The Children’s Book Council and National Council for the Social Studies (CBC/NCSS) publishes a list of Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People every year, and Under the Freedom Tree received the honor of being included on this list. The CBC/NCSS selects books that “emphasize human relations, represent a diversity of groups and are sensitive to a broad range of cultural experiences, present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic, are easily readable and of high literary quality, and have a pleasing format and, when appropriate, illustrations that enrich the text.” Under the Freedom Tree was illustrated by London Ladd and written by Susan VanHecke. View the complete list and more here.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison and written by Katheryn Russell-Brown, received the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children. Established in 1989 for promoting and recognizing excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children, the Orbis Pictus Award recognizes Little Melba as a recommended book for 2015. The complete list of winners and more information here.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison and written by Katheryn Russell-Brown, was chosen by the Anti-Defamation League as the Book of the Month for February. The Anti-Defamation League chooses a book every month that teaches about bias and prejudice, promotes respect for diversity, and encourages social action. More information here.
What’s in My Truck, written and illustrated by Linda Bleck, has been featured by Kirkus Reviews. “Bleck’s cartoons, in carnival-bright colors, are simple enough to allow for recognition by the youngest readers and offer enough detail to draw in older preschoolers,” writes Kirkus. Read the rest of the review here.
Connie Schofield-Morrison spoke with The Brown Bookshelf about her journey to publishing her first book, I Got the Rhythm, illustrated by her husband Frank Morrison. She discusses her inspirations for the character in the book, her writing process, and her role in running Frank’s business, Morrison Graphics. This interesting and inspiring Q&A is part of The Brown Bookshelf’s “28 Days Later” series, ” a month-long showcase of the best in Picture Books, Middle Grade and Young Adult novels written and illustrated by African Americans.” Read the full interview here.
Congratulations to Frank Morrison, winner of a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. The award was announced today by the American Library Association at its Midwestern Meeting in Chicago. Frank was recognized in 2004 by the Coretta Scott King Award committee for his illustrations in Jazzy Miz Mozetta, winner of a John Steptoe Award for New Talent.
