New York Public Libary’s 100 Best Books for Kids includes Adela’s Mariachi Band, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina (Charlesbridge), and My Hair is a Book, illustrated by London Ladd (Harper Collins). Congratulations Erika and London! See the full list here.
Chicago Public Library’s 2024 list of Best Informational Books for Young Readers includes Miles of Style, illustrated by Lynn Gaines (Lee & Low Books) and Elise Gravel‘s El rosa, el azul y tú (NubeOcho). Congratulations Lynn and Elise! See the full list here.
My Hair is a Book, illustrated by London Ladd, has been included in School Library Journal’s Best Picture Books of 2024. SLJ writes: “Everything in this must-have book builds Black beauty and love. In mixed-media art of thick acrylic strokes, the typography graphically highlights plays on words, and everything shines a light on strong historical figures, moving and doing and being.” Congratulations London! See the full list here.
The Chicago Public Library announced its Best Board & Picture Books of 2o24, and included Una Corona para Corina (Little, Brown), illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, and both the Spanish and English editions of Adela’s Mariachi Band (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina. Congratulations Elisa and Erika!
Booklist and Kirkus each praised When Alexander Graced the Table in Starred Reviews. Kirkus proclaimed, “The joy of cooking—and family—brought to brilliant life.” Booklist says, “For an excellent example of #BlackBoyJoy, look to this sweet celebration of food and familial love from renowned chef Smalls and his cocreators. Warmth and community are exuded in Morrison’s oil paintings.” Published by Simon & Schuster/Denene Millner books, When Alexander Graced the Table, written by Alexander Smalls and Denene Millner and illustrated by Frank Morrison, hits shelves in January.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books has given a starred review to When I Hear Spirituals (Holiday House) by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by London Ladd. The review cites London’s work saying Cut paper, tissue paper, and acrylic paint give the art layered depth, much like the spirituals themselves.. The book has also received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist. It is also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. When I Hear Spirituals will be published January 7, 2025. Pre order it here
