Kirkus has given a starred review to Mommy’s Hometown (Candlewick) by Hope Lim, illustrated by Jaime Kim.

A child visits their mother’s hometown and is surprised to find it now differs from her recollections.

Mommy regales the young narrator with bedtime stories about a playful, carefree childhood. Against the backdrop of a verdant countryside and towering mountains, a lush river provided ample opportunity for Mommy and her friends to catch fish, splash, and treasure hunt. Idyllic and joyful, these vivid memories have given the child high expectations for an upcoming visit. A train car window offers the first glimpse of a vastly different landscape. Bustling streets and gleaming skyscrapers crowd the horizon, and the mountains struggle to be seen. The striking contrast between reality and anticipation both awes and disappoints the child. Yet while many things have changed, the river still flows through the city center. Hand in hand, Mommy and child wade in, re-creating the cherished moments of Mommy’s youth. The pair make their own memories in this special place, reinforcing that it is familial bonds and unconditional love that define home rather than physical surroundings. A tranquil warmth radiates from the illustrations, providing an underlying feeling of safety throughout the journey. Mommy and child are Korean, with black hair and pale skin. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An uplifting, intergenerational story. (Picture book. 3-8)

The book will be published April 12. Pre-order it here

In addition to his wonderful children’s book art, Michael Slack is also a fine artist. Currently he has two colored pencil and acryla gouache drawings on display at The Compound Gallery in Emerville, CA.

See more about the gallery here

A Sprinkle of Sadie (Affirm Press) written by Lana Spasevski, illustrated by Joanie Stone has been published in Australia.

In this sweet chapter book, Sadie needs to throw a surprise birthday for her mum, help out at the Cookgrove fundraising day,and welcome someone new to her class.

But Sadie’s sweet intentions do not always go to plan! Her vanilla ice-cream cake for Mum is as flat as a pancake. Her cupcake stall has tough competition. And her welcome treat is not welcomed!

Can Sadie find a way to save the day? In these three sprinkle-filled stories (complete with recipes!) the unstoppable Sadie shows that any problem can be solved with generosity, kindness and, of course, a delicious baked treat.

This book is the first in a series.

Congratulations Joanie!

Learn more about the book here

King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster) by Stephen Costanza has won a Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration. The awards are given by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in recognition of excellence in children’s books. Congratulations Steve!

See the full list of winners here

Get King of Ragtime here

Above the Rim (Abrams) by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Frank Morrison has been named to the Texas Library Association’s 2022 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List. The purpose of the Texas Topaz Reading List is to provide children, teens, and adults with recommended nonfiction titles that stimulate reading for pleasure and personal learning.

Congratulations Frank!

See the complete list here

Get the book here

Ashley Spire’s The Most Magnificent Thing (Kids Can Press) has made the shortlist of the BolognaRagazzi Crossmedia Award 2022, which goes to the publishing projects that have best expanded their narrative universe to other media. The international jury examined over 80 projects, selecting 10, from which the Grand Prize and the special mentions will be chosen.

The short animated movie, produced by Nelvana, based on the book written by award-winning author and illustrator, Ashley Spires, The Most Magnificent Thing is an inspirational story about a little girl with a creative spirit, determined to make great things. When she receives her very own tool kit, the little girl sets out to make the most magnificent thing for her best friend—but it’s not as easy as she thinks! The Most Magnificent Thing is a timeless tale about learning through perseverance and hard work, the power of love, and selflessness.

See the complete list here

Get the book here

Acamy Schleikorn discusses representation in reading in an interview on KTNV, as part of Nevada’s Reading Week. Reading week was created to encourage young readers, and this years’ theme is, ‘Catch the Reading Wave’. This year, some Educators and Illustrators are putting emphasis on ‘Representation in Reading’ to make sure all students can see themselves in books and on covers.

“I want to illustrate all kinds of people, all kinds of races, ethnicities, stories, backgrounds,” said Schleikorn.

“I’m very passionate about making sure that children can see themselves in the work that I create, because it reflects the world that we live in,” Schleikorn added. “Like we come in all kinds of shades, our hair is all kinds of textures. We’re not a monolith, and I want to show that in my work.”

See the full interview here