Kirkus has given a starred review to The Scott Joplin Rag (Clarion) by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson. The review says “Johnson’s exquisitely rendered acrylic and watercolor paintings, finished digitally, contribute mightily to readers’ understanding, incorporating gauzy swaths of color (especially magenta and chartreuse) layered over the urban scenes. Reminiscent of Aaron Douglas’ work, backgrounds are less saturated and specific than foregrounds, providing depth. Golden leaves, notes, and sheet music float over singers and structures, adding movement and celebrating Joplin’s famous “Maple Leaf Rag.” Piano keys detach from one another, ebony sliding away from ivory.” The book will be published January 19. 2027. Congratulations Cathy Ann!!
Booklist has given a starred review to Freedom’s Eve, A Story of Watch Night (FSG) by Pamela Courtney, illustrated by Keisha Morris. The review says “The big feelings reflected in the faces of the dark-skinned young narrator and those around her in Morris’ painted-tissue illustrations really ramp up the emotion as a community gathers to celebrate the vigil that many of their Black ancestors kept on New Year’s Eve 1862, the night before the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect.” The book will be published October 13, 2026. Congratulations Keisha!
Publishers Weekly joins Kirkus and School Library Journal in giving a starred review to Here Comes the Band (Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster) written by Shadra Strickland, illustrated by John Holyfield. They write “Capturing the precision, spirit, and cultural pride at the heart of the show, it’s a dynamic collective performance that spotlights the experience of a young “biggest fan.” The book is also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Congratulations Shadra!
A Joke of Her Own (Abrams) by Amy Schumer, illustrated by Beth Mills has been featured in People Magazine. The book is is about a little girl who wants to write her very own book and take ownership over when people laugh at her. It is inspired by Schumer’s own childhood, as well as a message she tries to impart to her son Gene, 7. The book will be published March 9 2027. Read the full article here Pre-order it here
I Love My People: A Child’s Celebration of Black Culture (Beaming Books) by Kim Singleton, illustrated by Kim Holt has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Black Authors Matter Children’s Book Awards. The winners will be announced at the 2026 National Black Book Festival’s Networking and Awards Breakfast on Saturday, October 24 in Houston. Good luck, Kim! Get the book here
Songbird in the Light (Abrams) by Billy Porter, illustrated by Charly Palmer has been selected for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. The 46th Annual The Original Art exhibition will be on view from October 31, 2026 to January 30, 2027, at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators. Get the book here
