Poems in the Attic, written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, received advance praise from Kirkus with a starred review. From the review: “Succinct poetry shines in this impassioned celebration of history; the stories of this African-American family traveling the globe are rich with heart and color.”  The book will be released from Lee & Low this May. Read the full review online here.

“Lives of the Poets,” a New York Times article on poetry in children’s book new releases, included a glowing review of Poems in the Attic (Lee & Low Books). Written by  Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, Poems in the Attic is about a young girl who discovers letters her mother wrote when she was a child, traveling the world as an “Air Force brat.” The reviewer applauds Elizabeth’s artwork, writing,  “[her] warm, bright illustrations provide a cheerful balance.”

Poems in the Attic will be available in stores everywhere on May 15, or you can pre-order a copy here.

Eric Barclay’s StoryBox books published by SmartInk won’t be available for purchase until May 26th, but Kirkus has issued advance praise for the unique die-cut board books.  Eric’s two StoryBox titles include Counting Dogs and Rainbow Cats. In the review of Counting Dogs, Kirkus writes, “A sense of fun, clear, uncluttered design, and construction that should hold up to heavy use make this board book’s relatively high price well worth the extra expense.

Pre-order Counting Dogs here.

We were delighted to find that books illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, Vanessa Brantley Newton, and Ashley Spires were included in Booklist’s article, “Classroom Connections: Maker Minds.”  The books featured help inspire “hands-on creativity” for kids. It’s no surprise that The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Magic Trash, and The Most Magnificent Thing made the list.  Get inspired by these wonderful stories and start a DIY project of your own!

Barroux’s Where’s the Elephant was released by Egmont UK last week, just in time for Earth Day.  The Guardian featured the near-wordless picture book in an article titled, “Which books deal with climate change for younger children?” The article’s writer says that the book “powerfully demonstrates the devastating effects of deforestation as Elephant, Parrot and Snake find their simple game of hide and seek is no longer possible as the trees of the forest have been cut down to make way for houses, road and cars.”  Barroux’s beautiful illustrations paint an important message about climate change for young readers. Where’s the Elephant isn’t to be missed.

Lend a Hand, written  by John Frank and illustrated by London Ladd, was included in the 2015 Notable Poetry List from National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). “Each spread includes a poem with a beautiful color illustration portraying the act of kindness,” writes the reviewer of Lend a Hand. Congratulations London!

Visit the School Library Journal website to view the full list.

Welcome Home, Bear by Il Sung Na won’t be available for purchase until July, but Kirkus is already singing its praises in a Starred Review.  They write, “The text is spare, usually only a sentence on each spread, but carefully and engagingly written. Listeners can’t help but sympathize with Bear in his frustration and rejoice when he finds the place that’s ‘just where he wanted to be.'” Look out for this sweet new story from the inimitable Na, in stores this summer.

Huy Voun Lee‘s activity kit, Origami Playhouse: Fold, Play, and Display, is on sale now! A do-it-yourself dollhouse for folding enthusiasts, Origami Playhouse is fun craft for families to work on together. The kit comes with beautiful papers and patterns to equip your own playhouse with furniture and accessories. Available for purchase here.

Sunday Shopping, written by Sally Derby and illustrated by Shadra Strickland, received a terrific review in The Horn Book Magazine.

“Strickland’s bright, breezy acrylic, watercolor, wax pencil, and digital collage-style illustrations blend realistic portraiture with creative flights of fancy to evoke this weekly ritual, making manifest Evie and Grandma’s vivid storytelling in ways that will speak to young readers’ imaginations,” wrote The Horn Book.

The Horn Book Magazine has selected Poems in the Attic to appear in the May/June issue, accompanied by an enthusiastic review.

“Each page turn is like opening that old box in the attic—you never know what is coming next,” said The Horn Book.

Elizabeth Zunon’s illustrations of the book were also lauded, and The Horn Book wrote, “Pink-toned acrylic and oil illustrations are enhanced by cut-paper and fabric collage, allowing readers to imagine seeing the aurora borealis in Alaska, go hiking in Germany, or smell the cherry blossoms in Japan.”