Elise Gravel’s The Mushroom Fan Club Appears on SLJ Oddest Books List 2018

16 Jan 2019

Each year, Elizabeth Bird of Fuse8, a School Library Journal blog, puts together 31 Lists of Children’s books from the year that fit into different categories. Elise Gravel‘s The Mushroom Fan Club has made it onto the Oddest Children’s Books of 2018 list. Bird clarifies that “odd” is not a bad thing at all, but rather outside the norm and daring.

You can read the full list of odd children’s books here.

Michael Slack’s HOUSE Praised in New York Times!

09 Jan 2019

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.

Isle of You Illust. by Jaime Kim Receives Great Review from Publishers Weekly

December 18, 2018

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.

Eric Barclay’s Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep Receives Sweet Review from Publishers Weekly

December 18, 2018

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.

The Roots of Rap Illust. by Frank Morrison Receives 3 Starred Reviews!

November 9, 2018

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!

My Pet Wants a Pet Illust. by Eric Barclay Named Best Picture Book of 2018 by Parents’ Magazine

November 9, 2018

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.

Review Roundup: Josh Crute’s Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing On Earth

October 24, 2018

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.

Michael Slack’s Nugget and Fang Musical Theater Production Touring America

October 12, 2018

Your favorite minnow and shark duo take the stage in Arts Power’s Fall 2018 season production of the musical, Nugget & Fang! Adapted from Michael Slack‘s picture book of the same name, Nugget & Fang is a story about the unlikely friendship between a minnow named Nugget and shark named Fang, and what happens when Nugget learns just how unlikely their friendship really is. Can Fang prove that he is a true friend, and not the foe that Nugget has been taught about in school? The production is geared toward pre-k to 3rd graders, and is on tour from Sep-Dec 2018. You can find more information about the show here and grab your copy of Nugget & Fang here.