Happy book birthday to Kitties on Dinosaurs, Michael Slack’s newest book, published by Dial Books (Penguin Random House), a sweet tale about kitties looking for their next conquest to climb: Dinosaurs. Kirkus says, “Slack’s jokey, cajoling narration adds to the fun of this silly romp. The digitally painted illustrations of round-eyed kitties and toothy cartoon dinos will entice fans of both to read or listen.” And Publishers Weekly adds that Slack’s “textured, motion-focused digital art in mellow tones complements the feisty, big-eyed kitties’ nonstop action. An absurd conceit bolsters a lively story that encourages ambition, tenacity, creative problem-solving, and cuddling.”

Order now here

Read Kirkus’ review here

Read Publisher Weekly’s review here

Charnelle Pinkney Barlow’s newly illustrated book, Born Ready, written by Jodie Patterson and published by Crown Books (Penguin Random House), is the story of Jodie Patterson’s transgender son’s experience. Patterson shares her son Penelope’s frustrations and triumphs on his journey to share himself with the world. Penelope’s experiences show children that it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself and who you really are. Coming out April 2021, it is now out for pre-order!

Pre-order your copy here

Charnelle Pinkney Barlow is featured on The Children Book Podcast by Matthew C. Winner. She talks about her book Just Like a Mama and what it means to be bonded by love rather than genetics. Check the podcast out here

And be sure to listen to Charnelle Pinkney Barlow’s interview with the Writer’s Rumpus, too!

Check out the interview here

Get your copy of Just Like a Mama here

Elisa Chavarri’s newly illustrated book, Sharuko: Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello, has made it on School Library Journal’s Latinx Luminaries list. The list showcases picture book biographies featuring Latinx superstars. Congrats Elisa!

Read the list here

Buy the book here

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta and illustrated by Frank Morrison has made it on the School Library Journal’s #BlackinSTEM list. The list highlights 17 nonfiction books that spotlight Black scientists, thinkers, and inventors.

Read the full list here

Buy the book here

I Got The School Spirit Illustrated by Frank Morrison and written by Connie Schofield-Morrison, along with The King of Kindergarten illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton have made it on Today.com’s Top 20 “Best Back-to-school Books for Kids to Calm First Day Jitters.”

Read the full list here

Extraordinary Warren’s World, a reissued volume including Extraordinary Warren and Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day by Sarah Dillard, has made it on Amazon’s Best Books of the Month for July list. The book is on the list in the category for ages 6-8 (beginning and early readers). Congrats Sarah!

Read the full list here

Buy the book here

Vanessa Brantley Newton participated in Oshkosh’s virtual summer camp, Camp Osh Kosh, with a fun drawing tutorial. In the video, she teaches kids how to draw the character, Jada Jones, from the chapter book series she illustrated, Jada Jones.

Check the tutorial out here

Pick up your copy of the books here

Jia Liu’s artwork entitled “Grow Through Reading” has been shortlisted for the 2020 World Illustration Awards. Selected by the Association of Illustrators, the final awards will be announced in October. Jia’s work has been selected in the children’s publishing category. Congrats Jia!

Read the full shortlist here

Sarah Dillard’s Extraordinary Warren and Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day were reissued this month as a single volume called Extraordinary Warren’s World! It was chosen by Amazon editors as Amazon’s Best Books of the Month, for ages 6-8, for July. Congrats Sarah!

Buy the series here

Read more on the list here