Frog and Friends Celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, the eighth book in the reader series from Sleeping Bear Press, comes out September 1st. Josee Masse’s illustrations will delight fans as usual, in this latest foray into Frog’s world. Kirkus Reviews writes, “The stories are quietly entertaining and cleverly humorous with solid plots, subtle lessons, and a cozy sense of community among the group of friends…Charming illustrations are thoughtfully integrated with the text.” Pre-order a copy for your budding reader’s collection here.

The latest installment in Disney-Hyperion’s critically-acclaimed Big Words series, Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, is already garnering attention for its spotlight on the historical figure, and London Ladd’s stunning illustrations. The book received advanced praise in a Kirkus starred review: “Ladd’s powerful and dramatic full-bleed art is richly textured and detailed…A fittingly inspirational tribute to a most praiseworthy man. ” The book comes out from Disney-Jump At the Sun on November 3rd, and is available for pre-order now.

Lend A Hand, illustrated by London Ladd, was awarded the 2015 Social Justice Literacy Award by the International Reading Association (IRA). The Social Justice Literacy Award was created in 2013 to recognize books that “address social responsibility towards individuals, communities, societies, and/or the environment as well as invite reflection and socially responsible action by the reader.” Congratulations to London on this terrific honor!

Lend a Hand, illustrated by London Ladd, and The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, were selected for inclusion on the Delaware Diamonds 2015-2016 Titles 3-5 List.  The winners were voted on by students in Delaware. More information regarding the award program can be found on their website.  Congratulations London and Vanessa!

The Association for Library Service to Children, a division of ALA, has launched a new public-awareness campaign called “Babies Need Words Every Day: Talk, Read, Sing, Play.” Eight gorgeous posters featuring Il Sung Na‘s artwork are now available to download for FREE on the ALSC website. Each poster includes a simple, fun activity to help mothers communicate with their little ones.

The ALSC states that the campaign is “designed to help parents and caregivers understand the importance of enriching communication with their babie…The campaign is kicking off with free and customizable resources that offer caregivers instant, fun ways to boost their children’s language base and build all-important pathways for learning.”

Visit the ALSC site for more information and the FREE posters!

Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Pizza Slice won’t be released until September 1st, but it received its first review this month from Kirkus. Kirkus only had praise for Comstock’s and Sadler’s ingenious math detective tale: “The authors find sneaky ways to seamlessly add more and more fractions to the tale while at the same time upping the humor…Kids will have fun following Charlie as he solves the mystery and reinforce their fraction skills along the way.” Read the full review here.

Can’t wait to get your hands on a copy? Pre-order here and ensure you receive Charlie PieChart the day it comes out.

The verdict is in: Mr. Puffball is a star! A Publishers Weekly review called  Mr. Puffball a “quirky, humorous debut.” Featuring Constance’s hilarious black-and-white illustrations, the book chronicles one ambitious cat’s journey from New Jersey to Hollywood and his humorous attempts to break into showbiz. Publishers Weekly wrote, “Emotions run high and dramatic moments are many, but Mr. Puffball’s positive attitude and growing understanding that good friends are what matter most light up the pages.”

The book doesn’t release until September, but you can pre-order a copy now!

Vanessa Brantley Newton’s cover art for Hello magazine has received the “Best Cover Award” for 2014. Congrats Vanessa on this amazing honor!