Pantagraph wrote a review of Gene Barretta’s historical picture book, Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare, which compares all the intriguing similarities between the two famous presidents, including their fights for civil rights. Pantagraph praises Gene’s presentation of historical facts, writing that “Gene Barretta shows kids how history can be a weird and wonderful thing,” and they add that he “allow[s] his illustrations to bring the smiles here.”

You can read Pantagraph’s full review here. Lincoln and Kennedy can be ordered online here.

The spring 2016 edition of The Dragon Lode highlighted new poetry books, and one of the books they reviewed was Poems in the Attic, written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Liz Zunon. The Dragon Lode praised, of course, the poems in the book, and the way they highlight connections between families, memories, and places, particularly for a family that moves frequently. They called Poems in the Attic, “A fine tribute to…how poetry can be a comfort and an outlet.”

You can order Poems in the Attic online here.

Constance Lombardo, author of the illustrated middle grade novel series, Mr. Puffball, will be visiting the Bank Street Bookstore in New York on Wednesday, August 3rd. Constance and fellow middle grade author Molly Burnham will be speaking about their books. The talk will be at 4 pm. If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and see them!

You can find more details about the event here.

Quill and Quire wrote a wonderful review for Elise Gravel‘s upcoming picture book, The Cranky Ballerina, coming out August 9th. Quill and Quire complimented Elise’s “fun, expressive illustrations,” humor, and the valuable life lessons about kindness and failure. They write that “By following Ada’s story, [readers will] also learn that sometimes failing at one thing just means they might end up being exceptionally good at something they haven’t tried yet.”

You can read the full review here and pre-order The Cranky Ballerina here.

The upcoming picture book, Mary Had a Little Glam, written by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, received a starred review from Kirkus. Mary Had a Little Glam is the fun, rhyming story of a fashionable little girl who transforms her drab fairy tale classmates into young fashionistas. Kirkus praised the positive story and smooth rhymes, and wrote that, “Brantley-Newton’s bright, fun-filled illustrations teem with energy and life.” Kirkus particularly pointed out the diversity in the story. “Whether by happenstance or by design, this delightful picture book positively answers the call for more books about children of color.” You can read Kirkus’s full review on their site.

Mary Had a Little Glam comes out August 2nd. Pre-order it here!

Boston Public Schools released lists of recommended summer reading for the summer of 2016. Poems in the Attic, written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Liz Zunon, was included on the reading list for grades 3-5. Poems in the Attic tells of a young girl’s connection to her family through generations of poems. Congrats, Liz and Nikki!

You can find the full list of recommended summer reading here under 2016 Summer Reading Lists. You can order Poems in the Attic online here.

The Cranky Ballerina, Elise Gravel‘s upcoming picture book, was recently reviewed by the School Library Journal. The Cranky Ballerina tells the story of Ada, a little girl who hates her ballet lessons and would much rather learn karate. The School Library Journal praised Elise’s complex portrayal of her character, pointing out that Ada’s grumpiness is not merely for humor but is due to her frustration. They write, “This book will resonate with children, especially those who have yet to channel their misunderstood talents.” They also praise Elise’s humor and the illustrations in her signature style and call The Cranky Ballerina, “A noteworthy addition for most collections.”

The Cranky Ballerina will be released August 9th. Pre-order it here!

Come see Eric Barclay, the author/illustrator of picture books such as I Can See Just Fine, at Half Price Books in Dallas, Texas on July 12! Eric will be signing books there as part of Scholastic’s Summer Reading Roadtrip. The signing will run from 4-6 pm and will have a special appearance from Clifford the Big Red Dog, plus plenty of other activities to encourage summer reading. If you’re in the area, you should stop by to join in the fun.

You can find out more information on Half Price Books website here (scroll down to July 12).

Jaime Kim and Il Sung Na were awarded Honorable Mentions in the Picture Book category in the 3×3 International Illustration Annual Competition. Il Sung’s award came for his picture book, The Opposite Zoo, which teaches children about the concept of illustrations through illustrations of a zoo at night. Jaime Kim won a Merit Award for her work “Sister.” Congratulations, Il Sung and Jaime!

You can see the full list of winners here. You can order The Opposite Zoo online here.