Little Melba and her Big Trombone, written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison, has received a Starred Review from Kirkus Reviews. The book chronicles the life of legendary jazz musician, Melba Doretta Liston. From the review: “Morrison’s sinuous, exaggerated lines are the perfect match for Melba’s story; she puts her entire body into her playing, the exaggerated arch of her back and thrust of her shoulders mirroring the curves of her instrument. In one thrilling spread, the evening gown–clad instrumentalist stands over the male musicians, her slide crossing the gutter while the back bow disappears off the page to the left.”
In a review for Fuse 8 Productions/ School Library Journal, Elizabeth Bird called K.G. Campbell‘s author-illustrated picture book, The Mermaid and the Shoe, “the best little mermaid related picture book of all time.” The Mermaid and the Shoe is K.G.’s second author-illustrated book, following Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters which earned him an Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor and Golden Kite Award for Best Picture Book Illustration in 2013. Both books are published by Kids Can Press. From the review: BY ElIZABETH BIRD “With its can do mermaid who seeks answers in spite of her age and size, its beautiful watercolor and pencil crayon imagery, and writing that makes the reader feel like they’re indulging in a contemporary classic, there is no question in my mind that The Mermaid and the Shoe is the best little mermaid related picture book of all time. Utterly charming and unique, I can only hope it inspires other artists and authors to attempt to write more quality works of picture book fiction about magical creatures for the kiddos. It’s not an easy task, but when it works boy HOWDY does it work! Beguiling and bewitching, there’s only one true word to describe this book. Beautiful.” Click here to read the […]
Frank Morrison commemorated Maya Angelou with an illustration entitled “Still I Rise,” based on her famous poem of the same name. The print of the illustration is available for purchase on his website. From Maya Angelou’s poem: Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.
I Got the Rhythm, the debut collaboration from husband-wife duo, Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison, hit shelves this month. The book, which follows a young girl on an exuberant, musical walk through the park, was published by Bloomsbury. Publishers Weekly called the book, “An upbeat celebration of the senses, self-expression, and camaraderie” and Kirkus praised the duo in a review: “Morrison is a Coretta Scott King/New Talent Award winner, and this is a fine debut for his wife in their first collaboration.” Read “5 Questions With…Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison” at reading.org
Elise Gravel’s debut young adult book, Jessie Elliot is a Big Chicken, was released by Roaring Brook Press at the end of May. The book chronicles “nerd extraordinaire” Jessie Elliot’s last summer before high school, and is told through Elise’s trademark humor and wacky doodles. Visit Elise’s blog to learn more about the book.
Lend a Hand, written by John Frank and illustrated by London Ladd, will hit stores on July 1st, and has already received a glowing review from Kirkus. From the review: “Ranging from quiet, solitary acts such as writing a letter to a soldier stationed abroad to publicly cheering for the class klutz’s first hit at bat, these 14 free-verse poems and Ladd’s richly textured accompanying acrylic-and-pastel spreads show how easy and rewarding extending oneself can be.” To read more, click here. Pick up your copy here.
