Coming out January 2018, Let the Children March is already bringing in positive reviews. Written by Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrated by Frank Morrison, this inspiring picture book tells the story of the Children’s Crusades. In 1960s Birmingham, hundreds of children and adolescents marched in protest of segregation. Many were harassed, water hosed, and even arrested. The Horn Book Magazine and the School Library Journal (SLJ) both positively reviewed Let the Children March, and the SLJ awarded it a starred review! The Horn Book Magazine praised “the strong, poetic text” and the unflinching depiction of the brutality the young protesters faced. They also praised Frank’s illustrations, writing that Frank’s “remarkable oil paintings…[are] a vibrant representation of the determination and courage of the civil rights movement.” The Horn Book Magazine’s full review is available in their November/December issue. The School Library Journal wrote a starred review of Let the Children March. The SLJ appreciated the text’s ability to provoke important conversations in the modern day about racism and civil rights. They also had nothing but good to say about Frank’s art, writing, “The experiences of segregation are sensitively depicted by Morrison…The defiance, determination, and passion comes through clearly on the faces of the figures.” In conclusion, […]
Vanessa Brantley Newton was recently interviewed by KidLit TV’s StoryMakers! Hosted by Rocco Staino, StoryMakers is a talk-show style series that interviews bestselling children’s authors and illustrators. Vanessa and Rocco discussed some of Vanessa’s recent picture books, such as Mary Had a Little Glam. Vanessa is pretty stylish herself, something she learned from her mother! Vanessa has also done remarkable work in historical fiction with books such as The Youngest Marcher and Sewing Stories. They discussed her variety of styles, including her fondness for the unique style of collage. We also got a sneak peek at her upcoming work, Grandma’s Purse, which she both wrote and illustrated, plus some discussion of the trademark diversity of all her works. To check out this fascinating interview, follow the link here or watch the video below. Grandma’s Purse will be coming out January 2018 and can be pre-ordered here.
Coming out January 2018, The Great Dictionary Caper is already receiving tons of advance praise! With a starred review from Kirkus already under its belt, The Great Dictionary Caper has now received a starred review from Publishers Weekly! Written by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Eric Comstock, this high-energy picture books tells the story of what happens when the dictionary words get bored and escape for the day. Publishers Weekly writes that The Great Dictionary Caper, “introduce linguistics terminology in just about the most playful way possible.” They praise Eric’s illustrations, writing, “Working in a limited palette of orange, olive, and pale blue, Comstock brings the words to vivid anthropomorphic life while visually underscoring each concept.” In all, they conclude that this picture book is, “the very definition of wordplay.” Publishers Weekly’s full review is available here. The Great Dictionary Caper will be coming out this winter and is available for pre-order here.
Trucks Galore, written by Peter Stein and illustrated by Bob Staake, was released today! A humorous collection of all things truck related, Trucks Galore is the newest volume in Peter and Staake’s Galore series. Kirkus praised Trucks Galore as “imaginative” and “highly original” in their review of the picture book. Trucks Galore is now available for purchase! Order your copy here.
It’s here at last! Today is the release day for Book or Bell?, the new picture book written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Ashley Spires. Henry is hooked on a brand new book, but when the school bell rings, he has to put it down for the day…or does he? When one boy chooses a book over the school bell, hilarious chaos results. Book or Bell? is now available for purchase online here.
Today is a good day for us here at Painted Words! Two new picture books illustrated by our artists have been reviewed with starred reviews from Kirkus. The second is Let the Children March, written by Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrated by Frank Morrison. This powerful picture book tells the true story of the Children’s March for civil rights in 1960s Birmingham. Kirkus praised the narrative’s factual yet emotional description of the harrowing true events and the use of free verse. They strongly praise Frank’s illustrations, writing, “Morrison’s powerful use of perspective makes his beautiful oil paintings even more dynamic and conveys the intensity of the situations depicted, including the children’s being arrested, hosed, and jailed. The child crusaders, regardless of how badly they’re treated, never lose their dignity, which the art conveys flawlessly.” In all, they conclude Let the Children March is, “A powerful retrospective glimpse at a key event.” Kirkus’s starred review can be read online here. Let the Children March will come out January 2nd, 2018. Pre-order it here.
