Arlene’s Artist Materials store will open a unique exhibition featuring work done by Albany artist and illustrator Elizabeth Zunon on May 3rd to May 26th in their newly christened R Gallery. Elizabeth will be displaying original book illustrations and oil portraits- in her favorite art supply store for materials that make her artwork come to life! Opening reception is tomorrow, May 3 from 5:30-7:30pm. Here’s a Facebook link to the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1766977849989087/
The wait is over! You can now purchase the adorable picture book I Am a Bird, written by Dana Walrath and illustrated by Jaime Kim. Released yesterday, this book celebrates the bonds between fathers, sons, and nature. A father and son spend a day at the beach, exploring connections and relationships between themselves and the nature that surrounds them in this poetic picture book debut. Get your copy of I Am a Bird here.
Happy book birthday to the Lily D V.A.P. series, written by Madeleine West and illustrated by Joanie Stone! Lily D is a very busy girl. She does ballet on Mondays, tap on Tuesdays, acrobatics on Wednesdays, singing on Thursdays, and drama on Fridays. But drama is her absolute favorite. It’s Lily’s dream to become a performance artist when she grows up and thinks of herself as a VAP (a Very Amazing Performer). Lily understands that success requires hard work and respect, neither of which can be achieved overnight. In each book in the series Lily ‘goes method’ to inhabit a theatrical character and learns something about the lives of others and her own along the way. Grab your copies of this charming series here!
Congratulations to Ashley Spires, whose picture book The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do has been selected for the Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year 2018 list in the Age 5-9 category! This delightful picture book teaches young kids about courage and resilience, with endearing artwork and laughs along the way. Check out the full Age 5-9 list list here and all categories here.
Happy book birthday to Gordon: Bark to the Future! by Ashley Spires! The junior graphic novel is the latest installment of Spires’ popular P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) series, and stars Gordon, a genius dog who must use his super intelligence to combat aliens and save his friends (and his humans). But when his plan to travel back in time goes wrong, will Gordon be able to help after all? Gordon: Bark to the Future! has already received a handful of great reviews, preceding its release. Kirkus Review calls it “wry, dry, and adorable,” insisting that newcomers to the series “will want to start at the Binky-beginning when done” and championing Spires’ “hilariously deadpan narration.” Booklist describes it as “ridiculous in the best way and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.” School Library Journal remarks that “Spires once more offers strong writing, and her adorable and quirky cartoon illustrations are well composed.” Don’t miss out on this laugh-out-loud funny book- grab your copy of Gordon: Bark to the Future! here today.
Get ready to meet your new favorite, friendly, carrot-seeking bunny, LaRue! Michael Slack‘s Bunny Built hits shelves today, and readers – along with LaRue – are in for a BIG treat. Find out what happens when a community of common-sized critters find a colossal carrot in this sweet tale about friendship. Grab your copy of Bunny Built here.