Happy Book Birthday to If I Were a Tiger (WaterBrook) by Caroline Coleman, illustrated by Nadya Bonten-Slenders. The book is a whimsical and playful rhyming picture book about a young boy who imagines himself as a tiger to overcome his fears—only to realize that he can trust in God. Congratulations Nadya! Get the book here
In a review for Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready (Philomel Books) by Raphael Warnock, illustrated by TeMika Grooms, Publishers Weekly says “Foregrounding portraiture and images of figures’ footwear, Grooms’s illustrations have the sweep of murals, portraying characters of varying abilities and skin tones, and communicating Warnock’s purpose-driven efforts. The book is an autobiographical picture book by Georgia’s first Black Senator, and senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, once led by Martin Luther King Jr., and will be published on January 10, 2023. See the full review here Preorder the book here
Happy Book Birthday to Starring Steven Spielberg: The Making of a Young Filmmaker (Christy Ottaviano Books) by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Craig Orback. Praise for Starring Steven Spielberg: “Scenes from a famous director’s childhood…. Panoramic, colorful, action-packed spreads give the book a cinematic feel…. Educational and entertaining.”—Kirkus Reviews “Budding film buffs gain insight into the work of Steven Spielberg….Opening with Spielberg’s early experience as a moviegoer in the 1950s, the book shines a particular spotlight on the way that experiences from his youth, ranging from anxiety to his parents’ divorce, shaped his sensibilities as a director.”—Publishers Weekly Congratulations Gene! Get the book here
Alphabedtime (Nancy Paulsen Books) by Susanna Leonard Hill, illustrated by Betsy Snyder, is coming out October 25 and is already getting praise. It is an Amazon editors’ Best Pick for picture books age 3-5, Kirkus calls the book “A playful approach to teaching kids the alphabet“, And it is on the Children’s Book Council list of books “Hot off the Press” for October. Follow Betsy on Instragram to learn more and see some fun sneak previews. Congratulations, Betsy! Pre-order the book here
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina will be hosting a book launch for Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork (Astra/Hippo Park) by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Dan & Jason. Praise for Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork: “Will have your kiddos laughing hysterically.” — We Are Teachers “Cutlery vies for a baby’s love in one of the sillier offerings of the list (and I mean that as a compliment).” — Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal This is a hybrid event, meaning there is an option to attend virtually or in person. Registration is required. To learn more about the event, go here Order the book here
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow and Shadra Strickland are among the artists featured in an exhibition at the Katonah Museum of Art titled A Sense of Community: Celebrating Jerry Pinkney’s Legacy. This exhibition brings together all these myriad voices to honor a creator who touched so many folks, not only with his artwork but also with his warm gentle personality and smile that would melt away any professional tension. With his passing, one phrase has been repeated in remembering him: “He was a really kind person.” The exhibition will run from October 8, 2022 through January 22, 2023. Learn more here
