Kirkus calls We Play Soccer (Holiday House) by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Nomar Perez “A bright, sweet story about friendship, teamwork, and the joy of soccer.”

The review also says “The illustrations are vibrant, and characters are depicted having various shades of light brown skin. Backmatter helpfully provides direct translations of words that appear in the story.”

We Play Soccer will be published in January 2022. Pre order a copy here

Read the full Kirkus review here

In a post on HornBook’s Calling Caldecott blog, Scot Smith makes a strong case for King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster) by Stephen Costanza. Smith commends the illustrations in the book for capturing the essence of music, and says “Costanza’s illustrations depict composer Joplin’s use of syncopation through complex collage work, thoughtful use of vibrant colors, and a mixture of artistic styles. We can almost hear “Maple Leaf Rag” as we turn the pages of this wonderful biography.”

Our fingers are crossed, Steve!

Read the full blog post here

Get King of Ragtime here

Illustrations by Sarah Dillard from several of her picture books will be on view in “The Art of Stories: A Vermont Picture Book Exhibit” at the TW Wood Gallery in Montpelier, Vermont from November 7 through December 22, 2021.

Learn more about the exhibit here

Students and Teachers of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architecture) Learning have chosen Number 7 Evergreen Street (Templar Books) by Julia Patton as their favorite book as part of the Reading Architecture Project.

Reviews loved the idea of neighborhoods and communal spaces that the book introduced, as well as the beautiful illustrations and relatable characters.

Congratulations Julia!

Get the book here

Stephen Costanza will be discussing King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster) at a virtual event sponsored by Books of Wonder titled Great Picture Book Biographies. The event takes place on Saturday, November 6 at 3:00.

Learn more about the event here

Get a signed copy of King of Ragtime here

Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment (Aladdin) by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson, was featured recently on Good Morning America.

The book is a companion to the New York Times best selling Parker Looks Up. It is an uplifting story about Parker making a new friend and learning about self-expression, opening your heart, and helping others.

Parker Shines On will be published November 2, 2021.

See the GMA segment here

Get the book here

48 Grasshopper Estates (Annick Press) by Sara de Waal, illustrated by Erika Medina has been nominated for the Blue Spruce Award.

An interview with Cherise Harris is featured in the October issue of Cacique Magazine. Cacique Magazine, from InterCarribean Airways c celebrates all things Caribbean, and aims to highlight and inspire leadership, community, entrepreneurship and endeavour across the Caribbean.

See the magazine and full interview here

(Cherise’s interview is on page 18 of issue 13)

Happy Book Birthday to The Story of You (Boyds Mills Press) by Lisa Ann Scott, illustrated by Sue Cornelison has been released. This dynamic picture book for readers of all ages features lush illustrations that bring universal situations to light, including ways to be brave, bold, and kind, as well as knowing when you’ve made a mistake.

Congratulations Sue!

Get the book here