Welcome to the Publisher Spotlight ALA Midwinter 2021 Showcase! From author interviews to digital downloads, from free resources to themed booktalks, you’ll discover a range of resources for new books and audiobooks sure to enlighten and engage your community.
Register here to win the Book and Audio Basket O’Fun valued at over $300!
Get to know these authors, pick your favorite, and request a physical copy! Please note that quantities are limited.
Shani Mahiri King, Author
Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter?
Tilbury House
Black lives matter. That message would be self-evident in a just world, but in this world and this America, all children need to hear it again and again, and not just to hear it but to feel and know it. This book affirms the message repeatedly, tenderly, with cumulative power and shared pride.
Joyce Sidman, Author
Hello Earth: Poems to Our Planet
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Joyce Sidman’s imaginative poems encourage boundless curiosity, and Miren Asiain Lora’s stunning paintings capture the beauty of Earth’s ecosystems, creatures, and powerhouse plants. The book concludes with extensive scientific material to foster further learning about how the earth works, from water cycles to plate tectonics to the origin of ocean tides.
Christina Booth, Author
Welcome Home, Whales
Blue Dot Kids Press
A boy dreams of a whale’s call as she returns to a bay to introduce her new calf to the world.
James Otis Smith, Author
Black Heroes of the Wild West
TOON Graphics
This graphic nonfiction celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West.
These digital galleys are housed on Edelweiss and NetGalley, membership is free and easy for both.
Magical History Tour Volume 1: The Great Pyramid
By Sylvain Savoia and Fabrice Erre
Papercutz
Current day kids Annie and Nico travel back to ancient Egypt. That’s about 4,500 years ago, when the world’s largest pyramid, The Great Pyramid of Giza, was built. A new middle grade historical graphic novel series begins! (Ages 7-12)
Seeking an Aurora
By Elizabeth Pulford
Illustrated by Anne Bannock
Blue Dot Kids Press
A father wakes his child from sleep to beckon, “Come–we’re off to find an Aurora.” Through the silent frost, across fields, and up hills they climb…And then they wait. Together they share an unforgettable moment and the majestic splendor of the northern and southern lights. (Ages 3-7)
Facing Fear
By Karen Lynn Williams
Illustrated by Sara Palacios
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
This book is a powerful depiction of the everyday struggles faced by undocumented immigrants and their families. Sensitively told with expressive illustrations, Facing Fear explores the meaning of bravery and the strength of a community. (Ages 5-8)
Can You Whistle, Johanna?
By Ulf Stark
Illustrated by Anna Hoglund
Gecko Press
Why doesn’t Berra have a grandfather? And how can he get one? Ulf suggests that there are plenty of old men at the retirement home. Berra and Ulf go there together to find one–ideally one who eats pig’s trotters, invites you to tea, and can teach you to whistle. A funny, sensitive, illustrated chapter book about a friendship across generations. Stark’s writing covers every emotion, sometimes in the same sentence. (Ages 6-9)
A Plan for the People
By Lindsey McDivitt
Illustrated by Charly Palmer
Eerdmans Books for Young People
From his work with the African National Congress, to his imprisonment on Robben Island, to his extraordinary rise to the presidency, Nelson Mandela was a rallying force against injustice. This stirring biography explores Mandela’s long fight for equality and the courage that propelled him through decades of struggle. Illustrated in the bold, bright colors of South Africa. (Ages 8-12)
Anne of Green Gables
By L.M. Montgomery
Adapted by Crystal S. Chan
Manga Classics
Siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert were planning to adopt an orphaned boy to help out around their farm, Green Gables – instead, they got Anne Shirley. A plucky redheaded girl with a vibrant imagination, Anne turns first Green Gables and then the rest of Prince Edward Island on its ear. (Grades 5-8)
Black Heroes of the Wild West
By James Otis Smith
Introduction by Kadir Nelson
TOON Graphics
Featuring Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons, this graphic novel celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West.
Most Days
By Michael Leannah
Illustrated by Megan Elizabeth Barrata
Tilbury House
"Delicately lined illustrations with colors in soft tones support the feelings of positivity and well-being and the message that ‘another day will come tomorrow, full of extraordinary things filling ordinary minutes.’"—Booklist, starred review (Ages 3-5)
Astro Mouse and Light Bulb Volume 1: Vs. The Giant Chicken
By Fermin Solis
Papercutz
Join Astro Mouse, the insightful Light Bulb, and their… er… pet Caca, as they battle intergalactic potatoes, (delicious) astro chickens, and solve a civil war between mint and fruit flavored chewing gum. (Ages 7-10)
Check out all the books in our booth in thematic groups as well as by publisher on Pinterest.
Educator Guides
Child’s Play Teacher Zone
Child’s Play Icebreaker cards for A New School for Charlie
Papercutz Leveling Guides
Papercutz Education Hub Page
Tilbury House Classroom Guides
NEW! Nieve en la Jungla/Snow in the Jungle resources for educators and librarians. Snow must move to an unfamiliar place where he doesn’t understand the language, the food, even the environment. These activities can help kids understand the immigrant experience.
Book Videos
Last: The Story of the Last Northern White Rhino
By Nicola Davies
Tiny Owl
“The rhino’s realistic eyes add to the story’s poignancy, and the uplifting message about the power of action on behalf of nature is one we all need to hear. Notes on the illustrations and the true story of the last Northern White rhino round out this conservationist tale."—Horn Book
New Shoes, Red Shoes
By Susan Rollings
Illustrated by Becky Baur
Child’s Play
It’s time to buy a new pair of shoes. There’s footwear for every occasion, but which ones should we buy? Driven by a powerful, rhythmic and rhyming text, this book celebrates the excitement of a shopping trip, and encourages discussion of the many choices available.
The Mountains of Mumbai
By Labanyah Ghosh
Illustrated by Pallavi Jain
Karadi Tales
“An ode to urbanism and a love letter to India’s largest city…Readers who’ve never been to Mumbai will want to visit while those who love it will smile."—Kirkus
The Night Walk
By Marie Dorleans
Floris Books
“I love, love, LOVE this book. It captures everything wonderful about family night time adventures, both the hushed tone and the quiet magic of earth, air and sky."—Jane Yolen, author of Owl Moon
5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime
Britannica Books
A sneak peak into the first ever nonfiction book in the 5-Minute Stories genre! With 30 stories packed full of facts and beautiful illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit for kids and their parents alike.
New Nonfiction
Natural World
Refugees & Immigrants
Social Emotional Learning
Arnie Cardillo
Founder and Producer
Live Oak Media
Listen in as the producer of Odyssey-honored audiobooks including Jazz, H.O.R.S.E., We Are Grateful¸ and more talks with Francisca Goldsmith about how audiobooks can impact young listeners.
Shabazz Larkin
Author/Narrator
The Thing About Bees
Readers to Eaters/Live Oak Media
“In a holistic–and wholly original–treatment, Larkin spins a buoyant monologue to his (actual) young sons about why bees are to be valued and how they are analogous to rambunctious children; the narrative is threaded with unconditional love for both subjects. Smart ABAB rhymes propel the narrative, while other lyrical structures offer pauses and maintain attention: “Sometimes bees can be a bit rude./They fly in your face and prance on your food…. /And worst of all, they do this thing/called sting./OUCH!”—from the School Library Journal starred review
Sound Learning
Soundlearningapa.org has research and resources for audio literacy. Find the latest research along with selection lists for each grade at https://www.audiopub.org/sound-learning.
Dion Graham
Narrator and Director
Rise and The Overground Railroad
Listen in as “Voice of Choice” narrator and director Dion Graham talks about recent projects including Rise: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People and The Overground Railroad.
Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention
By Christopher Lloyd. Narrated by the author.
What on Earth Books
From the Neanderthals to the Wright Brothers, from the Silk Trade to the Industrial Revolution, from dinosaurs to plastic, embark on an entertaining journey across millennia and continents.
Piper Green and the Fairy Tree
By Ellen Potter. Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
Live Oak Media
“Piper is brave and tough on the surface, and her sense of loss lies at the heart of the conflict. Written with humor as well as pathos, the first-person text shows her confused emotions and her resiliency as well. An appealing debut for the series.” —Booklist
Find audiobook reviews, resources, and much more at Audiofile Magazine.
Read the December 2020/January 2021 issue for free.
Becca Hampton
Coyote’s Soundbite
By John Agard
Illustrated by Piet Grobler
Lantana Publishing
Coyote minds think alike in this energetic poem where jungle animals attend a conference about the burning environmental issues of our times. Mr. and Mrs. Coyote present a soundbite to use as a tool to get through to humans: “Earth-lovers of the world unite! Mother nature is always right!” Piet Grobler’s lively illustrations complement John Agard’s spirited words perfectly in this funny poem about a serious topic that could be used as a launching pad to discuss environmentalism. (Ages 6-9)
5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime
Britannica Books
I have never seen a nonfiction 5-minute bedtime collection, so this one’s a standout! The 30 true stories and beautiful illustrations in this brainy book make it one I’ll always reach for and suggest for anyone seeking a great bedtime book. Short stories about interesting facts–like Galileo’s study of the sky and lullabies from around the world–are sure to engage both children and their parents. (Ages 4-9)
Mary Ganser
The Pocket Chaotic
By Ziggy Hanaor
Illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett
Cicada Books
This story speaks to any child wanting their own space. Alexander the kangaroo feels cramped. He’s always loved living in his mother’s pouch, but she’s gotten messy lately. When organization fails, he’s left with a choice: stay cozy and familiar with mom or move out like his sister. Encourage your kids to be confident and self-spoken as they grow in independence with this comedic story filled with eye-catching illustrations. (Ages 3-5)
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