Mary Had a Little Plan (Union Square & Co.) by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton is an Amazon Pick of the Month in books for ages 3 to 5. See all of the picks here
Black Gold (HarperCollins) by Laura Obuobi, illustrated by London Ladd, has received another glowing review- this time from BookList. The review calls the book “wondrously illustrated” and says “The illustrations can only be described as magical, blending elements of fantasy with nature and star scapes. Ladd creates unique layered effects through his combination of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, and the deep purples and blues sparkle with flecks of gold-shining light.” Congratulations, London! The book is on sale October 11. Pre-order here.
Night on the Sand (HarperCollins) by Monica Mayper, illustrated by Jaime Kim has received a starred review from Kirkus. The review calls the book “Powerfully compelling” and says “the artwork delineates moods and emotions via a precise, rich palette that favors visceral landscapes and nondescript characters to its advantage.” Get the book here
In a review of Bright Winter Night (Two Lions) by Alli Brydon, illustrated by Ashling Lindsay, School Library Journal says “This winter tale would work well for dusky afternoon story hours in December or a bedtime story; the muted illustrations and the text, which has a perfect scan and beat, begin energetically but slow to soothing, steady levels as the animals settle down to sleep.” Pre-order the book here
Murray Christmas (Abrams) by E.G. Keller has earned another starred review, this time from School Library Journal. The review says “”Keller reinvents the goodwill chaos of Christmas, with its decorations, traditions, and beliefs, through Murray, a canine who does not understand why his humans are changing his world with this joyous upheaval. Murray’s sole job as “Patrol Dog” is to love his humans and home, and he is determined not to let anything stand in his way.” It goes on to say the book is “a perfect Christmas read-aloud; children will want to take this book—and Murray—home.” Pre-order the book here
Let’s Be Friends/ Seamos Amigos (Holiday House) by René Colato Laínez, illustrated by Nomar Perez, has won a Gold Medal at the International Latino Book Awards for Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book – Bilingual. Congratulations Nomar! Get the book here
