The 2025 Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards, which honors books with intersectional protagonists, included books illustrated by two Painted Words’ artists: A Kurta to Remember, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi (Sleeping Bear Press) made the on Longlist, and A Voice of Hope: The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story, illustrated by London Ladd (Philomel), was included on the list of Commended Titles. Congratulations Avani and London! You can learn more about the Awards and the honorees here.
After ten weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography, has hit #1! Congratulations to the book’s illustrator, Elisa Chavarri!
My Hair is a Book, illustrated by London Ladd and written by Maisha Oso, has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work – Children. Congratulations London!
When I Hear Spirituals, illustrated by London Ladd and written by Cheryl Willis Hudson, has received its fifth starred review from School Library Journal, and was awarded a Gold Standard Selection from the Junior Library Guild. The School Library Journal review praises the book saying, “No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.” Congratulations, London!
New York Public Libary’s 100 Best Books for Kids includes Adela’s Mariachi Band, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina (Charlesbridge), and My Hair is a Book, illustrated by London Ladd (Harper Collins). Congratulations Erika and London! See the full list here.
Chicago Public Library’s 2024 list of Best Informational Books for Young Readers includes Miles of Style, illustrated by Lynn Gaines (Lee & Low Books) and Elise Gravel‘s El rosa, el azul y tú (NubeOcho). Congratulations Lynn and Elise! See the full list here.
