My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay Reviewed in The New York Times

January 30, 2015

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, was reviewed in The New York Times’ Sunday Book Review. The review praised Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s “wonderfully spirited” illustrations, and say My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay is “refreshing in its casual approach to racial diversity.” Read the full review here.

Publishers Weekly praises My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

December 09, 2014

Publishers Weekly gave a fine review to My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Publishers Weekly called the book a “frank, encouraging story”, and described Brantley-Newton’s illustrations as “exud[ing] warmth and empathy as they build to a triumphant conclusion.”

Kirkus starred review for My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

November 13, 2014

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, has received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

Aimed at readers aged 5-8, this charming book follows Zulay, a African-American first grader who must learn to navigate around school using a white cane. Although she is encouraged by her three best friends – Chyng, Maya and Nancy – all Zulay wants is to be like every other kid: to fit in. My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay‘s inclusive nature ensures that readers of all backgrounds and abilities will feel welcomed and assured by the story and its characters.

About Brantley-Newton’s illustrations, Kirkus said: “Brantley-Newton’s bright colors and attention to facial expressions swiftly convey Zulay’s enthusiasm, attitude and apprehension, as well as the skeptical and encouraging looks she can’t see.”

On the back cover of the book, a raised braille alphabet will introduce the unfamiliar and provides a nice final touch to the experience.

Buy My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Praise for My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton from School Library Journal

November 3, 2014

School Library Journal praised My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay with a very positive review that noted the book as “a great way to continue building diverse library collections for all readers.”

The book is written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. About the illustration, SLJ said: “Bright, colorful illustrations on a clean white backdrop are crisp and clear and mesh seamlessly with the text.”

New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing Includes Frank Morrison, K.G. Campbell, & Ashley Spires

Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer by Frank Morrison available now

October 29, 2014

Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer, written by Elaine and Michaela DePrince and illustrated by Frank Morrison, is available to buy. The book is based on the true story of Michaela DePrince, one of the top ballerinas in the United States.

Michaela’s story starts with a three-year-old orphan living in Sierra Leone who discovers a picture of a ballerina. That single image inspired a dream that saw Michaela take up ballet after being adopted and moving to America. Even now, as a principal dancer in New York City who has been featured in documentaries, television shows, and, of course, countless dance performances, Michaela still remembers that photograph.

Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer is an inspirational story written for readers who are new to reading independently and are improving their reading confidence. Containing both photographs and beautiful illustrations by Frank Morrison, this book is an uplifting read that will inspire readers to reach for their own dreams.

Find it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

EUREKA GOLD AWARD FOR STEVE ADAMS’ IF: A MIND-BENDING NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT BIG IDEAS AND NUMBERS

October 22, 2014

If: A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers, written by David J. Smith and illustrated by Steve Adams, has received a Eureka! Gold award.

The Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award was established by the California Reading Association as a way to highlight excellent nonfiction children’s books for teachers, librarians, and parents to assist them with choosing books for their students and children.

In the Honor Awards section, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Painted Words illustrator Frank Morrison gained recognition.

Check out If: A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers on Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

Congratulations Steve (and Frank!)

Alice from Dallas a Finalist in the Western Writers of America 2015 Spur Awards

March 19, 2015

Alice From Dallas by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Ard Hoyt, has been selected as a Finalist in the Western Writers of America 2015 Spur Awards in the Best Western Storyteller – Illustrated Children’s book category.  Alice from Dallas is the best cowgirl at school, until new student, Lexis from Texas, shows up and gives Alice a run for her money. What School Library Journal calls “a rollicking fun read-aloud” would be at home on any cowgirl’s bookshelf.

See the rest of the finalists and winners here.

Marilyn Sadler’s Alice from Dallas wins NAPPA gold award

September 30, 2014

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!

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Alice from Dallas Earns Praise Upon Release

March 2014

Marilyn Sadler’s Alice From Dallas hits shelves this month! This funny picture book about two rivaling cowgirl classmates has been praised by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist. Kirkus calls the book a “ rootin’, tootin’ story” and Booklist says it’s “a lively story for cowgirls everywhere.”