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A Diverse group of award-winning illustrators & authors creating across many industries.

The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton

14 Aug 2014

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Lend a Hand, illus. by London Ladd, & The Hula Hoopin’ Queen illus. by Vanessa B. Newton, Make Delaware Diamonds 2015-16

July 21, 2015

Lend a Hand, illustrated by London Ladd, and The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, were selected for inclusion on the Delaware Diamonds 2015-2016 Titles 3-5 List.  The winners were voted on by students in Delaware. More information regarding the award program can be found on their website.  Congratulations London and Vanessa!

2015 Wisconsin State Reading Association “Picture This!” List

March 19, 2015

Painted Words authors and illustrators Molly Idle, Elise Gravel, Vanessa Brantley Newton, and Ashley Spires had books selected for the 2015 WSRA (Wisconsin State Reading Association) Picture This! List. For this award, the committee evaluates books based on the quality of literature, the appeal for students, and the value for classroom use.  The books selected from our talented artists include Flora and the Penguin, The Fly, The Worm, The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, and The Most Magnificent Thing.  Congrats, ladies!

To view the full list, click here.

Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, Little Melba,Flora and the Penguin honored by CCBC

March 5, 2015
The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) celebrates The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, Little Melba and her Big Trombone, and Flora and the Penguin on its CCBC Choices 2015 List.
CCBC Choices is an annual list of children’s books that are considered the “best-of-the-year” for various categories including “Understanding Oneself and Others” and “Historical People, Places and Events.”The complete list of books can be found here.

Hula-Hoopin’ Queen receives Charlotte Zolotow Award

January 30, 2015

Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, written by Thelma Godin and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, was chosen as a Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended Title for 2015. The CCBC Charlotte Zolotow Award recognizes outstanding picture books for children. More information about the award can be found here.

Vanessa Brantley-Newton, London Ladd, Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison selected for CPL Best Book of 2014

December 17, 2014

The Chicago Public Library (CPL) has unveiled its Best Books of 2014 list, which includes titles by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, London Ladd, Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison.

Amongst its Best Picture Books of 2014 list, CPL included The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Under the Freedom Tree, illustrated by London Ladd, also made the list, as did I Got the Rhythm, which was written by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison.

Frank Morrison’s illustration work also featured in CPL’s Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2014, with Little Melba and Her Big Trombone.

The  Hula-Hoopin’ Queen is a Hit!

August 8, 2014

The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton and written by Thelma Lynne Godin, was released this past spring by Lee & Low Books to widespread acclaim. The book received a Starred Review from Kirkus, and two positive reviews from Horn Book and Booklist. Horn Book called The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen “a refreshingly original story,” and Booklist called it “the perfect title for sharing.” Vanessa’s illustrations truly bring Harlem to life in this sweet story of a hula hoopin’ rivalry for the ages. Pick up a copy from your local bookstore, or on the Lee & Low website.

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