Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta was included on Celebrate Science‘s list, “5 Faves: Expository Nonfiction Recommended by Donna Miller.” Donna Miller, who created the list, is a K-5 library teacher in Massachusetts, and describes how teachers can integrate the book into the classroom, from introducing science projects to teaching how to write biographies.
Click here to view the blog post.
Congratulations to Gerald Kelley, who illustrated A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, for such a successful debut! Under the pseudonym EG Keller, Kelley teamed up with John Oliver and author Jill Twiss on a top secret project that was ultimately revealed on a segment during Sunday’s episode of Oliver’s show, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. The book is an adorable, witty parody of Charlotte and Karen Pence’s Marlon Bundo: A Day in the Life of the Vice President. In Twiss’ version, Marlon Bundo is a gay male bunny who falls in love with another male bunny, and decides to get married. The parody’s antagonist, Stink Bug, is an anti-gay marriage politician with a striking resemblance to Vice President Mike Pence, who shares Stink Bug’s anti-LGBTQ views. The book sold 10,000 copies within the first 15 minutes of its release, and has already sold out, with another printing already in the works. All the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Trevor Project, a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth, and the AIDS charity AIDS United.
Click here to order your copy of A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.
Congratulations to Josée Masse, who illustrated Thunder Underground, which has been named one of the Best & Brightest Children’s Books of 2017 by Denver Public Library. The book was featured in the “Children’s Poetry” category, and is a thought-provoking collection of poems that teaches kids about the mysterious world underneath us through science, adventure and poetry.
You can view the entire list from Denver Public Library here and grab a copy of Thunder Underground here.
In honor of March being Women’s History Month, Huffington Post has compiled a list of 17 children’s books that parents can read to their kids that are inspired by the lives of real women in history. The Youngest Marcher, illustrated by Vanessa B. Newton, had the honor of appearing on this list. The book introduces young readers to Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Civil Rights activist who taught the world you’re never too young to make a difference. Also included on the list is Shaking Things Up, which includes illustrations from PW artist Shadra Strickland and 12 other extraordinary women.
You can view the entire list of books here.
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he second book in Elise Gravel‘s Olga series has received an excellent review from Kirkus. The book hit stores yesterday, and follows the space journey of Olga and her pal Meh, who is ailed by a mysterious sickness that Olga must help combat. The reviewer showers praise upon the “delightfully unconventional heroine,” pointing out her boldness, intelligence, and humor. Also complimented is Gravel’s “charming artwork,” more specifically the “pleasing” and “appealing” nature of the illustrations.
You won’t want to miss this “well-wrought sophomore,” which is now available for purchase here!
Come join in celebrating Shadra Strickland at the Highlights Foundation Art Reception in her honor on March 17, 2018. The reception launches the Highlights Foundation’s 2018 Visual Arts Exhibit, which features Shadra’s original art from A Child’s Blessings and Prayers: From Faiths and Cultures Around the World, written by Deloris Jordan.
Not only can you attend the reception, but you’re also welcome to join Shadra in “Unworkshopping,” where the Highlights Foundation provides lodging and meals while you focus on your creative work.
RSVP for the reception here, and get more info about both the reception and Unworkshopping event here.
London Ladd, illustrator of Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, recently paid a visit to Douglass’ hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, where he presented to a troop of boy scouts at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on the importance of the prominent African American historical figure. Through art and lecture, he helped them learn about the impact of the famed abolitionist, who fought for equal rights for everyone.
You can watch a video of Ladd’s impact here.
Congratulations to K.G. Campbell, whose picture book Dylan the Villain has been nominated for the Iowa Association of School Librarians’ Goldfinch Award for 2018-2019! This award is unique because children get to read the nominated titles and vote for the winner, directly influencing the yearly reading list. You can read more about the award here.
Ashley Spires
was recently interviewed for the podcast Art Side of Life, where she discussed topics such as finding an agent and things she wishes she had known starting off as an author/illustrator. Listen to Ashley’s inspirational chat with Iva, the show’s host, where you’ll hear everything from great advice about children’s publishing to Ashley’s own art tool preferences and process.
You can find the full episode here.
Let the Children March, written by Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrated by Frank Morrison, is included in a recent New York Times piece titled “Children’s Books About Black History, Heavy on Biographies.” The piece features a list of children’s books that are biographical in nature and focus on prominent African-American figures, with a brief review of each book. The author of the piece states that in Let the Children March “Frank Morrison’s illustrations are loose and modern in spirit, enlivening the history lesson.”
You can view the full piece here and purchase a copy of the book here.