When I Hear Spirituals (Holiday House) by Cheryl Hudson, illustrated by London Ladd, has been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.
The book will be published January 7, 2025. Pre order it here
Jul
11
When I Hear Spirituals illustrated by London Ladd is a JLG Gold Standard Selection
Jul
11
You So Black, illustrated by London Ladd awarded Honorable Mention by 3X3
You So Black (Simon & Schuster) by Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D, illustrated by London Ladd has been awarded an Honorable Mention by 3×3 and will be listed in the 3×3 Illustration Annual No 21 printed book, eBook and on their website.
Congratulations London!
Jul
09
A Star from SLJ for Navya Sings for Navarathri, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi
School Library Journal has given a starred review to Navya Sings for Navarathri (HarperCollins) by The verdict for the review is: “Emphatically recommended. Readers will fall in love with Navya and her family.
The book will be published August 20, 2024. Pre order it here
See the full review here
Jul
09
Once Upon a Sari, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi featured on CTV’s Your Morning
Once Upon a Sari (Tundra Books) by Zenia Wadhwani, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi was recently featured on CTV Your Morning in a spot about books for and celebrating mothers. Special mention was made about the beautiful illustrations! Congratulations Avani!
Get the book here
See the clip here
Jul
01
I Ship, illustrated by Jam Dong wins a Crystal Kite Award!
I Ship: A Container Ship’s Colossal Journey (Lerner) by Kelly Rice Schmitt, illustrated by Jam Dong has won A Crystal Kite Award. The Crystal Kite is awarded by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The award winners are chosen by other children’s book writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers.
See the full list of winners here
Get the book here
Congratulations Jam!
Jul
01
While Everyone is Sleeping, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard wins IPPY award for Best Picture Book for All Ages
While Everyone is Sleeping (Waxwing Books), by Sarah MacKenzie, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard has won the IPPY Award for Best Picture Book for All Ages. The IPPY Awards recognize excellence in Independent Publishing.
Learn more about the IPPY Awards here
Get While Everyone is Sleeping here
Congratulations Gabrielle!
Jun
15
A Star from Kirkus for My Hair is a Book, illustrated by London Ladd
Kirkus has given a starred review to My Hair is a Book (HarperCollins) by Maisha Oso, illustrated by London Ladd
See the full review below:
“My hair is a book. / Watch me open it, / part it, / take a look.”
So begins this creative homage to the plethora of bold adjectives, nouns, verbs, and nicknames that people of African descent use to describe their hair and hairstyles—descriptors that also apply to books. Like books, hair conveys histories; like books, Black hair has often come under scrutiny or deemed unacceptable. Oso’s metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer’s beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled. The author also nods cleverly and generously to other Black-authored books: Camille Yarbrough and Carole Byard’s Cornrows (1979), Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James’ Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017), Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson’s The Undefeated (2019), Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo’s I Am Enough (2018), and even Alex Haley’s Roots (1976). Some of Ladd’s stunning acrylic, cut-paper, and tissue paper collage illustrations depict recognizable historical figures such as Shirley Chisholm, Malcolm X, and Madam C.J. Walker (the first American woman millionaire, who made her fortune on Black hair products), while others portray Black kids, cooks, and athletes, all of whom take pride in their hair despite those who might judge them. The Afro pick on the cover, with a Black Power fist protruding from a girl’s capacious updo, sets this book’s unapologetically pro-Black and celebratory tone.
A stellar work that belongs in every collection serving young people. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)
My Hair is a Book will be published September 17, 2024. Pre order it here
Jun
13
Itty Bitty Betty Blobby Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player is a July/August Kid’s Indie Next Pick!
Accolades keep pouring in for Itty Bitty Betty Blob (Hippo Park/Astra) by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player.
The book has been chosen as a July/August Kid’s Indie Next Pick!
In addition, it is a June Amazon best of the Month book, and a June Barnes & Noble Most Anticipated Kid’s Book!
Congratulations Constance and Micah!
Get the book here
Jun
13
A Star from School Library Journal for Go, Wilma, Go! illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
School Library Journal has given a starred review to Go, Wilma, Go! (Bloomsbury) by Amira Rose Davis and Michael G. Long, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow.
The review says “Eye-catching mixed-media illustrations are equally thought-provoking, depicting Rudolph’s unwavering perseverance throughout her life ”
See the full review here
Go, Wilma, Go! will be published July 16, 2024. Pre order it here
Jun
03
A Rave Review from School Library Journal for Waiting in the Wings, illustrated by E.G. Keller
School Library Journal has given a rave review to Waiting in the Wings (Little, Brown) by Julie Andrews, and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrated by E.G. Keller.See the full review below!
In this utterly charming picture book, mother-daughter team Andrews and Hamilton tell the story of ducks who hatch their young just outside a theater. Based on true events, the story plays out from the ducks’ perspectives. Mr. Puddleduck is drawn into a love of the stage as he and Mrs. Puddleduck wait for their eggs to hatch. After observing rehearsals day after day, Mr. Puddleduck develops a flair for the dramatic, resulting in an exuberantly theatrical march to the water once the ducklings make their grand entrance. Positive themes of caring and community are woven into the book’s messaging as the theater’s performers and other townspeople drop everything to usher the duck family to safety. Cheerful digital illustrations rendered in a loose, painterly style incorporate dynamic perspectives and angles, complementing the lively tone of the text. Human characters are depicted with a variety of skin tones, ages, and body types. An uplifting author’s note shares the real events that inspired this book and reinforces the story’s central message about the value of introducing children to the arts from a young age. VERDICT A delightful addition to any picture book collection. Animal lovers and theater kids of all ages will eagerly flock to this title.