On Saturday, March 17, The Highlights Foundation unveiled their 2018 Visual Arts Exhibit, and hosted a reception in honor of children’s illustrator Shadra Strickland, whose inspiring artwork can be viewed on display at the Barn throughout the year. The director of customer experience, George Brown, stated that Shadra’s work will “serve as a source of creativity and encouragement for writers and illustrators.”

Read the full press release from the event here.

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta was included on Celebrate Science‘s list, “5 Faves: Expository Nonfiction Recommended by Donna Miller.” Donna Miller, who created the list, is a K-5 library teacher in Massachusetts, and describes how teachers can integrate the book into the classroom, from introducing science projects to teaching how to write biographies.

Click here to view the blog post.

Congratulations to Gerald Kelley, who illustrated A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, for such a successful debut! Under the pseudonym EG Keller, Kelley teamed up with John Oliver and author Jill Twiss on a top secret project that was ultimately revealed on a segment during Sunday’s episode of Oliver’s show, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. The book is an adorable, witty parody of Charlotte and Karen Pence’s Marlon Bundo: A Day in the Life of the Vice President. In Twiss’ version, Marlon Bundo is a gay male bunny who falls in love with another male bunny, and decides to get married. The parody’s antagonist, Stink Bug, is an anti-gay marriage politician with a striking resemblance to Vice President Mike Pence, who shares Stink Bug’s anti-LGBTQ views. The book sold 10,000 copies within the first 15 minutes of its release, and has already sold out, with another printing already in the works. All the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Trevor Project, a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth, and the AIDS charity AIDS United.

Click here to order your copy of A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.

Congratulations to Josée Masse, who illustrated Thunder Underground, which has been named one of the Best & Brightest Children’s Books of 2017 by Denver Public Library. The book was featured in the “Children’s Poetry” category, and is a thought-provoking collection of poems that teaches kids about the mysterious world underneath us through science, adventure and poetry.

You can view the entire list from Denver Public Library here and grab a copy of Thunder Underground here.

In honor of March being Women’s History Month, Huffington Post has compiled a list of 17 children’s books that parents can read to their kids that are inspired by the lives of real women in history. The Youngest Marcher, illustrated by Vanessa B. Newton, had the honor of appearing on this list. The book introduces young readers to Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Civil Rights activist who taught the world you’re never too young to make a difference. Also included on the list is Shaking Things Up, which includes illustrations from PW artist Shadra Strickland and 12 other extraordinary women.

You can view the entire list of books here.

The second book in Elise Gravel‘s Olga series has received an excellent review from Kirkus. The book hit stores yesterday, and follows the space journey of Olga and her pal Meh, who is ailed by a mysterious sickness that Olga must help combat. The reviewer showers praise upon the “delightfully unconventional heroine,” pointing out her boldness, intelligence, and humor.  Also complimented is Gravel’s “charming artwork,” more specifically the “pleasing” and “appealing” nature of the illustrations.

You won’t want to miss this “well-wrought sophomore,” which is now available for purchase here!

Come join in celebrating Shadra Strickland at the Highlights Foundation Art Reception in her honor on March 17, 2018. The reception launches the Highlights Foundation’s 2018 Visual Arts Exhibit, which features Shadra’s original art from A Child’s Blessings and Prayers: From Faiths and Cultures Around the World, written by Deloris Jordan.

Not only can you attend the reception, but you’re also welcome to join Shadra in “Unworkshopping,” where the Highlights Foundation provides lodging and meals while you focus on your creative work.

RSVP for the reception here, and get more info about both the reception and Unworkshopping event here.

London Ladd, illustrator of Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, recently paid a visit to Douglass’ hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, where he presented to a troop of boy scouts at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on the importance of the prominent African American historical figure.  Through art and lecture, he helped them learn about the impact of the famed abolitionist, who fought for equal rights for everyone.

You can watch a video of Ladd’s impact here.

Congratulations to K.G. Campbell, whose picture book Dylan the Villain has been nominated for the Iowa Association of School Librarians’ Goldfinch Award for 2018-2019! This award is unique because children get to read the nominated titles and vote for the winner, directly influencing the yearly reading list. You can read more about the award here.