Federico and the Wolf (HarperCollins) by Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri has been nominated for the 2023 Star of the North Award, in conjunction with the Minnesota Youth Reading Awards. The Star of the North Picture Book Award was established in 2013 under the auspices of the Minnesota Youth Reading Awards. The purpose of the award is to promote quality, engaging picture books and reading for pleasure among school-aged children. The final list of ten nominees is selected by the Star of the North Selection Committee. Throughout the year, teachers, media specialists, and public librarians are encouraged to present the nominees in appealing and meaningful ways, to read the books aloud, and to develop activities that will connect the literature to the curriculum. In March, students across the state vote on which books they think should win for the individual categories. The book receiving the most votes from children in grades K-2 is the winner. Congratulations Elisa! Get the book here
Bloom (Little Simon) by Ruth Forman, illustrated by Talia Skyles, and Queen of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton are on Amazon Editor’s list of the best books of May! See Bloom and the complete list of books for under 2 here See Queen of Kindergarten and the complete list of books for 3-5 here
Arithmechicks Take a Calculation Vacation (Astra) by Ann Marie Stephens, illustrated by Jia Liu, Queen of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton and Uncle John’s City Garden (Holiday House) by Bernette Ford, illustrated by Frank Morrison have been included on the CBCBook’s May 2022 Hot Off the Press reading list See the complete list here Get Arithmechicks take a Calculation Vacation here Get Queen of Kindergarten here Get Uncle John’s City Garden here
Author-illustrator Sarah Dillard was interviewed on the Vermont Viewpoint radio show to discuss her latest book, Blueberry Cake, being nominated for the international Gourmand Award, the inspiration behind her beloved series Mouse Scouts, and more! Listen here (starting around the 23:45 minute mark).
Frank Morrison recently talked about his new picture book Kick Push (Bloomsbury) in the NPR show Here and Now. In the interview, Frank talks about skateboarding with his children, and how those experiences inspired the book. Here the interview here Get the book here
The Joffrey Ballet announced today the world premiere of Rita Finds Home, a family-friendly program and collaborative project between the Joffrey and Miami City Ballet, which will make its debut at the Navy Pier Lake Stage, July 9-10, 2022. Rita Finds Home is conceived by a nationally recognized creative team including choreographer Amy Hall Garner, Chicago-based author and Free Street Theater Executive Director Karla Estela Rivera; and award-winning children’s book illustrator Elisa Chavarri. Using personal experience as inspiration for their process, the team has created a story that is emotive, relatable, touching, and powerful. Written with young audiences in mind, but suitable for all ages, the piece will convey universal themes about community, belonging, and resilience. Read the full announcement here
