The Most Magnificent Idea (Kids Can Press) by Ashley Spires, has been selected as a Junior Library Guild pick. The book is the long-awaited sequel to the runaway bestseller The Most Magnificent Thing!, and came out earlier this month. Congratulations Ashley! Get the book here
Standing in the Need of a Prayer (Crown) by Carol Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison, a stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual, has received 4 starred reviews so far! ★ “An evocative use of prayer as old-school protest with a history lesson that is as lilting as a ballad”—School Library Journal, starred review ★”Gorgeous and enlightening.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ “A richly illustrated, informative picture book that will leave readers humming and spark a desire to learn more.” —The Horn Book, starred review ★ “Truly elegant.”—Booklist, starred review Get the book here
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
