Advanced praise is in for Mama’s Work Shoes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Kirkus praises Brantley Newton’s illustrations: “Brantley-Newton’s collaged depictions of a middle-class, rambunctious, mixed-race child, her exuberant single mother, and the vivacious Nan (both women of color) are bright and dynamic.” Publishers Weekly writes: “Levis skillfully relates the push-and-pull negotiations between a young child and a parent returning to work, and Brantley-Newton’s digital artwork renders the related range of emotional expression.” And from Booklist: “It’s a clever approach to the common experience of separation anxiety…Brantley-Newton’s charcoal pencil drawings, digitally colored and collaged with handmade, vintage, and scrapbook paper, produce warm, vibrant images that keep the story upbeat.” The book is out September 3rd from Abrams. You can pre-order your copy here.
Once Upon a Goat, illustrated by Eric Barclay and released on August 27th, has received exciting praise. The book is an Amazon Best Book of the Month: Ages 3-5, and was selected as a Fall 2019 Kids’ Indie Next List book! From the Kids’ Indie Next List: “This is an adorable, funny, and heartwarming story of a king and queen who are wishing for a baby. Their fairy godmother wants specifics, so they tell her, ‘Any kid will do!’ But when they look on their doorstep on the next full moon, they are surprised to see a different type of ‘kid’…a fuzzy baby goat! A clever story with the most charming illustrations, this is a must for any reader’s bookshelf!” — Amanda Zirn Hudson, Bethany Beach Books, Bethany Beach, DE Get your copy here.
The New York Times Book Review included Elizabeth Zunon’s debut author-illustrated picture book, Grandpa Cacao: A Tale of Chocolate from Farm to Family, in its roundup of “Picture Books to Perk Up Any Kid’s Summer.” Children’s book critic Maria Russo writes, “Zunon, who based the story on her own childhood, uses a winsome blend of paint, collage and ghostly screen-printed figures that represent the faraway Grandpa Cacao — who appears in a buoyant surprise ending, just as the cake is ready.” Get your copy here.
In “Back-to-School Picture Books to Brighten Any Kid’s First Day,” children’s book critic Maria Russo features a list of wonderful new titles to usher in the school year. Among them are The King of Kindergarten, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, and Nugget & Fang Go to School, illustrated by Michael Slack. Of The King of Kindergarten she writes, “This is a king whose power comes from self-respect and kindness toward all the members of his diverse classroom, and it doesn’t hurt that Brantley-Newton makes him and his classmates drop-dead adorable.” Russo commends the Nugget & Fang sequel, writing, “Sauer (“Quiet Wyatt”) and Slack (“Shorty and Clem”) keep up the laughs, and the reassurance.” Buy your copies of Nugget & Fang Go to School here and The King of Kindergarten here.
Once Upon a Goat illustrated by Eric Barclay has received two glowing reviews from Booklist and Kirkus Reviews! Coming out August 27th this story is about a royal family wishing for a kid. When the Queen and King tell their fairy godmother that anything will do, they end up with quite a surprising bundle of joy – a goat! Booklist says “Barclay uses composition effectively to frame the story and draw attention to certain elements. And Kirkus says “the austere lines of the palace contrast amusingly with the chaos brought by the goat child.” Pre-order a copy here! Read the Booklist review here Read the Kirkus review here
Nugget and Fang are back! Nugget and Fang Go To School illustrated by Michael Slack is out now and has received praise from Kirkus. The book takes a journey through Nugget and Fang’s first day of school and the obstacles and anxiety Fang faces. Kirkus says the illustrations are “bright and colorful” and “Slack deftly portrays Fang’s every emotion”. “Readers will no doubt feel empathetic” for the relatable struggles Fang deals with. Kids will definitely love this Fang-tastic book! Get your copy here Read the full review here
