I Ship: A Container Ship’s Colossal Journey (Lerner) by Kelly Rice Schmitt, illustrated by Jam Dong has won A Crystal Kite Award. The Crystal Kite is awarded by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The award winners are chosen by other children’s book writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers. See the full list of winners here Get the book here Congratulations Jam!
While Everyone is Sleeping (Waxwing Books), by Sarah MacKenzie, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard has won the IPPY Award for Best Picture Book for All Ages. The IPPY Awards recognize excellence in Independent Publishing. Learn more about the IPPY Awards here Get While Everyone is Sleeping here Congratulations Gabrielle!
Kirkus has given a starred review to My Hair is a Book (HarperCollins) by Maisha Oso, illustrated by London Ladd See the full review below: “My hair is a book. / Watch me open it, / part it, / take a look.” So begins this creative homage to the plethora of bold adjectives, nouns, verbs, and nicknames that people of African descent use to describe their hair and hairstyles—descriptors that also apply to books. Like books, hair conveys histories; like books, Black hair has often come under scrutiny or deemed unacceptable. Oso’s metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer’s beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled. The author also nods cleverly and generously to other Black-authored books: Camille Yarbrough and Carole Byard’s Cornrows (1979), Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James’ Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017), Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson’s The Undefeated (2019), Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo’s I Am Enough (2018), and even Alex Haley’s Roots (1976). Some of Ladd’s stunning acrylic, cut-paper, and tissue paper collage illustrations depict recognizable historical figures such as Shirley Chisholm, Malcolm X, and Madam C.J. Walker (the […]
Accolades keep pouring in for Itty Bitty Betty Blob (Hippo Park/Astra) by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player. The book has been chosen as a July/August Kid’s Indie Next Pick! In addition, it is a June Amazon best of the Month book, and a June Barnes & Noble Most Anticipated Kid’s Book! Congratulations Constance and Micah! Get the book here
School Library Journal has given a starred review to Go, Wilma, Go! (Bloomsbury) by Amira Rose Davis and Michael G. Long, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. The review says “Eye-catching mixed-media illustrations are equally thought-provoking, depicting Rudolph’s unwavering perseverance throughout her life ” See the full review here Go, Wilma, Go! will be published July 16, 2024. Pre order it here
School Library Journal has given a rave review to Waiting in the Wings (Little, Brown) by Julie Andrews, and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrated by E.G. Keller. See the full review below! In this utterly charming picture book, mother-daughter team Andrews and Hamilton tell the story of ducks who hatch their young just outside a theater. Based on true events, the story plays out from the ducks’ perspectives. Mr. Puddleduck is drawn into a love of the stage as he and Mrs. Puddleduck wait for their eggs to hatch. After observing rehearsals day after day, Mr. Puddleduck develops a flair for the dramatic, resulting in an exuberantly theatrical march to the water once the ducklings make their grand entrance. Positive themes of caring and community are woven into the book’s messaging as the theater’s performers and other townspeople drop everything to usher the duck family to safety. Cheerful digital illustrations rendered in a loose, painterly style incorporate dynamic perspectives and angles, complementing the lively tone of the text. Human characters are depicted with a variety of skin tones, ages, and body types. An uplifting author’s note shares the real events that inspired this book and reinforces the story’s central message about the value of introducing children to the […]
