Kirkus has given My Red, White, and Blue (Philomel) by Alana Tyson, illustrated by London Ladd, a glowing review and says “Ladd’s bold, painterly illustrations, crafted with acrylics, textured cut paper, tissue paper, and colored pencil, illuminate and expand the ideas in the text.” My Red, White, and Blue will be published January 17, 2023. Pre order the book here See the full review here
A starred review for Shadra Strickland’s Jump In (Bloomsbury) calls the book “Vibrantly rendered and warmly welcoming” and goes on to say “It’s a celebration of intergenerational community and play whose turns spotlight the strengths of both individuals and an inclusive, supportive, tight-knit community.” Jump In will be published January 31, 2023. Pre order it here Read the full review here
Kirkus’s Best Picture Books of the Year include 5 books illustrated by Painted Words artists! They are: Playtime for Restless Rascals (Sourcebooks) by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon Black Gold,(HarperCollins) by Laura Obuobi, illustrated by London Ladd Standing in the Need of Prayer (Crown) by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison Because of You, John Lewis (Scholastic) by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown Everything in its Place (Doubleday) by Pauline David-Sax, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow See the complete list here Congratulations to Liz, London, Frank, Keith and Charnelle!
The Chicago Public Library has released its Best Books of the Year list and several Painted Words Artists are on it! Included in the picture book category are Kick Push (Bloomsbury) by Frank Morrison and Queen of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Pink, Blue and You! (Anne Schwartz Books) by Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais is on the list of best Informational Books for Younger Readers (K-3). On the list of Informational Books for Older Readers (3-8) is Because of You, John Lewis (Scholastic) by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. Congratulations Everyone! See the full list here
The National Council of Teachers of English have named Big Bear and Little Fish (Lerner) by Sandra Nickel, illustrated by Il Sung Na a Charlotte Huck Award recommended book. Learn more about the awards here Get Big Bear and Little Fish here
Because of You, John Lewis (Scholastic) by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown and When the Schools Shut Down (Harper) by Yolanda Gladden as told to Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, illustrated by Keisha Morris are finalists for the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, given by the Jane Addams Peace Association. The Awards will be announced at a virtual ceremony in the late spring of 2023. Congratulations Keisha and Keith! Learn more about the award here
