In a post on HornBook’s Calling Caldecott blog, Scot Smith makes a strong case for King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster) by Stephen Costanza. Smith commends the illustrations in the book for capturing the essence of music, and says “Costanza’s illustrations depict composer Joplin’s use of syncopation through complex collage work, thoughtful use of vibrant colors, and a mixture of artistic styles. We can almost hear “Maple Leaf Rag” as we turn the pages of this wonderful biography.” Our fingers are crossed, Steve! Read the full blog post here Get King of Ragtime here
Illustrations by Sarah Dillard from several of her picture books will be on view in “The Art of Stories: A Vermont Picture Book Exhibit” at the TW Wood Gallery in Montpelier, Vermont from November 7 through December 22, 2021. Learn more about the exhibit here
Students and Teachers of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architecture) Learning have chosen Number 7 Evergreen Street (Templar Books) by Julia Patton as their favorite book as part of the Reading Architecture Project. Reviews loved the idea of neighborhoods and communal spaces that the book introduced, as well as the beautiful illustrations and relatable characters. Congratulations Julia! Get the book here
Stephen Costanza will be discussing King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster) at a virtual event sponsored by Books of Wonder titled Great Picture Book Biographies. The event takes place on Saturday, November 6 at 3:00. Learn more about the event here Get a signed copy of King of Ragtime here
Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment (Aladdin) by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson, was featured recently on Good Morning America. The book is a companion to the New York Times best selling Parker Looks Up. It is an uplifting story about Parker making a new friend and learning about self-expression, opening your heart, and helping others. Parker Shines On will be published November 2, 2021. See the GMA segment here Get the book here
48 Grasshopper Estates (Annick Press) by Sara de Waal, illustrated by Erika Medina has been nominated for the Blue Spruce Award. The Ontario Library Association’s Blue Spruce Award is geared for students in Kindergarten to Grade 2. Students read 10 nominated Canadian picture books and then vote for their favorite book. Based on the student voting across the province, the best picture book is then selected and the author/illustrator is honored with the Blue Spruce Award. Congratulations Erika! Learn more about the award here Get the book here
