Kirkus has given a starred review to My Hair is a Book (HarperCollins) by Maisha Oso, illustrated  by London Ladd

See the full review below:

“My hair is a book. / Watch me open it, / part it, / take a look.”

So begins this creative homage to the plethora of bold adjectives, nouns, verbs, and nicknames that people of African descent use to describe their hair and hairstyles—descriptors that also apply to books. Like books, hair conveys histories; like books, Black hair has often come under scrutiny or deemed unacceptable. Oso’s metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer’s beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled. The author also nods cleverly and generously to other Black-authored books: Camille Yarbrough and Carole Byard’s Cornrows (1979), Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James’ Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017), Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson’s The Undefeated (2019), Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo’s I Am Enough (2018), and even Alex Haley’s Roots (1976). Some of Ladd’s stunning acrylic, cut-paper, and tissue paper collage illustrations depict recognizable historical figures such as Shirley Chisholm, Malcolm X, and Madam C.J. Walker (the first American woman millionaire, who made her fortune on Black hair products), while others portray Black kids, cooks, and athletes, all of whom take pride in their hair despite those who might judge them. The Afro pick on the cover, with a Black Power fist protruding from a girl’s capacious updo, sets this book’s unapologetically pro-Black and celebratory tone.

A stellar work that belongs in every collection serving young people. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

My Hair is a Book will be published September 17, 2024. Pre order it here

Accolades keep pouring in for Itty Bitty Betty Blob (Hippo Park/Astra) by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player.

The book has been chosen as a July/August Kid’s Indie Next Pick!

In addition, it is a June Amazon best of the Month book, and a June Barnes & Noble Most Anticipated Kid’s Book!

Congratulations Constance and Micah!

Get the book here

School Library Journal has given a starred review to Go, Wilma, Go! (Bloomsbury) by Amira Rose Davis and Michael G. Long, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow.

The review says “Eye-catching mixed-media illustrations are equally thought-provoking, depicting Rudolph’s unwavering perseverance throughout her life ”

See the full review here

Go, Wilma, Go! will be published July 16, 2024. Pre order it here

Bookpage has given a starred review for Itty Bitty Betty Blob (Hippo Park) by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player.

The review says  “Constance Lombaro’s straightforward, sweetly witty prose will have readers rooting for Betty as well as nervously holding their breath on her behalf as she dares to embrace being different. Micah Player’s boldly drawn, emotion-infused illustrations expertly embody everything from Ghoultington Academy’s imposing gothic architecture to the puffs’ extreme cuteness and manic energy. There are a lot of fun little details for itty bitty bibliophiles to discover upon rereads too. Itty Bitty Betty Blob’s nicely balanced combination of humor, emotion and inspiration makes it an absolute treat of a read—a warm and wonderful reminder to celebrate our differences and dare to share joy with others.”

Here is more praise for Itty Bitty Betty Blob!

“Children will enjoy the humor…and will be heartened by Betty’s willingness to embrace what makes her different…A light touch delivers an increasingly common but important message.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A ‘sweet-tempered be-yourself’ tale.” —Publishers Weekly

“Itty Bitty Betty Blob is not your typical monster, being a small, round pink creature who loves rainbows, flowers, dancing, and singing…Most of the illustrations are in black, white, and gray, whereas Betty appears pink in several pictures. Humorous artwork reveals Betty’s body flattening out during sleep, shower time, and while sliding under a log in the forest. Youngsters will get a kick out of this latest tale about just being yourself.” —Booklist

Itty Bitty Betty Blob will be published June 6, 2024. Pre order it here

Poppy Harlow and Laura Jarrett, authors of The Color of Love (Viking), illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, appeared on NBC’s the Today Show, and New York Live, promoting the book, which publishes May 14.

See the videos here and here and here

Get the book here

Congratulations Elisa!

The Children’s Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education has released their list of The Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2024 Edtion, highlighting the best books of 2023.

Included on the list are:

How Do You Spell Unfair? (Candlewick) by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison

Baking with mi Abuelita (Random House) by Julissa Mora

Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar (Doubleday) by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

You So Black (Denene Millner Boos/Simon & Schuster) by Theresa the S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., illustrated by London Ladd

Jump In! (Bloomsbury) by Shadra Strickland

Nesting Dolls (Crown)  by Vanessa Brantley Newton

Beautiful Noise (Anne Schwartz Books) by Lisa Rogers, illustrated by Il Sung Na

Black Girls, A Celebration of You! (HarperCollins)by Dominique Furukawa, illustrated by Erika Lynn Jones

Not a Monster (Charlesbridge) by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, illustrated by Laura Gonzalez

Alphabuddies: G is First! (HarperCollins) by Beth Bacon and Karen Kane, illustrated by Eric Barclay

Unstoppable (Little Bees Books) by Michael G. Long, illustrated by Bea Jackson

Breaking to the Beat! (Lee & Low) by Linda J. Acevedo, illustrated by Frank Morrison

Abuela’s Super Capa (HarperCollins) by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

The CBC has announced the CBC Favorites Awards 2024 and several Painted Words artists are on the list!

Making the Children’s favorites list are:

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick) by  Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank Morrison

Loud Librarian (Simon & Schuster/Atheneum) Jenna Beatrice; illustrated by Erika Lynne Jones

Making the Teachers favorites list are:

Giraffe Math (Christy Ottaviano Books) by Stephen Swinburne; illustrated by Geraldo Valério

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick) Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank Morrison

Congratulations everyone!

See the full list here

From My Head to My Toes (Henry Holt) by Aly Raisman, illustrated by Bea Jackson has debuted at #7 on the New York Times Chidlren’s Books Best Seller list!

The book is a joyful ode to loving and caring for our bodies, from Olympic gold medalist and advocate Aly Raisman and bestselling artist Bea Jackson.

My body is my own.
My body is just right for me,
From my head to my toes

From My Head to My Toes gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way. Cheerful and informative, this story focuses on the powerful message of self-love. Aly’s inspiring words are paired with expert-vetted resources, giving adults the tools to begin having these essential conversations with kids from a young age.

Get the book here