The Library of Congress Centers for the Book has named Your Voice, Your Vote (HarperCollins) by Leah Henderson, illustrated by Keisha Morris  to the 2024 Great Reads from Great Places Youth List for the District of Columbia!

See the full list here

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When I Hear Spirituals (Holiday House) by Cheryl Hudson, illustrated by London Ladd, has been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

The book will be published January 7, 2025. Pre order it here

You So Black (Simon & Schuster) by Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D, illustrated by London Ladd has been awarded an Honorable Mention by 3×3 and will be listed in the 3×3 Illustration Annual No 21 printed book, eBook and on their website.

Congratulations London!

Once Upon a Sari (Tundra Books) by Zenia Wadhwani, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi was recently featured on CTV Your Morning in a spot about books for and celebrating mothers. Special mention was made about the beautiful illustrations! Congratulations Avani!

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See the clip here

I Ship: A Container Ship’s Colossal Journey (Lerner) by Kelly Rice Schmitt, illustrated by Jam Dong has won A Crystal Kite Award. The Crystal Kite is awarded by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The award winners are chosen by other children’s book writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers.

See the full list of winners here

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Congratulations Jam!

While Everyone is Sleeping (Waxwing Books), by Sarah MacKenzie, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard has won the IPPY Award for Best Picture Book for All Ages. The IPPY Awards recognize excellence in Independent Publishing.

Learn more about the IPPY Awards here

Get While Everyone is Sleeping here

Congratulations Gabrielle!

Kirkus has given a starred review to My Hair is a Book (HarperCollins) by Maisha Oso, illustrated  by London Ladd

See the full review below:

“My hair is a book. / Watch me open it, / part it, / take a look.”

So begins this creative homage to the plethora of bold adjectives, nouns, verbs, and nicknames that people of African descent use to describe their hair and hairstyles—descriptors that also apply to books. Like books, hair conveys histories; like books, Black hair has often come under scrutiny or deemed unacceptable. Oso’s metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer’s beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled. The author also nods cleverly and generously to other Black-authored books: Camille Yarbrough and Carole Byard’s Cornrows (1979), Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James’ Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017), Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson’s The Undefeated (2019), Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo’s I Am Enough (2018), and even Alex Haley’s Roots (1976). Some of Ladd’s stunning acrylic, cut-paper, and tissue paper collage illustrations depict recognizable historical figures such as Shirley Chisholm, Malcolm X, and Madam C.J. Walker (the first American woman millionaire, who made her fortune on Black hair products), while others portray Black kids, cooks, and athletes, all of whom take pride in their hair despite those who might judge them. The Afro pick on the cover, with a Black Power fist protruding from a girl’s capacious updo, sets this book’s unapologetically pro-Black and celebratory tone.

A stellar work that belongs in every collection serving young people. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

My Hair is a Book will be published September 17, 2024. Pre order it here

Accolades keep pouring in for Itty Bitty Betty Blob (Hippo Park/Astra) by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player.

The book has been chosen as a July/August Kid’s Indie Next Pick!

In addition, it is a June Amazon best of the Month book, and a June Barnes & Noble Most Anticipated Kid’s Book!

Congratulations Constance and Micah!

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