2018 is flying by, and already has us book lovers looking ahead to the next round of exciting children’s book releases. Dylan Teut, who runs the Mile High Reading blog, is not immune to this anticipatory enthusiasm. He’s compiled a list of highly anticipated children’s picture books that will be released in 2019, and Bedtime for Beasties by Leslie Staub and illustrated by Jia Liu was included on that list. We’re not surprised – this adorably creative book is at the top of our must-reads list as well. In this imaginative bedtime story, a little girl takes control of her nightmare and becomes the boss of the beasties in her dreams. You can pre-order this original tale here and view the Mile High Reading blog’s post here.
Never fear, Nomar Perez‘s newest book is here! Released on May 29th as a #1 new release on Amazon, Never Fear, God is Near is the most recent book in the Best of Li’l Buddies board book series. Illustrated by Perez, this adorable book follows Beacon, a small toucan on a big adventure. Little ones will love following Beacon on his flying test as he dodges trees, flies down to the sea, around a cliff, and up high in the sky. All with his parents nearby reminding him, “Don’t worry!” Beacon’s adventure reminds little ones to “Never Fear, God Is Near” in fun, age-appropriate ways. Packed with vibrant, full-color illustrations and relationship-reinforcing Bible truths, little ones will delight in this engaging story. Grab your copy of Never Fear, God is Near here.
Congratulations to Jaime Kim and London Ladd, who illustrated books that have received 2018 Parents’ Choice Awards! Kim’s La La La: A Story of Hope, written by Kate DiCamillo, has won a Parents’ Choice Gold Award, and Ladd’s Midnight Teacher: Lily Ann Granderson and Her Secret School received a Parents’ Choice Silver Award. You can view the complete winners list here and don’t forget to grab a copy of La La La here and Midnight Teacher here.
Congratulations to the following Painted Words artists/authors whose books were included in Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year 2018 List: Frank Morrison – One Last Word, Clayton Byrd Goes Underground Ashley Spires – The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do, Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel Vanessa Brantley-Newton – The Youngest Marcher Fabricio VandenBroeck – Thirsty, Thirsty Elephants Gabrielle Grimard – Stolen Words Elise Gravel – Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere Mircea Catusanu – Noah Webster’s Fighting Words Elizabeth Zunon – One Last Word, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne One Last Word: Wisdom From the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes with illustrations from 15 artists including Frank Morrison and Elizabeth Zunon was the recipient of the Claudia Lewis Award for the best poetry book of the year for young readers, while The Youngest Marcher illustrated by Vanessa B. Newton, Clayton Byrd Goes Underground illustrated by Frank Morrison, and The Legendary Miss Lena Horne illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, were each recognized for Outstanding Merit. You can view the full list of books here.
Congratulations to Betsy Snyder, who illustrated the adorable I Can Explore and I Can Dream interactive board books for early readers. The books have garnered positive reviews from Kirkus Review, and Booklist, praised as “likely to delight many digits” and “a playful choice for toddlers.” Using their fingers, young readers can assist characters in their exploration of the world in I Can Explore, and help pursue their aspirations in I Can Dream. With interactive holes on every page and a satisfyingly funny touch-and-feel cover, this charming board book offers a uniquely entertaining way to play and read together. Grab your copy of I Can Explore here and I Can Dream here.
Congratulations to Mircea Catusanu, who illustrated Noah Webster’s Fighting Words, and Vanessa B. Newton who illustrated The Youngest Marcher, both of which are featured in the International Literary Association (ILA) Teachers’ Choice 2018 Reading List. Both books appear on page 5 of the list, in the category “Intermediate Readers.” You can read about the Teachers’ Choice list and view the entire 2018 list here.
