Articles

Get in Shape with a Pair of Picture Books
This is one in our Double Scoop Sundae series featuring a pair of thematically-related books and ideas for teachers and library program developers seeking ways to extend storytime with them. From a single point to a line, from a flat area created by connecting lines to a multidimensional entity, our concrete and imaginary worlds both supply us… Read more: Get in Shape with a Pair of Picture Books
Cultural Patterns
As individuals, some of us tend to messy disorder while others keep the laundry quickly folded and the dishes stacked back in their places before day’s end. In spite of these personal styles, each of us belongs to a larger, and generally well ordered, social framework. These frameworks are as diverse as human languages and,… Read more: Cultural Patterns
Spotlight on Shout Mouse Press
Washington, D.C. is a city rich in historical landmarks, cultural representation, and now, because of the efforts of one publisher, it is also rich in youth authors. Shout Mouse Press is a nonprofit organization based out of the capitol city that focuses on amplifying the voices of tomorrow in the books of today. For the… Read more: Spotlight on Shout Mouse Press
Translating Classic Art into Contemporary Picture Book Illustrations
We’re putting a bit of a twist on Translation Month this September. We frequently highlight linguistic translators and their work in making children’s books from around the world accessible to English language readers. We look for them to receive credit from publishers on book covers and seek out their skillsets in workshops and on panels.… Read more: Translating Classic Art into Contemporary Picture Book Illustrations
The Wonder and Wisdom of Owls
This is one in our Double Scoop Sundae series featuring a pair of thematically-related books and ideas for teachers and library program developers seeking ways to extend storytime with them. Owls have long fascinated children with their wide eyes, quiet flight, and mysterious nocturnal habits. Their presence in stories sparks imagination and invites questions about… Read more: The Wonder and Wisdom of Owls
Kid Lit Women in Translation
August is a time to celebrate the women authors who can be read in more than the language in which they write. Thanks to their recognition by publishers, and the skillful work of professional translators, we want to call attention this year to the following women during the Women In Translation month of August. The… Read more: Kid Lit Women in Translation
Reviewer Spotlight: Corrie Locke-Hardy
Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about how you work in the kidlit community Hello! My name is Corrie (she/they) and I’m an author, indie bookseller, consultant, and organizer for the kidlit community. I am a former classroom teacher and pastry chef, too! Currently, I’m on the state leadership team for AABB (Authors… Read more: Reviewer Spotlight: Corrie Locke-Hardy
Real Life Activist Heroes
Demonstrators, protesters, activists—what’s the difference? All work to deliver a public effect. Demonstrators make a public stand among a group of like-minded people that may be against or for an element of the status quo in public life. Protesters, as the word indicates, also take a public role, usually within a group, against something that… Read more: Real Life Activist Heroes
Helping Children Find Their Voice: Two Picture Books That Inspire Courage and Compassion
This is one in a series we’re calling Double Scoop Sundae, each featuring a pair of thematically-related books and at least one activity or extension for teachers and library program developers. Raising children isn’t just about teaching them right from wrong—it’s about helping them discover their own voice and use it to make the world… Read more: Helping Children Find Their Voice: Two Picture Books That Inspire Courage and Compassion
Spotlight on Little Island Books
This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Vi Hendrix “Books create waves.” If you’re familiar with that phrase, then you’ve probably heard of Little Island Books. The independent, Dublin-based publisher was founded in 2010 by Siobhán Parkinson, Ireland’s first children’s laureate. To this day, they remain committed to their founding ideals of releasing high-quality… Read more: Spotlight on Little Island Books
Invitations for Autodidactic Middle Graders
If you’ve worked in a school or a library, you’ve met kids who absolutely thrive on asking questions, truly listen to responses, and then move on to explore proffered answers more deeply. These are not likely to be the kids who work diligently for high marks (although assignments that pique their interest can invite stellar… Read more: Invitations for Autodidactic Middle Graders
Kintsugi: The Art of Repair
The Japanese art of kintsugi has been drifting increasingly into the imaginations and hearts of people around the world. In the United States, Europe, and beyond, kintsugi has been the stuff of art discussions, social media videos—and children’s books. Here in our Publisher Spotlight corner, we have recently represented two beautiful children’s books exploring kintsugi:… Read more: Kintsugi: The Art of Repair