KidLit TV debuted the book trailer for Michael Slack‘s new book, DRAGON MEETS BOY (Christy Ottaviano Books/Macmillan). Check it out here:

Book Trailer PREMIERE! DRAGON MEETS BOY

Four of Painted Words’ amazing illustrators have been recognized by the American Illustration 39. Jia Liu, Linda Bleck, and Sarah Jung have all had their artwork chosen for the online archive. Frank Morrison’s artwork has been chosen for the American Illustration 39 book. The book and online archive launch in November 2020, so be sure to check it out then. Congrats to all!

Jia Liu – “Grow Through Reading”

Constance Lombardo’s Everybody Says Meow has been named an Honor Book for the Fourth Annual Anna Dewdney Read Together Award. This award celebrates amazing read-aloud books and books that spark compassion and empathy. Congrats Constance for this special recognition!

Pick up the book here

Me and the Sky illustrated by Joanie Stone and written by Beverley Bass and Cynthia Williams, is on the CBC Children’s Choices 2020 list! Co-sponsored by the International Literary Association and the Children’s Book Council, this list is picked by kids around the US to highlight their favorite books of the year. Me and the Sky was chosen for the Young Readers category. Congrats Joanie!

To read the full list click here

The Run by Barroux has received a shining starred review from Kirkus. The review acknowledges how “Barroux expertly propels readers through this fast-paced picture book” and how the artwork “[compels] readers to open the book”.

To buy The Run click here

On her Fuse 8 blog, Betsy Bird has included The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver, written by Gene Barretta and illustrated by Frank Morrison, on her list of Caldecott Predictions for 2021! She writes, “There are a couple of spreads at work here that honestly take your breath away. [Morrison’s] playing with light a lot more on these pages, and so when you see George’s hidden forest garden, it’s nothing short of magnificent.” Read the full write-up here.

Joanie Stone‘s illustrated picture book, Unbeatable Betty, publishing this June from Harper Collins, has received two great reviews from Kirkus and Booklist. The tale follows Betty Robinson, the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field, as she defied the odds and overcame an almost career-ending injury. Kirkus and Booklist applaud the story for its inspiring narration and action-filled illustrations. Kirkus said the book “is sure to encourage young readers and listeners to pursue their dreams,” and highlighted Joanie’s artwork, writing, “Action-filled illustrations give a sense of the period and focus on her runner’s stance and determined facial expressions.” Booklist highlights Betty’s “grit, determination, and lasting achievement,” and said of Joanie’s work: “Using color and texture well, the nicely composed digital illustrations convey a sense of athletic grace that enhances the inspiring story.” Congrats, Joanie, on illustrating such an incredible story!

You can pre-order a copy of the book here.

Avani Dwivedi joins Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast to discuss her current projects in development and share some of her amazing artwork. Check it out here!

Federico and the Wolf, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, has received a Starred Review from School Library Journal! Their verdict praises Federico and the Wolf as “a delightful picture book with animated illustrations that are sure to attract readers.” Be sure to pick up a copy when it is released on May 19th, or pre-order it here.

A selection of our books were featured on the Bank Street College Best Books of the Year list! Hooray For Babies!, illustrated by Sue Cornelison, and Eric Barclay‘s Sheep Dog & Sheep Sheep are featured on the “Under Five” list. I Am A Farmer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, is highlighted as one of the best children’s books about ecology. Frank Morrison‘s The Roots of Rap shines as one of the best books about art, while Keith Henry Brown‘s The Birth of the Cool takes a spot as one of the best children’s poetry books. Congrats everyone on this amazing achievement!