Blue Spruce Awards Go Virtual!

The Blue Spruce Awards are going virtual! Visit Forest of Reading (see attachment for the link ; read-aloud schedule) to catch this years Blue Spruce Nominees!  These books will enrich young readers learning experiences with beautiful illustrations blended with fun, interesting, and exciting stories.

Paper Bag Princess Turns 40: A Podcast Primer

A classic of children's literature will be celebrating a big birthday in May 2020; its 40th, to be precise. And what a celebration it will be! Robert Munsch's seminal story, The Paper Bag Princess, has been adored by millions of children around the globe, and inspired countless artists over the last forty years to challenge the framework of 'normal' fairy-tales. The CBC recently published an illuminating interview (which you can check out here) on Munsch's creative process and various inspirations for PBP, along with the exclamation that Elizabeth's proud declaration of independence is indeed a happy ending; Munsch adds, "That's the ending it's supposed to have."

Stay tuned for more PBP news & updates - there's going to be plenty this year!

Child of Glass by Beatrice Alemagna

A tribute to strength and sensitivity, Child of Glass perfectly expresses our dual desires to embrace ourselves and to fit in. Italian author Beatrice Alemagna uses transparent pages and collage-like illustrations to bring her heroine to life in this poignant tale.

Resonating with many, the book has received a starred review in the School Library Journal, and was a 2019 NYT/NYPL Best Illustrated Children's Book.

Kirkus Reviews say it will "reach both small and older readers struggling to conceal, manage, and express complicated inner worlds."

Hervé Tullet: Inside the Creative Process

Hervé Tullet is the wondrous mind behind the worldwide-acclaimed children's book Press Here, published by Chronicle Books, among another 80-odd titles he's put out. He recently sat down with the New York Times to discuss his studio work-space and the methods he utilizes in crafting his unique art, as well as moving his entire operation (and family) from Paris to Harlem. The extended interview can be found here

Mr. Tullet is currently engaged in a project he calls "The Ideal Exhibition", a multifaceted, hands-on workshop that allows all who visit to contribute to his art. You can check out the promotional vid here

Three Cheers for Kid McGear!

Anyone remember Mighty Machines?  Kid McGear, the hardworking brainchild of Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford, is the newest truck to join the Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site crew, an incredibly popular children's title from Chronicle Books. Can the new Kid on the site prove she's big enough? 

Three Cheers For Kid McGear will be released on September 24th. In the meantime, Chronicle has put together a fun character reveal video done by illustrator AG Ford, which you can watch here, and a dedicated landing page which you can view here.

Kate Greenaway and CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlists Announced

The shortlists for the Kate Greenaway Medal and the CILIP Carnegie Medal were released this week. The Kate Greenaway shortlist includes bewitching ode to nature The Lost Words (House of Anansi) illustrated by Jackie Morris, alongside the latest from Jon Klassen, an illustrated history of the suffragette movement by David Roberts, and more. Last year saw Canadian illustrator Sydney Smith win for his illustrations in Town Is by the Sea (Groundwood Books).

Mark your calendars for June 18th when the winner is announced!