London Ladd Interviewed About Frederick’s Journey on James Preller’s Blog

January 19, 2017

London Ladd recently participated in blogger James Preller’s “5 Questions” interview series, in which he interviews authors and illustrators on one of their recent books. In this case, Preller interviewed London Ladd on Frederick’s Journey, the biographical picture book written by Doreen Rappaport that London illustrated, which tells the life story of the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass. James and London discussed London’s artistic process, diversity in children’s books, and London’s upcoming projects. London reveals details about his careful sketching process,d detailed research, and even the way that he works to understand a character by growing out his hair! Anyone who enjoys London’s work and wants to learn more about how he creates his beautiful paintings should make sure to check this detailed interview out.

The full interview can be found on Preller’s blog here. Frederick’s Journey can be ordered online here.

Frederick’s Journey, Illus. by London Ladd, Included on the Horn Book’s List of Recommended Picture Book Biographies

December 12, 2016

The Horn Book, a site that publishes information and recommendations about books for children and young adults, included Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, on a list of recommended picture book biographies. Frederick’s Journey, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by London Ladd, is a biography of the life of famous American abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The Horn Book praises the book’s ability to synthesize Douglass’s complex life into the short form of a picture book, and writes that London’s illusrations, “alternate between moments of violence and times of reflection — all resulting in a portrait that is fiery yet dignified.”

To see the full review and the Horn Book’s other recommended biographies, check out their site here. You can order Frederick’s Journey online here.

London Ladd, illustrator of Frederick’s Journey, Interviewed by Good Reads With Ronna

February 25, 2016

Good Reads With Ronna, a blog dedicated to reviewing children’s books, interviewed illustrator London Ladd on his recent book, Frederick’s Journey, written by Doreen Rappaport. Good Reads described Frederick’s Journey as an “expertly crafted crafted picture book,” and asked London questions ranging from what medium he likes to work in to his research for this book to the importance of art in general. To read the interesting interview, check out Good Reads’s post about it here. You can order Frederick’s Journey online here.

Frederick’s Journey Named an ALA Notable Children’s Book of 2016!

January 13, 2016

Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by London Ladd, has been named a 2016 Notable Children’s Book: Middle Reader by the American Library Association. The full list can be viewed here.

Congrats London on this terrific honor!

New York Public Library includes Frederick’s Journey and One Plastic Bag on List of 2015 Recommendations

December 17, 2015

Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by London Ladd, and One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of Gambia, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, both made the New York Public Library’s list of recommendations for 2015! The NYPL recommended one hundred children’s books from 2015, and Frederick’s Journey and One Plastic Bag both made the list for non-fiction children’s books. Congratulations!

Frederick’s Journey can be purchased here and One Plastic Bag can be purchased here. Check out all of the NYPL’s recommended books for the year here!

Frederick’s Journey, illus. by London Ladd, makes the Kids’ Indie Next List

November 5, 2015

Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, illustrated by London Ladd, made the Winter 2015-2016 Kids’ Indie Next List – “Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers.” Congratulations! Frederick’s Journey can be bought online here!

Starred Review from Kirkus for Frederick’s Journey

August 12, 2015

The latest installment in Disney-Hyperion’s critically-acclaimed Big Words series, Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, is already garnering attention for its spotlight on the historical figure, and London Ladd’s stunning illustrations. The book received advanced praise in a Kirkus starred review: “Ladd’s powerful and dramatic full-bleed art is richly textured and detailed…A fittingly inspirational tribute to a most praiseworthy man. ” The book comes out from Disney-Jump At the Sun on November 3rd, and is available for pre-order now.

BCCB Reviews Constance Lombardo’s Mr. Puffball

December 3, 2015

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (BCCB) wrote a great review of Constance Lombardo‘s middle school illustrated novel, Mr. Puffball: Stunt Cat to the Stars, which tells the tale of a young cat’s journey to become a famous actor. The BCCB praised the story’s humor, writing, “Lombardo positively revels in loading on the cinematic clichés and topping them with a generous sprinkle of cat-themed wordplay…and Mr. Puffball’s breathless, straightfaced delivery of one droll line after another adds to the fun.” Lombardo both wrote and illustrated the book, and the illustrations are praised too: “The numerous comical black and white line drawings continue the jokes, with plenty of speech bubbles…and amusing visual details adding another layer of fun.”

Mr. Puffball can be ordered here!

Watch the Mr. Puffball Book Trailer!

August 24, 2015

Watch El Gato, legendary actor, sit down with James Catnip of “Inside the Actor’s Cat Box” here.

Publishers Weekly Praises Constance Lombardo’s Mr. Puffball

July 6, 2015

The verdict is in: Mr. Puffball is a star! A Publishers Weekly review called  Mr. Puffball a “quirky, humorous debut.” Featuring Constance’s hilarious black-and-white illustrations, the book chronicles one ambitious cat’s journey from New Jersey to Hollywood and his humorous attempts to break into showbiz. Publishers Weekly wrote, “Emotions run high and dramatic moments are many, but Mr. Puffball’s positive attitude and growing understanding that good friends are what matter most light up the pages.”

The book doesn’t release until September, but you can pre-order a copy now!