10 Books Illus. by PW Artists On Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books Of Year List

June 4, 2018

Congratulations to the following Painted Words artists/authors whose books were included in Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year 2018 List:

Frank Morrison – One Last Word, Clayton Byrd Goes Underground
Ashley Spires – The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do, Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel
Vanessa Brantley-Newton – The Youngest Marcher
Fabricio VandenBroeck – Thirsty, Thirsty Elephants
Gabrielle Grimard – Stolen Words
Elise Gravel – Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere
Mircea Catusanu – Noah Webster’s Fighting Words
Elizabeth Zunon – One Last Word, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne

One Last Word: Wisdom From the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes with illustrations from 15 artists including Frank Morrison and Elizabeth Zunon was the recipient of the Claudia Lewis Award for the best poetry book of the year for young readers, while The Youngest Marcher illustrated by Vanessa B. Newton, Clayton Byrd Goes Underground illustrated by Frank Morrison, and The Legendary Miss Lena Horne illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, were each recognized for Outstanding Merit. You can view the full list of books here.

Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books 2017 Includes Seven Books from Our Artists

November 29, 2017

The end of the year is approaching at last. That means it’s time for best books of the year lists! The latest one is from the Chicago Public Library, and their list of recommendations includes seven books from our Painted Words authors and illustrators!

Best Picture Books 2017:

• Lucía the Luchadora, written by Cynthia Leonor Garza and illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez

Best Fiction for Younger Readers 2017:

• Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere by Elise Gravel

Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2017:

• The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eizabeth Zunon
• Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey, written by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes and illustrated by Sue Cornelison
• The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist, written by Cynthia Levinson and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton

Best Fiction for Older Readers 2017:

• Clayton Byrd Goes Underground, written by Rita Williams-Garcia and illustrated by Frank Morrison

Best Informational Books for Older Readers 2017:

• One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance, written by Nikki Grimes and with illustrations contributed by Shadra Strickland, Frank Morrison, and Liz Zunon

Congratulations to all our talented authors and artists! The CPL’s full list of recommended books from 2017 is available here.

Liz Zunon Events for the Upcoming Weekend

March 9, 2017

March is Women’s History Month, and Liz Zunon is celebrating in style with two events this weekend in which she will read her picture book, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford, which tells the story of a powerful woman: actress, singer, and civil rights activist Lena Horne.

On Saturday, Liz will be signing copies of Lena Horne in The Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady, New York from 1 to 2:30 pm. Copies of her picture book Poems in the Attic, written by Nikki Grimes, which also celebrates girls and their creative efforts, will also be available. You can find out more information about the event here.

Sunday,  Liz will participate in a Story time and Art Making event at the Albany Institute of History and Art. A reading of The Legendary Miss Lena Horne will be followed by a special art activity. Afterward, she will sign copies of her book in the museum gift shop. More information about this event can be found here.

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne can be purchased here.

Four Painted Words Artists Make New York Times List of Five Iconic African American Biographies for Kids

February 13, 2017

The New York Times recently published an article entitled “Five Iconic African-American Biographies for Kids.” Three out of five of these recommended picture books were written and/or illustrated by artists from Painted Words! The recommended titles included Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, and The Youngest Marcher. 

Muhammad Ali, written by Gene Barretta and illustrated by Frank Morrison, tells the story of the incident that set a young Ali (then called Cassius Clay) onto his boxing career. Times described it as a, “playful, dynamic look at the champion’s quest for greatness.” They praised Frank for “[giving] the art a joyful zing and a serious yet eminently kid-friendly vibe.” Muhammad Ali can be purchased here.

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Liz Zunon, is the biography of actress, singer, and civil rights activist Lena Horne. The New York Times writes, “The book’s sizzling clarity recalls Horne’s own voice,” and praises Liz’s illustrations, writing, “Zunon…plays with shadow and light to suggest the hidden depths of a very public life.” The Legendary Miss Lena Horne can be purchased here.

The Youngest Marcher, written by Cynthia Levinson and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, reveals the story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, the youngest known marcher to be arrested in the Birmingham civil rights protests of the ’60s. The Times writes, “Levinson and Newton keep her story bright and snappy, emphasizing the girl’s eagerness to make a difference and her proud place in her community.” The Youngest Marcher can be purchased online here.

You can find the New York Times full list of recommended black history titles here.

Liz Zunon, Shadra Strickland, and Vanessa Newton on Time for Kids’ List of Recommended Black History Month Books

February 9, 2017

In honor of Black History Month, Time for Kids compiled a list of eight new children’s books that honor black history and interviewed the authors and illustrators of these recommended picture books. TFK’s article was also featured on Essence.com. Three books that were illustrated by Painted Words artists made the list!

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Liz Zunon, tells the life story of singer, actress, and civil rights activist Lena Horne. TFK interviewed the author, and she said that she hopes that Lena’s story can be “can be both an inspiration and a guide to overcoming obstacles.” The Legendary Lena Horne can be purchased here. 

The Youngest Marcher, written by Cynthia Levinson and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, is the true story of the youngest known marcher in the Birmingham civil rights protests. Cynthia Levinson told TFK, “The story is also about knowing in your heart what is right and facing down your fear.” The Youngest Marcher can be purchased here.

2017 is the 50th anniversary of landmark civil rights case, “Loving Vs. Virginia,” which made it legal for people of different races to marry. The documentary picture book Loving Vs. Virginia, written by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by Shadra Strickland, tells the story of this famous case. TFK interviewed Shadra, and she told TFK, “It’s empowering to read about normal people who [are] able to find great courage and overcome challenges in life.” Loving Vs. Virginia can be purchased here.

Time for Kids’ full list of recommended black history month books can be found here. The Essence.com version can be found here.

CBC’s Hot Off the Press Includes Books from Liz Zunon, Gene Barretta, Frank Morrison, and Vanessa B Newton

January 4, 2017

The Children’s Book Council published a list of books it calls “Hot Off the Press,” a collection recently released and forthcoming picture books that they anticipate becoming bestsellers, and four of our authors/illustrators had books included on this list!

In the Featured Books section is forthcoming The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Liz Zunon. The Legendary Miss Lena Horne tells the story of pioneering actress, singer, and civil rights activist Lena Horne. The picture book will be published later this month and can be pre-ordered online here.

In the More Titles section is The Youngest Marcher, written by Cynthia Levinson and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. The Youngest Marcher is based on the true story of Audrey Faye, the youngest marcher to be arrested in the Birmingham civil rights protests. It comes out later this month and can be ordered online here.

Also included in this section is Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born, written by Gene Barretta and illustrated by Frank Morrison. Muhammad Ali is the story of how the famous heavyweight boxer first got his start in boxing. This picture book was released today! It can be ordered online here.

Make sure to keep an eye on these books to see if the CBC’s predictions are right!

More Praise for The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, Illus. by Liz Zunon

December 13, 2016

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Liz Zunon, isn’t coming out until early 2017, but it’s already receiving a lot of buzz, and here’s another great new review from Publishers Weekly!

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne tells the true story of groundbreaking actress, singer, and civil rights activist Lena Horne. Publishers Weekly praised it for its use of source material and its portrayal of Horne’s struggles, and write that, “Zunon’s warm-hued, multi-textured oil-and-collage images emphasize the determination of a woman who found her voice on stage as singer, actor, and activist.”

The full review can be found here. Miss Lena Horne can be pre-ordered online here.

Liz Zunon, Frank Morrison, and Gene Barretta Included in List of New Books for African American Young Readers

December 1, 2016

Publisher’s Weekly recently compiled a list of new and upcoming books, published between 2016 and 2017, that are focused on African American issues. Focusing on historical events and famous figures, as well as current events or African American characters, these are great books for African American young readers and for everyone.

Included on this list is the forthcoming Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born, written by Gene Barretta and illustrated by Frank Morrison, and The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Liz Zunon. 

These picture books will both be released in January of 2017. You can pre-order Muhammad Ali here and Miss Lena Horne here.

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, illus. by Liz Zunon, Received A Starred Review from Kirkus

October 19, 2016

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Liz Zunon, is an inspiring picture book based on the life of singer, actress, and civil rights activist Lena Horne. Despite the racism of her time period, Lena Horne won accolades, honors, and the first ever studio contract for an African American Actress.

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne won’t be released until January 2017, but just like the actress it’s based on, it’s already winning recognition and praise. Kirkus reviews Lena Horne in its November issue and gives it a starred review! They call Lena Horne, “A memorable life dedicated to music and civil rights, presented with commensurate style.” The review writes of Liz’s illustrations that, “Zunon’s oil paint and cut-paper collage illustrations are more than a match for Horne’s dynamic onstage presence. Their dramatic design showcases a woman of great beauty and extraordinary talent.”

Simon and Schuster Reveals the Cover to Liz Zunon’s New Book, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne

June 15, 2016

Liz Zunon‘s new book, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Liz, is coming out this upcoming January. The picture book tells the inspiring story of Lena Horne, an African American actress and civil rights activist. The publisher, Simon and Schuster, has revealed the cover (as shown on the left) as well as several spreads online. You can see the beautiful images online here.

Pirasaurs!, Illus. by Michael Slack, and Mary Had a Little Glam, Illus. by Vanessa Newton, Make 2016 Best In Rhyme List

February 1, 2017

Angie Karcher, a children’s author and blogger, has nominated her top ten rhyming children’s books for 2016, and two books illustrated by our artists made the cut. Pirasaurs!, written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Michael Slack, tells in rhyme the story of a tiny piratical dinosaur. Mary Had a Little Glam, written by Tammy Sauer and illustrated by Vanessa B Newton, takes the story and rhyme scheme of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and retells it as a story of a fashionable little girl and her attempts to glamorize her classmates. Both have been praised for their fun story and playful rhymes as well as their bright, energetic illustrations.

The final award announcements will be streaming on KidLitTV February 12th at 8 pm ET. Make sure to check it out!

The full list of rhyming winners can be found on Angie Karcher’s blog here. Pirasaurs! can be purchased here and Mary Had a Little Glam here.

Michael Slack Reading Pirasaurs! at Bel and Bunna Bookstore This Weekend

September 16, 2016

This weekend is Speak Like a Pirate weekend at Bel and Bunna’s bookstore in Lafayette, CA, so of course you can find Michael Slack and the Pirasaurs there this weekend (9/17-18). Michael will do a reading and signing of his new picture book, Pirasaurs!, written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Michael. He’ll also do drawings and, obviously, he’ll speak like a pirate. He’ll be at Bel and Bunna’s from 11 am to 2 pm, so be sure to drop by if you’re in the area!

You can read more about the event on Bel and Bunna’s website. Pirasaurs! can be ordered online here.

School Library Journal Praises Pirasaurs!, illus. by Michael Slack

September 8, 2016

In their September issue, the School Library Journal reviewed the recently released picture book, Pirasaurs!, written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Michael Slack. Pirasaurs! is the story of  the youngest recruit on a pirate ship that is, of course, run by dinosaurs. The School Library Journal praised the rhyming prose and wrote that Michael Slack’s “Angular and toothily aggressive depictions of the pirasaur crew bring the digital cartoons to life.” All together, they call it, “A rip-roaring read-aloud for storytime or small group sharing.”

You can order Pirasaurs! online here.

Michael Slack Interviewed on Podcast All The Wonders

August 4, 2016

Illustrator Michael Slack‘s latest work is the picture book Pirasaurs!, which tells the tale of a crew of pirates that are also dinosaurs, and their tiniest new recruit. Pirasaurs! doesn’t come out until August 29th, but until then you can listen to his interview on the podcast All the Wonders, in which he discusses his inspirations, art, and how he comes up with his characters. Plus, look out for the pirasaurs to commandeer popular book blogs leading up to the book release. They’ll be featured in specially created gifs on selected blogs.

Preorder Pirasaurs! here.

Pirasaurs!, illus. by Michael Slack, Receives Praise from Publisher’s Weekly

June 8, 2016

Pirasaurs!, written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Michael Slack, is, of course, a picture book about dinosaurs who are also pirates! In this energetic new picture book, it’s up to the smallest and newest recruit of a pirate crew to save the day when the crew conflicts with another pirate crew. Publisher’s Weekly praised Pirasaurs!, complimenting the rollicking rhyming text and Michael’s illustrations. They write, “Slack’s…richly textured digital artwork may, in this context, bring to mind images painted on a ship’s deck. His hero is adorable and appropriately child-like, while the toothy, bug-eyed crew is fiercely funny.”

You can read the full review on Publisher Weekly’s site here. Pirasaurs! isn’t coming out until August 30th, but you can preorder it online here.

Watch NYPL librarians read Elise Gravel’s The Cranky Ballerina on Facebook Live!

February, 5, 2018

Last week, the New York Public Library hosted a Facebook Live video for World Read Aloud Day, and The Cranky Ballerina by Elise Gravel was one of the 6 books included! Click here to watch a recording of this special event, where Gravel’s book is read at about 26 minutes in.

Interview with Elise Gravel About The Cranky Ballerina

August 2, 2016

Picture book author/illustrator Elise Gravel‘s upcoming picture book, The Cranky Ballerina, is attracting lots of positive reviews and attention. Recently, Elise was interviewed by picture book themed website, Picture Book Builders. Elise discusses her own experiences with ballet, the inspirations behind The Cranky Ballerina and it’s characters, and how she chooses the trademark bright, fun colors in her illustrations. You can check out the full interview for yourself here!

The Cranky Ballerina can be pre-ordered online here. It will be released August 9th!

Another Great Review for Elise Gravel’s The Cranky Ballerina

July 6, 2016

Quill and Quire wrote a wonderful review for Elise Gravel‘s upcoming picture book, The Cranky Ballerina, coming out August 9th. Quill and Quire complimented Elise’s “fun, expressive illustrations,” humor, and the valuable life lessons about kindness and failure. They write that “By following Ada’s story, [readers will] also learn that sometimes failing at one thing just means they might end up being exceptionally good at something they haven’t tried yet.”

You can read the full review here.

Elise Gravel’s new picture book, The Cranky Ballerina, Praised by The School Library Journal

July 1, 2016

The Cranky Ballerina, Elise Gravel‘s upcoming picture book, was recently reviewed by the School Library Journal. The Cranky Ballerina tells the story of Ada, a little girl who hates her ballet lessons and would much rather learn karate. The School Library Journal praised Elise’s complex portrayal of her character, pointing out that Ada’s grumpiness is not merely for humor but is due to her frustration. They write, “This book will resonate with children, especially those who have yet to channel their misunderstood talents.” They also praise Elise’s humor and the illustrations in her signature style and call The Cranky Ballerina, “A noteworthy addition for most collections.”

Great Review for Elise Grave’s Upcoming The Cranky Ballerina

June 8, 2016

Elise Gravel‘s newest picture book, The Cranky Ballerina, will be coming out this upcoming August, but it already has great reviews coming in. The Cranky Ballerina tells the story of Ada, a little girl who would much rather cause some good old chaos than dance in a tutu. Publisher’s Weekly praised Gravel’s humor and expressive illustrations, as well as the moral of the story. “Gravel is clearly not in the camp that believes that “quitters never win.” Instead, she suggests…why not channel your energy into something you actually enjoy?”

To read the full review, follow this link. You can pre-order The Cranky Ballerina here.