Family Feast, the latest collaboration between illustrator Frank Morrison and author Carole Boston Weatherford, hit shelves this September, and the positive reviews are pouring in. The book received a Starred Review from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal. It was also chosen by Society of Illustrators to be featured in their 2025 Original Art Exhibition. Congratulations Frank! ★ “A triumphant and utterly inviting gustatory celebration.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ “Readers will clearly see that sharing food at a table strengthens the bond of a family, and brings everyone closer together. This is a gorgeously illustrated celebration of African American family and food.” —School Library Journal, starred review ★ “The joy lingers long after dessert across this soulful tribute to legacy, love, and familial gatherings.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Run Home, the follow-up to Alyssa Bermudez‘s middle grade graphic memoir, Big Apple Diaries, has received a Starred Review from Kirkus. The review praises the book as, “a heartfelt, reassuring, and emotionally intelligent page-turner.” Run Home will be released by Roaring Brook Press on January 27, 2026. Pre-order a copy here.
Congratulations to Erika Lynne Jones on the Starred Review from School Library Journal for her debut author-illustrated picture book, Zara in the Middle (Harper Collins). The reviewer writes, “Themes of self-expression, family dynamics, and compromise make this a standout read for young audiences navigating big personalities in their own lives…A warm and empowering story about finding one’s voice while celebrating the love of family.”
A Voice of Hope: The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story, illustrated by London Ladd and written by Nadia Solomon, has received a Crystal Kite Award Honor in the West region. The book is published by Penguin/Philomel Books.Congratulations to London! See the full list of winners here.
Congratulations to Joanie Stone! Her illustrated picture book, The Wire Zoo (Simon & Schuster), has won the Colorado Book Award in the Children’s Literature category. See the full list of winners here.
Congratulations to Elise Gravel on being named a member of the Order of Canada! Elise was awarded this prestigious honor in April. On her Facebook page, Elise wrote, “I am honored to have received the Order of Canada today. This recognition moves me deeply and encourages me to continue supporting all children, as well as those who educate them.” From the Governor General of Canada’s Website: “Children’s book author and illustrator Élise Gravel has published some 50 picture books internationally that have been translated into over a dozen languages. Her work, exploring such key topics as diversity, gender equality and social justice, has significantly contributed to developing and sharpening young people’s critical thinking skills while encouraging them to broaden their horizons” CBC highlighted Elise and other writers who are new Order of Canada appointees in an article HERE.
