Alice from Dallas by Marilyn Sadler has won a gold award from the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA). The gold award is the highest accolade available from this prestigious organization.

NAPPA said: “Why we like it: Alice is one spunky cowgirl and there’s always a need for spunky girl stories! While she remains true to her true spunky self, she learns a lesson along the story’s trail.”

Congratulations, Marilyn!

This summer saw the release of two new books from illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton: Thanksgiving for Emily Ann (Cartwheel Press) and I Can Do It! (Little Golden Books).  Vanessa’s warm, vintage-inspired illustrations will bring a smile to your face as you enjoy these heartwarming stories.

More praise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone! The book was included in The Huffington Post’s “50 New Picture Books for Fall 2014” list, alongside some terrific new children’s books. The list even included a spread from the book of Frank Morrison’s beautiful art. View the full list here.

Our favorite super chicken, Warren, and his sidekick Egg, return in Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day, coming out October 14.  The sequel to Sarah Dillard’s Extraordinary Warren, features a chicken crossing the road and other epic adventures. In an advanced review, Kirkus wrote, “Any philosophical questions readers ever had about chickens are addressed in this graphic novel.” Philosophy and chicken puns wrapped up in Sarah’s endearing graphic art- a recipe for an all-around charming read.

Pre-order your copy here.

Readers across Canada were appalled when the country’s Education Minister, Yves Bolduc, proclaimed that school libraries are not in need of new books because they are already well-equipped. The statement led to a discussion in the media of the place of contemporary children’s literature in schools and libraries. Even the Premier of Canada, Philippe Couillard, chimed in: “Are there too many or not enough? What’s important is that there are always new books [coming into libraries], that the books are interesting for the children,” he said.

Elise Gravel responded to Bolduc’s declaration by creating a free e-book, Artsy Boys and Smelly Girls, which she posted online for all to read and share. The book has been shared through Facebook nearly 7,000 times, and Elise was featured on Radio Canada and Voir Magazine, two well-known Canadian publications. Artsy Boys and Smelly Girls dismantles gender stereotypes and promotes creativity and self-expression, using technology to make these fresh and inspiring ideas accessible to all. “Whether you’re a boy or girl, you can just be yourself,” Elise writes. The free e-book shows the importance of telling new stories that are relevant to the world children live in now, and sustaining the tradition of creativity. Download here: http://elisegravel.com/fr/content/artsy-boys-and-smelly-girls

What Ship is Not a Ship? and Please Louise have been selected to be exhibited in the Original Art Show. This will be Josee’s second exhibition and Shadra’s first. Congratulations Josee and Shadra!

Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door, the second book in the Next Door Series written by Denette Fretz and illustrated by Gene Barretta, comes out today.  The first book in the series is Pirates on the Farm.

Watch the book trailer below!