The spring 2016 edition of The Dragon Lode highlighted new poetry books, and one of the books they reviewed was Poems in the Attic, written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Liz Zunon. The Dragon Lode praised, of course, the poems in the book, and the way they highlight connections between families, memories, and places, particularly for a family that moves frequently. They called Poems in the Attic, “A fine tribute to…how poetry can be a comfort and an outlet.” You can order Poems in the Attic online here.
Constance Lombardo, author of the illustrated middle grade novel series, Mr. Puffball, will be visiting the Bank Street Bookstore in New York on Wednesday, August 3rd. Constance and fellow middle grade author Molly Burnham will be speaking about their books. The talk will be at 4 pm. If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and see them! You can find more details about the event here.
Quill and Quire wrote a wonderful review for Elise Gravel‘s upcoming picture book, The Cranky Ballerina, coming out August 9th. Quill and Quire complimented Elise’s “fun, expressive illustrations,” humor, and the valuable life lessons about kindness and failure. They write that “By following Ada’s story, [readers will] also learn that sometimes failing at one thing just means they might end up being exceptionally good at something they haven’t tried yet.” You can read the full review here and pre-order The Cranky Ballerina here.
The upcoming picture book, Mary Had a Little Glam, written by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, received a starred review from Kirkus. Mary Had a Little Glam is the fun, rhyming story of a fashionable little girl who transforms her drab fairy tale classmates into young fashionistas. Kirkus praised the positive story and smooth rhymes, and wrote that, “Brantley-Newton’s bright, fun-filled illustrations teem with energy and life.” Kirkus particularly pointed out the diversity in the story. “Whether by happenstance or by design, this delightful picture book positively answers the call for more books about children of color.” You can read Kirkus’s full review on their site. Mary Had a Little Glam comes out August 2nd. Pre-order it here!
Boston Public Schools released lists of recommended summer reading for the summer of 2016. Poems in the Attic, written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Liz Zunon, was included on the reading list for grades 3-5. Poems in the Attic tells of a young girl’s connection to her family through generations of poems. Congrats, Liz and Nikki! You can find the full list of recommended summer reading here under 2016 Summer Reading Lists. You can order Poems in the Attic online here.
The Cranky Ballerina, Elise Gravel‘s upcoming picture book, was recently reviewed by the School Library Journal. The Cranky Ballerina tells the story of Ada, a little girl who hates her ballet lessons and would much rather learn karate. The School Library Journal praised Elise’s complex portrayal of her character, pointing out that Ada’s grumpiness is not merely for humor but is due to her frustration. They write, “This book will resonate with children, especially those who have yet to channel their misunderstood talents.” They also praise Elise’s humor and the illustrations in her signature style and call The Cranky Ballerina, “A noteworthy addition for most collections.” The Cranky Ballerina will be released August 9th. Pre-order it here!
