Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illus. by Frank Morrison, Featured in List of Recommended Black History Month Children’s Books
February 19, 2016
February is Black History Month, and in honor of that, the online magazine Bold and Fearless made a list of 28 Books Every Black Girl Should Read This Black History Month. Not only did Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison, make this list, it’s the featured book! Little Melba tells the story of Melba Doretta Liston, a famed African American jazz musician in the 1900s, and it’s a great book for celebrating Black History Month. For the other recommended Black History books, check out the full list here. You can purchase Little Melba and Her Big Trombone online here.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illus. by Frank Morrison, receives praise from the Read It Real Good Blog
December 18, 2015
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russel Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison, recently received a wonderful review from the Read It Real Good blog! Little Melba tells the story of a black female Jazz musician and her quest from childhood to adulthood to become a successful trombone player. Read It Real Good praised Little Melba for its diversity and for Frank Morrison’s “dynamic” art, writing that “His oil paintings embody jazz.”
You can read the whole review on the blog, and Little Melba can be purchased online here!
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illus. by Frank Morrison, Chosen for Grade 4 Reading List by NYC Reads 365
November 20, 2015
NYC Reads 365 chose Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russel Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison, for its recommended reading list for grade 4. NYC Reads 365 is a program to encourage reading in both the children and adults of New York. Find out more about the program and the other winners here.
The Horn Book Includes Little Melba on its List of Recommended books about Jazz
May 6, 2015
More praise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, which made a huge splash this fall when Frank Morrison won a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor and an NAACP Image Award nomination. Now, the book is included on The Horn Book Magazine’s list of recommended books about jazz. “Frank Morrison’s elongated, angular oil paintings perfectly convey the jazz scene,” Katie Bircher writes for The Horn Book. See the article, “Please Pass the Beignets,” for more jazzy recommendations.
Bank Street College Best Books of 2015 Includes Connie Schofield-Morrison, Frank Morrison, Molly Idle, Ashley Spires
March 25, 2015
The Bank Street College of Education releases an annual list of the best children’s books, and this year we are proud to announce the inclusion of several of our illustrators’ and authors’ books. Included on the list are The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires, Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle, I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison, and Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison.
According to Bank Street’s website, “In choosing books for the annual list, reviewers consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotype.”
Congratulations Frank, Connie, Molly, and Ashley on this fantastic honor!
To view the complete list, click here.
Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, Little Melba,Flora and the Penguin honored by CCBC
March 5, 2015
The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) celebrates The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, Little Melba and her Big Trombone, and Flora and the Penguin on its CCBC Choices 2015 List.
CCBC Choices is an annual list of children’s books that are considered the “best-of-the-year” for various categories including “Understanding Oneself and Others” and “Historical People, Places and Events.”The complete list of books can be found here.
Praise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone from SF Book Review
February 20, 2015
The San Francisco Book Review published a review of Little Melba and Her Big Trombone (written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison), and rated the book with 4/5 stars.
“Little Melba and Her Big Trombone will delight every child who carries a rhythm or song in their heart. The words and illustrations of this picture book biography of musician and song-writer Melba Doretta Liston (1926-1999) practically blast off the page.”
Read the rest of the review here.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone chosen for Amelia Bloomer Project
February 10, 2015
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison and written by Katheryn Russell-Brown, has been chosen as part of the Amelia Bloomer Project. The Amelia Bloomer Project creates a yearly list of the best feminist books for ages 0-18, chosen by the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association.
This inspiring book details the life of ‘little’ Melba Liston, a jazz trombonist who overcomes great adversity to become a global star.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone given NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
February 5, 2015
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison and written by Katheryn Russell-Brown, received the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children.
Established in 1989 for promoting and recognizing excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children, the Orbis Pictus Award recognizes Little Melba as a recommended book for 2015.
The complete list of winners and more information here.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone named Anti-Defamation League’s Book of the Month
February 5, 2015
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison and written by Katheryn Russell-Brown, was chosen by the Anti-Defamation League as the Book of the Month for February.
The Anti-Defamation League chooses a book every month that teaches about bias and prejudice, promotes respect for diversity, and encourages social action.
More information here.
Frank Morrison Wins a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
February 2, 2015
Congratulations to Frank Morrison, winner of a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. The award was announced today by the American Library Association at its Midwestern Meeting in Chicago.
Frank was recognized in 2004 by the Coretta Scott King Award committee for his illustrations in Jazzy Miz Mozetta, winner of a John Steptoe Award for New Talent.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone named Notable Book for Global Society
January 30, 2015
Illustrated by Frank Morrison and written by Katheryn Russell-Brown, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone was named as one of the 2015 Notable Books for a Global Society by the CL/R SIG (Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group). The book was described by the committee as a “boldly beautiful portrayal of jazz legend Melba Liston, joyful movement bursts from the pages as Melba plays, composes, arranges and celebrates music across America, Europe and Asia.” More information and the complete list of books here.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone Meet-the-Author Book Reading
January 12, 2015
TeachingBooks.net has produced a special “Meet-the-Author” audio clip from Frank Morrison. In the segment, Frank introduces Little Melba and Her Big Trombone and shares some background information on how he became the illustrator for the book. This is a wonderful resource for teachers and students studying Little Melba and Her Big Trombone Click here to listen!
Not My Girl and Little Melba and Her Big Trombone selected for CSMCL Best Multicultural Books of 2014
December 19, 2014
The Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) selected two books by Painted Words illustrators for their Best Multicultural Books of 2014 list.
Featured on the list was Not My Girl, which was written by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, with illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russell-Brown with illustrations by Frank Morrison, was also selected.
Congratulations to Gabrielle and Frank!
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Frank Morrison is an NAACP Image Award Nominee
December 19, 2014
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison, has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award.
The book has been nominated in the category of Outstanding Literary Work for Children. The winner will be announced live on TV One on February 6, 2015, at a red carpet event beginning at 8/7c.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone receives honorable mention on Huffington Post’s Best Picture Books of 2014 list
December 18, 2014
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison, received an honorable mention on Huffington Post’s Best Picture Books of 2014 list.
Vanessa Brantley-Newton, London Ladd, Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison selected for CPL Best Book of 2014
December 17, 2014
The Chicago Public Library (CPL) has unveiled its Best Books of 2014 list, which includes titles by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, London Ladd, Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison.
Amongst its Best Picture Books of 2014 list, CPL included The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Under the Freedom Tree, illustrated by London Ladd, also made the list, as did I Got the Rhythm, which was written by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison.
Frank Morrison’s illustration work also featured in CPL’s Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2014, with Little Melba and Her Big Trombone.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Frank Morrison is a School Library Journal best nonfiction book of 2014
December 10, 2014
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison, has appeared on another best of 2014 list, this time on School Library Journal’s best nonfiction books of the year. This gorgeous title has also appeared on several other best-of lists, including Kirkus’ best books celebrating diversity.
Sarah Dillard, Frank Morrison and Josee Masse featured on Curious City blog’s 2014 Best Of list
December 09, 2014
The Curious City blog picked three Painted Words artists for its best children’s books of 2014 line-up. The three titles are Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day by Sarah Dillard, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Frank Morrison, and What Ship is Not a Ship? by Josee Masse.
Sarah Dillard’s Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day was deemed the “best excuse to don a cape.”
Frank Morrison’s Little Melba and Her Big Trombone was dubbed “best girl tooting her own horn.”
Josee Masse’s What Ship is Not a Ship? was praised for its “best use of word play.”
Frank Morrison’s Little Melba and Her Big Trombone places on Kirkus’ best diverse books of 2014 list
December 08, 2014
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison, appeared in Kirkus’ list of best books celebrating diversity 2014. Kirkus previously awarded Little Melba with a starred review, calling Morrison’s illustrations “perfect match for Melba’s story.”
Horn Book praises Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Frank Morrison
November 26, 2014
More praise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone came from The Horn Book this week, with a fantastic review that details precisely why this gorgeous book contains an important story.
Little Melba appears as one of The Horn Book’s ‘recommended books’, praising illustrator Frank Morrison‘s stunning artwork: “Morrison’s oil paintings, in his trademark elongated, angular style, perfectly convey the jazz scene and, of course, Melba’s amazing horn.”
The Horn Book joins a list of other publications in its praise of the book. Little Melba and Her Big Trombonereceived starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal.
Frank Morrison and K. G. Campbell featured in Kirkus’ best children’s books of 2014
November 24, 2014
Two Painted Words artists were featured in Kirkus’ best children’s books of 2014 list – K.G. Campbell for The Mermaid and The Shoe and Frank Morrison for his illustration in Little Melba and her Big Trombone.
Both books have received incredibly favorable reviews, including starred reviews from Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly, as well as the School Library Journal, amongst others.
Congratulations to Frank and K.G.!
Praise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Frank Morrison
November 12, 2014
The praise keeps coming for Little Melba and her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison. A review by the Smithsonian BookDragon blog commented on the artwork, saying that “Morrison also knows how to add soul-soothing rhythm to the page: take that cover with young Melba barely grown enough to hold that instrument, then compare it to the final double-page spread in which an adult Melba takes the same leaned-waaay-back, feel-the-stirring-sounds stance decades later and wows a sold-out audience of thousands.”
Further praise comes from School Library Journal, where Little Melba was featured in an article entitled “A Trio of Trailblazing Performers.” In the review, SLJ says of Frank Morrison’s gorgeous artwork: “Frank Morrison’s vibrant oil paintings gleam with deep jewel tones, bold lines, and kinetic motion. Gracefully elongated figures provide a fine counterpoint to this performer and her often stretched-to-the-max slide, and a kaleidoscope of shifting perspectives keep Melba—and her music—center stage.”
Waking Brain Cell blog applauds Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Frank Morrison
October 20, 2014
The Waking Brain Cells blog wrote a fantastic review of Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison.
On Morrison’s artwork, the review stated: “Morrison’s art beautifully captures the life of Liston on the page. His paintings are done in rich colors, filled with angles of elbows, horns and music, they leap on the page. They evoke the time period and the sense of music and jazz.”
Little Melba Listed in The Huffington Post’s “50 New Picture Books for Fall 2014”
Sept. 15, 2014
More praise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone! The book was included in The Huffington Post’s “50 New Picture Books for Fall 2014” list, alongside some terrific new children’s books. The list even included a spread from the book of Frank Morrison’s beautiful art. View the full list here.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone Receives Two More Starred Reviews!
July 15, 2014
The praise keeps coming in for Katheryn Russell-Brown’s and Frank Morrison’s picture book, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. The book was a School Library Journal selection as a Top Picks for Children’s Books for the month of July, and received two more starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal!
From the School Library Journal starred review:
“Music lovers will enjoy this picture-book biography of Melba Liston (1926-99), child prodigy and virtuoso trombonist who collaborated with most 20th century jazz greats. An excellent match of breezy text and dynamic illustrations tells an exhilarating story…Morrison’s distinctive illustrations, stretched out like a slide trombone, draw the eye across each spread to the page turn.”
Publishers Weekly:
“Morrison’s oil paintings practically sway with a jazz beat, though somber moments crop up, too: the shadows on Liston’s face signify the trials of life on the road. A final image showing long-limbed Liston in profile as she plays under the glow of stage lights is exquisite.”
Frank Morrison Receives a Starred Review for Little Melba and her Big Trombone
July 9, 2014
Little Melba and her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison, has received a Starred Review from Kirkus Reviews. The book chronicles the life of legendary jazz musician, Melba Doretta Liston. From the review:
“Morrison’s sinuous, exaggerated lines are the perfect match for Melba’s story; she puts her entire body into her playing, the exaggerated arch of her back and thrust of her shoulders mirroring the curves of her instrument. In one thrilling spread, the evening gown–clad instrumentalist stands over the male musicians, her slide crossing the gutter while the back bow disappears off the page to the left.”
