Since its publication in September of 2018, Michael Slack‘s innovative board book, HOUSE, has been garnering praise for its unique, versatile packaging and trendy, minimalist art style. The blog Fab Book Reviews included the title on their Board Book Look post, praising its “clean, simple text and vibrant artwork.” It was included in Better Homes & Gardens magazine on a gift list for “Kids & the Young at Heart.” Most recently, praise for HOUSE can be found in the New York Times, in an article titled “Board Books That Let Toddlers Join the Action.” Here, the reviewer admires the “groovy 1960s look of the cover” and remarks that ” it’s the ideal kind of kid-design, smartly conceived to appeal to and engage little readers.”

You can buy your copy of this neat book set here.

Congratulations to Jaime Kim, whose personal work has been accepted into the Society of Illustrators’ Annual Exhibition 61! The list showcases exemplary artwork from illustrators around the world, chosen from thousands of entries considered by a jury of professionals, which include renowned illustrators, art directors and designers. You can view the full list of the SOI 61 Exhibit here.

Recently released from Candlewick, Isle of You by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Jaime Kim, is a visually stunning story that aims to boost self-esteem in kids. This uplifting story is described in Publishers Weekly as “the picture book equivalent of a guided visualization,” and a “calming sojourn.” Also remarked upon is the incredible world that Kim has created, a “fantasyland bathed in light that gradually shifts from soft yellows and pinks to deep blues and purples.”

You can read the full review here and buy your copy of the book here.

Ahead of its release, Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep by Eric Barclay has received a great review from Publishers Weekly. The review remarks upon the “lovable” sheepdog character, and mentions the “giggle-inducing word choices” and “sweet friendship” that is portrayed. This charming story about a blossoming, unlikely animal friendship is a highly anticipated title, which will be available February 12, 2019.

You can read the full review here, and pre-order your copy of Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep here.

STARSTRUCK: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson, illustrated by Frank Morrison has been selected to the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 2019 list!

The Outstanding Science Trade Book list is a joint project of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the CBC since 1973, Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 represents the year’s best books for science classrooms, chosen by science educators.

To read the full list of titles, click here, and grab your copy of STARSTRUCK here.

Each year, the New York Public Library compiles a list of “outstanding children’s titles,” and this year, Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School illustrated by London Ladd is featured on that list! The historical fiction picture book received a starred review from Kirkus earlier this year, which admired Ladd’s “detailed, realistic illustrations” and described the book as “an excellent homage to an African-American woman who taught ahead of her time.”

You can grab your copy of Midnight Teacher here and view the full NYPL Best Books for Kids 2018 list here.

The Roots of Rap illustrated by Frank Morrison, has garnered a series of spectacular reviews ahead of its publication in January 2019. The book received a starred review from Kirkus, which deemed it “supa-dupa fly, with lush illustrations anchored in signature hip-hop iconography” and explains that the “illustrations set the stage” for the storyline.

Yet another starred review from Booklist remarks on the book’s “excellent job of capturing the essence of rap,” noting how the “images swirl and flow across the page” and praises the many “visual details” Morrison provides, especially those on the “attention-getting cover.” Starred review #3 comes from School Library Journal, which highlights the way Morrison “plays with perspective and scale in such a way that each page stands out uniquely from the last.” The Roots of Rap also made School Library Journal’s list of Phenomenal Titles for November 2018!

Make sure to pre-order The Roots of Rap here today!

Eric Barclay’s adorably illustrated book, My Pet Wants a Pet, is featured on  Parents’ Magazine’s 15 Best Children’s Books 2018 list, as 2018’s Best Picture Book. This esteemed list is selected by experts (and 75 kid testers) to give an accurate depiction of what the true best picture books of the year were and which will surely continue to be favorites in years to come. Written by Elise Broach, My Pet wants a Pet depicts every child’s-and pet’s- desire to have something to take care of. Critics call it “pure fun” – this book is sure to make you feel a little more love with its heartfelt story and charming illustrations!

Check out the full list here and make sure to get your own copy of My Pet Wants a Pet here.

Josh Crute‘s debut authored picture book, Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing On Earth, has received favorable reviews since its publication in September. Kirkus describes the delightful picture book as “a standout way to impart an important life lesson about winning and losing” and praises its “clean design,” also noting the varying skin tones of onlookers and ultimately dubbing it “a gentle reminder that runners-up are important, too.”

Writers’ Rumpus points out the “five fabulous things” about the book: Oliver, the illustrations, the turning point, back matter, and the “subtle, sweet, important” message. Reading Style Guide notes that Crute explores the “ever-present phenomena” of the obsession with being first, and admires the “insightful details” of the illustrations.

Grab your copy of Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing On Earth here.