Publishers Weekly has given a starred review to Breaking to the Beat! (Lee & Low) by Linda J. Acevedo, illustrated by Frank Morrison. The review says “…graffiti-inflected art style makes smart use of changing perspectives, crowd scenes, and dance silhouettes to showcase a triumphant story of a child honing his talent…” The book has also received starred reviews from Booklist, The Horn Book, School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews. Read the full Publishers Weekly review here Get the book here
Booklist has given a rave review to The Bronx is My Home (Christy Ottaviano Books) by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris; illustrated by Kim Holt. The book will be published Octobere 24, 2024. Pre order it here See the full review below: A love letter to the Bronx, the only New York City borough with a definite article in its name. Afro-Latinx Santiago Alvarez-Rosario and his mom spend Saturday visiting all of the cool places their borough has to offer—the Bronx Zoo, Orchard Beach, Little Italy, and more. Striking down stereotypes, this joyous picture book shows the city’s northernmost town as a place of rich history and culture. It also offers eye-opening stats, such as how Pelham Bay Park is more than three times the size of Central Park and the High Bridge is the oldest bridge in the city. Passing mentions of Fordham University and the Edgar Allan Poe Park highlight some of the more recognizable sites, but much of Santiago’s narrative focuses on unsung gems. The boy’s energy is contagious, which is reflected in the effusive text. The illustrations add to the work’s liveliness. Bright colors take up full spreads. The art is digitally rendered in acrylic and pencil, giving the […]
Book bans are at an all-time high, most often blocking access to books featuring diversity, factual history, gender, sexuality, and the LGBTQ+ experience. Our librarians are under attack and now—more than ever—we need their presence and steadfast dedication to protect reading culture across the country. Painted Words artists TeMika Grooms, Alex Nees, Chamisa Kellogg, Huy Voun Lee, Cherise Harris and Romina Rollhauser (cover). led by author J. F. Fox, are speaking up loud and clear to denounce book bans and support the librarians protecting kids’ freedom to read, by creating a piece, suitable for printing on a 4×6″ post card that can be printed out and mailed to elected officials. To download art for postcards, go here.
School Library Journal has given a starred review to Baking with Mi Abuelita (Random BFYR) by Julissa Mora, and says the “Illustrations are delightful, perfectly portraying the big emotions that come with a big celebration….This book is a fabulous example of Rudine Sims Bishop’s mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors concept. ” The book will be published September 12. Congratulations Julissa! Preorder the book here Read the full review here
In a review of Esperanza Caramelo, The Star of Nochebuena (Knopf) by Karla Arenas Valenti, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri Kirkus says “Chavarri’s effervescent artwork offers an appealing depiction of Navidad, with all its baked-in promises of magic.” Read the full review here The book will be published September 12, 2023. Pre order it here
Erika Lynne Jones, illustrator of The Loud Librarian ( Simon & Schuster) by Jenna Beatrice, and Black Girls: A Celebration of You (HarperCollins) by Dominique Furukawa is featured in an article in the Moms We Love Section of DFW Child. In the interview, Erika talks about how she has cultivated her talent to create quirky characters that help kids feel seen. Read the article here Get the Loud Librarian here Pre order Black Girls: A Celebration of You here
