Eric Barclay’s adorably illustrated book, My Pet Wants a Pet, is featured on Parents’ Magazine’s 15 Best Children’s Books 2018 list, as 2018’s Best Picture Book. This esteemed list is selected by experts (and 75 kid testers) to give an accurate depiction of what the true best picture books of the year were and which will surely continue to be favorites in years to come. Written by Elise Broach, My Pet wants a Pet depicts every child’s-and pet’s- desire to have something to take care of. Critics call it “pure fun” – this book is sure to make you feel a little more love with its heartfelt story and charming illustrations! Check out the full list here and make sure to get your own copy of My Pet Wants a Pet here.
Josh Crute‘s debut authored picture book, Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing On Earth, has received favorable reviews since its publication in September. Kirkus describes the delightful picture book as “a standout way to impart an important life lesson about winning and losing” and praises its “clean design,” also noting the varying skin tones of onlookers and ultimately dubbing it “a gentle reminder that runners-up are important, too.” Writers’ Rumpus points out the “five fabulous things” about the book: Oliver, the illustrations, the turning point, back matter, and the “subtle, sweet, important” message. Reading Style Guide notes that Crute explores the “ever-present phenomena” of the obsession with being first, and admires the “insightful details” of the illustrations. Grab your copy of Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing On Earth here.
Canadian animation studio Nelvena’s short film adaptation of Ashley Spires‘ picture book The Most Magnificent Thing is currently wrapping production, and the voice cast has officially been announced! At the helm is Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg, in the role of “narrator”. Additionally Alison Pill (The Newsroom) will play the “Mom” character, Lilly Bartlam (The Handmaid’s Tale) is “the determined girl,” and Tony Daniels (Atomic Puppet) takes on the role of her canine best friend. The CGI-film is set to debut at various film festivals in early 2019, and will then appear on Corus Entertainment’s kids networks in Canada.
Your favorite minnow and shark duo take the stage in Arts Power’s Fall 2018 season production of the musical, Nugget & Fang! Adapted from Michael Slack‘s picture book of the same name, Nugget & Fang is a story about the unlikely friendship between a minnow named Nugget and shark named Fang, and what happens when Nugget learns just how unlikely their friendship really is. Can Fang prove that he is a true friend, and not the foe that Nugget has been taught about in school? The production is geared toward pre-k to 3rd graders, and is on tour from Sep-Dec 2018. You can find more information about the show here and grab your copy of Nugget & Fang here.
Happy book birthday to Joanie Stone, who illustrated the new chapter book Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights. This is a moving book written by prominent young Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai about her experience of standing up for what she believes in. This chapter book edition of Malala’s story is put in simple language, perfect for children to learn how to advocate for their own beliefs. Between the compelling story and the beautiful pictures, you won’t be able to put this book down! Click here to pick up a copy now.
Happy book birthday to Alyssa Bermudez and the book Kirkus Review has deemed the “sublime sequel” to Lucía the Luchadora! That’s right, Lucía the Luchadora and the Million Masks is out today, and you won’t want to miss this charming, sibling-centered story. Already an Amazon Best Book of the Month, this tale finds Lucía and her little sister Gemma at odds when Gemma makes a hole in Lucía’s special silver mask. When their grandmother suggests a trip to the mercado for a set of new masks, the sisters embark on an adventure that reveals the significant bond of sisterhood. Grab your copy of this stellar second installment here!
