School Library Journal has given a rave review to Waiting in the Wings (Little, Brown) by Julie Andrews, and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrated by E.G. Keller. See the full review below! In this utterly charming picture book, mother-daughter team Andrews and Hamilton tell the story of ducks who hatch their young just outside a theater. Based on true events, the story plays out from the ducks’ perspectives. Mr. Puddleduck is drawn into a love of the stage as he and Mrs. Puddleduck wait for their eggs to hatch. After observing rehearsals day after day, Mr. Puddleduck develops a flair for the dramatic, resulting in an exuberantly theatrical march to the water once the ducklings make their grand entrance. Positive themes of caring and community are woven into the book’s messaging as the theater’s performers and other townspeople drop everything to usher the duck family to safety. Cheerful digital illustrations rendered in a loose, painterly style incorporate dynamic perspectives and angles, complementing the lively tone of the text. Human characters are depicted with a variety of skin tones, ages, and body types. An uplifting author’s note shares the real events that inspired this book and reinforces the story’s central message about the value of introducing children to the […]
Bookpage has given a starred review for Itty Bitty Betty Blob (Hippo Park) by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player. The review says “Constance Lombaro’s straightforward, sweetly witty prose will have readers rooting for Betty as well as nervously holding their breath on her behalf as she dares to embrace being different. Micah Player’s boldly drawn, emotion-infused illustrations expertly embody everything from Ghoultington Academy’s imposing gothic architecture to the puffs’ extreme cuteness and manic energy. There are a lot of fun little details for itty bitty bibliophiles to discover upon rereads too. Itty Bitty Betty Blob’s nicely balanced combination of humor, emotion and inspiration makes it an absolute treat of a read—a warm and wonderful reminder to celebrate our differences and dare to share joy with others.” Here is more praise for Itty Bitty Betty Blob! “Children will enjoy the humor…and will be heartened by Betty’s willingness to embrace what makes her different…A light touch delivers an increasingly common but important message.” —Kirkus Reviews “A ‘sweet-tempered be-yourself’ tale.” —Publishers Weekly “Itty Bitty Betty Blob is not your typical monster, being a small, round pink creature who loves rainbows, flowers, dancing, and singing…Most of the illustrations are in black, white, and […]
Poppy Harlow and Laura Jarrett, authors of The Color of Love (Viking), illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, appeared on NBC’s the Today Show, and New York Live, promoting the book, which publishes May 14. See the videos here and here and here Get the book here Congratulations Elisa!
The Children’s Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education has released their list of The Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2024 Edtion, highlighting the best books of 2023. Included on the list are: How Do You Spell Unfair? (Candlewick) by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison Baking with mi Abuelita (Random House) by Julissa Mora Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar (Doubleday) by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow You So Black (Denene Millner Boos/Simon & Schuster) by Theresa the S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., illustrated by London Ladd Jump In! (Bloomsbury) by Shadra Strickland Nesting Dolls (Crown) by Vanessa Brantley Newton Beautiful Noise (Anne Schwartz Books) by Lisa Rogers, illustrated by Il Sung Na Black Girls, A Celebration of You! (HarperCollins)by Dominique Furukawa, illustrated by Erika Lynn Jones Not a Monster (Charlesbridge) by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, illustrated by Laura Gonzalez Alphabuddies: G is First! (HarperCollins) by Beth Bacon and Karen Kane, illustrated by Eric Barclay Unstoppable (Little Bees Books) by Michael G. Long, illustrated by Bea Jackson Breaking to the Beat! (Lee & Low) by Linda J. Acevedo, illustrated by Frank Morrison Abuela’s Super Capa (HarperCollins) by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
The CBC has announced the CBC Favorites Awards 2024 and several Painted Words artists are on the list! Making the Children’s favorites list are: How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick) by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank Morrison Loud Librarian (Simon & Schuster/Atheneum) Jenna Beatrice; illustrated by Erika Lynne Jones Making the Teachers favorites list are: Giraffe Math (Christy Ottaviano Books) by Stephen Swinburne; illustrated by Geraldo Valério How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick) Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank Morrison Congratulations everyone! See the full list here
From My Head to My Toes (Henry Holt) by Aly Raisman, illustrated by Bea Jackson has debuted at #7 on the New York Times Chidlren’s Books Best Seller list! The book is a joyful ode to loving and caring for our bodies, from Olympic gold medalist and advocate Aly Raisman and bestselling artist Bea Jackson. My body is my own. My body is just right for me, From my head to my toes From My Head to My Toes gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way. Cheerful and informative, this story focuses on the powerful message of self-love. Aly’s inspiring words are paired with expert-vetted resources, giving adults the tools to begin having these essential conversations with kids from a young age. Get the book here
