Over on a Mountain, written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Jill Dubin, has received advanced praise from Kirkus Reviews. The book is the next installment in Berkes’ early science books and is the fifth book in the series illustrated by Jill Dubin. Previous titles include Over in a River, Over in the Forest, Over in the Arctic and Over in Australia. Regarding Jill Dubin’s artwork, Kirkus said: “As with most in this series, the artwork stands out for its beauty and craftsmanship. Dubin’s textured cut- and torn-paper illustrations evoke both animals and habitats—fur looks soft, rocks look hard, and one can almost smell the greenery, though the scenes are less realistic than cute.” Over on a Mountain will be available to purchase in March 2015.
The Chicago Public Library (CPL) has unveiled its Best Books of 2014 list, which includes titles by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, London Ladd, Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison. Amongst its Best Picture Books of 2014 list, CPL included The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Under the Freedom Tree, illustrated by London Ladd, also made the list, as did I Got the Rhythm, which was written by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison. Frank Morrison’s illustration work also featured in CPL’s Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2014, with Little Melba and Her Big Trombone.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison, has appeared on another best of 2014 list, this time on School Library Journal’s best nonfiction books of the year. This gorgeous title has also appeared on several other best-of lists, including Kirkus’ best books celebrating diversity.
Sunday Shopping, written by Sally Derby and illustrated by Shadra Strickland, has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection. The book will be among their 2015 offerings. Sunday Shopping comes out on May 15, 2015.
The All Over Albany blog interviewed Elizabeth Zunon in a holiday-themed post about giving (and receiving) gifts. Elizabeth revealed what she’d like to receive, what she’d like to give, and which charity she’d like to support – “Sweethearts for a Cause”, a charity dedicated to assisting orphanages in West Africa’s Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), which was started by Elizabeth herself alongside her mother and a family friend. Elizabeth’s upcoming book, One Plastic Bag, will be out in February 2015.
The Curious City blog picked three Painted Words artists for its best children’s books of 2014 line-up. The three titles are Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day by Sarah Dillard, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Frank Morrison, and What Ship is Not a Ship? by Josee Masse. Sarah Dillard’s Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day was deemed the “best excuse to don a cape.” Frank Morrison’s Little Melba and Her Big Trombone was dubbed “best girl tooting her own horn.” Josee Masse’s What Ship is Not a Ship? was praised for its “best use of word play.”
