Bloom (Little Simon) by Ruth Forman, illustrated by Talia Skyles, and Queen of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton are on Amazon Editor’s list of the best books of May!

See Bloom and the complete list of books for under 2 here

See Queen of Kindergarten and the complete list of books for 3-5 here

Arithmechicks Take a Calculation Vacation (Astra) by Ann Marie Stephens, illustrated by Jia Liu, Queen of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton  and Uncle John’s City Garden (Holiday House)  by Bernette Ford, illustrated by Frank Morrison have been included on the CBCBook’s May 2022 Hot Off the Press reading list

See the complete list here

Get Arithmechicks take a Calculation Vacation here

Get Queen of Kindergarten here

Get Uncle John’s City Garden here

Author-illustrator Sarah Dillard was interviewed on the Vermont Viewpoint radio show to discuss her latest book, Blueberry Cake, being nominated for the international Gourmand Award, the inspiration behind her beloved series Mouse Scouts, and more! Listen here (starting around the 23:45 minute mark).

Frank Morrison recently talked about his new picture book Kick Push (Bloomsbury) in the NPR show Here and Now. In the interview, Frank talks about  skateboarding with his children, and how those experiences inspired the book.

Here the interview here

Get the book here

The Joffrey Ballet announced today the world premiere of Rita Finds Home, a family-friendly program and collaborative project between the Joffrey and Miami City Ballet, which will make its debut at the Navy Pier Lake Stage, July 9-10, 2022.

Rita Finds Home is conceived by a nationally recognized creative team including choreographer Amy Hall Garner, Chicago-based author and Free Street Theater Executive Director Karla Estela Rivera; and award-winning children’s book illustrator Elisa Chavarri. Using personal experience as inspiration for their process, the team has created a story that is emotive, relatable, touching, and powerful. Written with young audiences in mind, but suitable for all ages, the piece will convey universal themes about community, belonging, and resilience.

Read the full announcement here

Queen of Kindergarten (Penguin Random House) by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, doesn’t come out until May 24, but the reviews are already rolling in.

Booklist says: Brantley-Newton brings the fun of King of Kindergarten (2019) back in this companion book’s vibrant illustrations and racially diverse characters. MJ’s kindness and self-assuredness set a wonderful example for readers,who may also be preparing to expand their worlds, whether attending school or participating in anew group activity. A great choice for combating first-day jitters and building confidence.

And the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books says: this story exudes joy, celebrating the kid who walks into the room and owns it with sunny confidence and genuine warmth. The art is rich with textures, creating an effusive sense of movement as geometric patterns in various objects and clothing contrast with dappled splotches and soft blending in the background. There’s not a dull color in this palette of vivid tones, and dynamic figures convey the cheerful busyness of the classroom.

Pre order your copy here!

Congratulations to our artists who have been recognized by Bank Street Books as being among the best books of the year. Included on the list are Like a Dandelion (HarperCollins) by Huy Voun Lee, Off to See the Sea (Sourcebooks) by Niki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, Paletero Man (HarperCollins) by Lucky Diaz, illustrated by Micah Player, Coqui in the City (Dial) by Nomar Perez, When My Cousins Come to Town (West Margin Press), by Angela Shante, illustrated by Keisha Morris, There Goes Patti McGee! (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), by Tootie Nienow, illustrated by Erika Medina, King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster), by Stephen Costanza, Secrets of the Sea (Clarion) by Evan Griffith, illustrated by Joanie Stone and Stitch by Stitch (Holiday House) by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon. Congratulations everyone!

See the full list here

Emily’s Big Discovery,(Candlewick) by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Joanie Stone is the first in a sparkling, charmingly illustrated series of readers that brings half-mermaid Emily Windsnap—star of the New York Times best-selling series—to a younger audience.

With a mermaid tail and an entire ocean awaiting her, Emily is eager to meet new friends and swim off on big adventures in this inviting new series for the younger set.

Get the book here

Kirkus has given a starred review to Mommy’s Hometown (Candlewick) by Hope Lim, illustrated by Jaime Kim.

A child visits their mother’s hometown and is surprised to find it now differs from her recollections.

Mommy regales the young narrator with bedtime stories about a playful, carefree childhood. Against the backdrop of a verdant countryside and towering mountains, a lush river provided ample opportunity for Mommy and her friends to catch fish, splash, and treasure hunt. Idyllic and joyful, these vivid memories have given the child high expectations for an upcoming visit. A train car window offers the first glimpse of a vastly different landscape. Bustling streets and gleaming skyscrapers crowd the horizon, and the mountains struggle to be seen. The striking contrast between reality and anticipation both awes and disappoints the child. Yet while many things have changed, the river still flows through the city center. Hand in hand, Mommy and child wade in, re-creating the cherished moments of Mommy’s youth. The pair make their own memories in this special place, reinforcing that it is familial bonds and unconditional love that define home rather than physical surroundings. A tranquil warmth radiates from the illustrations, providing an underlying feeling of safety throughout the journey. Mommy and child are Korean, with black hair and pale skin. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An uplifting, intergenerational story. (Picture book. 3-8)

The book will be published April 12. Pre-order it here

In addition to his wonderful children’s book art, Michael Slack is also a fine artist. Currently he has two colored pencil and acryla gouache drawings on display at The Compound Gallery in Emerville, CA.

See more about the gallery here