Happy book birthday to My Voice is a Trumpet (Penguin Random House) by Jimmie Allen and illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson. From voices tall as a tree, to voices small as a bee, all it takes is confidence and a belief in the goodness of others to change the world. Coming at a time when issues of social justice are at the forefront of our society, this is the perfect book to teach children that they’re not too young to express what they believe in and that all voices are valuable. In a starred review, School Library Journal says Beautifully painted portraits bring depth to the faces, as well as emotion to each setting. Read the SLJ review here Get the book here
In a starred review of Coqui in the City (Penguin Random House) by Nomar Perez, School Library Connection says “Author and illustrator Perez lavish ly portrays San Juan and New York City with beautiful artwork and crafts a tale that is sure to ring true to many children.” Get the book here
Jimmy Allen was on Ellen recently talking about his upcoming picture book My Voice is a Trumpet (Penguin Random House), illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson. See the clip here School Library Journal says the book is “A suggested first choice for libraries, the rhythm and flow of words perfectly match the art while advising readers to choose love and use their voices in a powerful song.” The book will be published July 13. Get your copy here
Paletero Man (HarperCollins) written by Lucky Diaz and illustrated by Micah Player, has received a starred review from Booklist, who says “Latin Grammy winner Lucky Diaz’s upbeat song “Paletero Man” is brought to life here with vibrant colors and diverse characters. This book is a fantastic summer celebration of the cultural tradition of Mexican paletas (ice pops), as well as L.A.’s culture of street vendors.” The book has also received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and School Library Journal. Get the book here
Stephen Constanza’s latest picture book King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster) has received glowing starred reviews form Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. Kirkus calls the book “Outstanding” and Publishers Weekly says the “pitch-perfect picture book biography of Black ragtime composer Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)” is “A richly detailed profile fit for a king.” The book will be published September 14. Read the Kirkus review here Read the Publishers Weekly review here Pre-order the book here
My School Stinks! (Philomel/Penguin) written by Becky Scharnhorst, illustrated by Julia Patton was published July 6, 2020. The book is a hilarious back-to-school story told through journal entries about a boy who finds himself at a new school where the other students are REAL animals. Kirkus says “This story has an amusing tongue-in-cheek quality in which the text can be read as exaggeration but the pictures bear out the child’s perspective. For children accused of having wild imaginations, this is an affirming treat. Just might convince complaining children that their school isn’t so bad after all.” Get the book here
