• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 3 to 7

An elevator ride to a birthday party turns into a shared experience bursting with joy in this multicultural story about community, togetherness and the special feeling of belonging.

Today is Olive's birthday party, and Sophie and her dad have baked cookies. Sophie's dad holds the platter so Sophie can push the elevator button for the tenth floor. But on the way up, the elevator stops to let the Santucci brothers get on. Then on the next floor, Vicky, Babs and their dog, Norman, get in. And as the elevator ascends, it keeps stopping, and more neighbors squeeze in to the crowded space: the Habibs, the Flores family, Mr. Kwan, Vi Tweedle with her Chihuahua, Minx. Everyone is going to the party!

Playfully combining the excitement and anticipation of a party with children's universal love of riding in elevators, Sherry J. Lee's picture book story is ultimately about community and a sense of belonging. With characters from many cultural backgrounds, it showcases the everyday diversity that many urban children experience. Charlene Chua's illustrations provide loads of funny details and visual narratives that aren't in the text, making for a multilayered reading experience. The book's tall, narrow trim size adds to the effect of the rising elevator.

Sherry J. Lee has worked in the book industry for many years, first as a bookseller and then in publishing. Sherry lives in Toronto with her husband. Going Up! is her debut picture book.

Sherry J. Lee's profile page

CHARLENE CHUA a illustré de nombreux livres pour les enfants de tous les âges. Ses illustrations lui ont valu de nombreuses récompenses et les livres qu’elle a illustrés ont été mis en nomination pour USBBY Outstanding International Books, OLA Best Bets, une récompense Shining Willow, et Kirkus Best books. Son premier livre Hug? a été publié en 2020. Elle vit à Hamilton avec son époux.

CHARLENE CHUA has illustrated more than a dozen books, including Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, The Pencil, and Hug?, and her work has been nominated for the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Forest of Reading Awards, the Shining Willow Award, and the First Nation Communities READ Award. Charlene lives in Hamilton, Ontario.

Charlene Chua's profile page

• Short-listed, Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award, Ontario Library Association
• Winner, Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens List, Capitol Choices
• Short-listed, Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award, Ontario Library Association
• Winner, Best Fiction for Younger Readers of 2020, Chicago Public Library

[A] thoughtfully inclusive story of friendship and respect across differences.

Kirkus Reviews

A celebration of diversity and a lively portrayal of neighborly conviviality at its best, this story will put readers in a party mood, wherever they live.

School Library Journal

... a wonderful storytime book ...

CM Magazine

... an engaging picture-book debut ...

The Globe and Mail

... enticing ...

Publishers Weekly