a seed of truth in every story."

~Booklist (starred review) (full review here)

“Gorgeously wrought and tenderly rendered, this feels like a labor of love that will snuggle itself deep into the hearts and minds of kids everywhere. Regardless of whether or not you even like cats, you will find much to admire and love (not necessarily in that order) in this gutsy little book.”~Betsy Bird, Fuse 8, an SLJ Blog (full review here)

“Works equally well as simple animal tale, metaphysical journey, or reimagining of classic artworks.” ~Kirkus Reviews (full review here)

“…Husted delivers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of storytelling wrapped up in a charming cat package. Sure to spur discussion on how we envision and interpret stories.” ~School Library Journal (full review here)

"Ursula Murray Husted’s A CAT STORY is pure enchantment; it will pad silently toward your heart—and pounce!" ~Scott McCloud

“Such a gorgeous tale of friendship and an exploration of the power of story that feels both intimate and larger than life at the same time. The artwork is incredible, and I had to linger over every page to catch all the references and subtle grace notes. I’m never going to look at cats the same way again.” ~Charlie Jane Anders, award-winning author of All the Birds in the Sky)

A Cat Story is a Fall 2020 Kids’ Indie Next List Selection! “Teachers and parents of middle grade students will want this book so they can capture the animal lovers and travelers in the room. It reminded me of the weird and whimsical cat tale told by T.S. Eliot, though set in beautiful Malta. My favorite part is the incorporation of famous historical artwork into the world of the two cats...” ~Kim Ralph, Lark and Owl Booksellers, for Kids’ Indie Next List