Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited Assumption Elementary School in Ottawa, Canada. Known for her championship of literacy, the Duchess marked the visit with a reading of The Library Bus, (Pajama Press) written by Bahram Rahman and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. This picture book celebrates women and girls finding innovative ways to spread education in Afghanistan, where the author was born. The book was a finalist for the 2021 Governor General’s Literary Award and won the Middle East Book Award, among other honors. The visit to Assumption Elementary School was part of a three-day Canadian tour being undertaken by Prince Charles and the Duchess to mark the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne. Read more about the visit here Get the book here
Bottle Tops: The Art of El Anatsui (Lee & Low)by Alison Goldberg, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, has received a starred review from Booklist. “This striking book, vividly illustrated in paint and cut-paper collage, showcases Anatsui’s signature works: flowing tapestries made from deconstructed bottle tops. Goldberg describes the artist’s early life and artistry and then focuses on how he executes his famous fabrics, which have been exhibited in museums worldwide. As well as learning about Anatsui’s art, readers can gain here some important insights into the creative life—Goldberg emphasizes that Anatsui doesn’t work alone; a team gets the bottle tops into their new forms.” The book will be released May 28, 2022 Pre-order it here
Federico and the Wolf (HarperCollins) by Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri has been nominated for the 2023 Star of the North Award, in conjunction with the Minnesota Youth Reading Awards. The Star of the North Picture Book Award was established in 2013 under the auspices of the Minnesota Youth Reading Awards. The purpose of the award is to promote quality, engaging picture books and reading for pleasure among school-aged children. The final list of ten nominees is selected by the Star of the North Selection Committee. Throughout the year, teachers, media specialists, and public librarians are encouraged to present the nominees in appealing and meaningful ways, to read the books aloud, and to develop activities that will connect the literature to the curriculum. In March, students across the state vote on which books they think should win for the individual categories. The book receiving the most votes from children in grades K-2 is the winner. Congratulations Elisa! Get the book here
Bloom (Little Simon) by Ruth Forman, illustrated by Talia Skyles, and Queen of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton are on Amazon Editor’s list of the best books of May! See Bloom and the complete list of books for under 2 here See Queen of Kindergarten and the complete list of books for 3-5 here
Arithmechicks Take a Calculation Vacation (Astra) by Ann Marie Stephens, illustrated by Jia Liu, Queen of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton and Uncle John’s City Garden (Holiday House) by Bernette Ford, illustrated by Frank Morrison have been included on the CBCBook’s May 2022 Hot Off the Press reading list See the complete list here Get Arithmechicks take a Calculation Vacation here Get Queen of Kindergarten here Get Uncle John’s City Garden here
Author-illustrator Sarah Dillard was interviewed on the Vermont Viewpoint radio show to discuss her latest book, Blueberry Cake, being nominated for the international Gourmand Award, the inspiration behind her beloved series Mouse Scouts, and more! Listen here (starting around the 23:45 minute mark).
