The Heartbeat Drum by Deidre Havrelock, illustrated by Aphelandra

The winter solstice has passed. Every year, I look forward to the sense of renewal and hope that comes with the lengthening days, the additional sunlight. Today I want to call attention to people who bring light and hope to others. As author Deidre Havrelock and illustrator Aphelandra share in …

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Kende! Kende! Kende! by Kirsten Cappy & Yaya Gentille, illustrated by Rahana Dariah

One of the people I am most grateful for is Kirsten Cappy. For years, Kirsten has worked tirelessly to promote children’s books, first as a book consultant for Raising Readers and then as a creator of engagement materials at Curious City, which is how I met her. Kirsten created amazing …

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Two New Conservation-Themed Books + A Giveaway

In the spirit of “Every day is Earth Day,” every day is also a great day to read a conservation-themed book! Here are two new picture books to inspire readers of all ages to help protect our planet. MAYA MAKES WAVES, written by Maya Gabeira and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, …

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Kitty-Corn Club: Things That Go by Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham + a Giveaway

Book Description: From bestselling and award-winning Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn creators, author Shannon Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham, Things That Go is an original concept board book showing young Kitty-Corns things that race, fly, pedal, paddle, and go Teeny-tiny mini-mooKitty-corns will read with you.Pitter-patter fast and slowlet’s explore some things that go! From sports cars to …

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Out and About in Singapore by Melanie Lee (+ a giveaway)

I was in Singapore recently to speak at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content and was incredibly fortunate to meet Melanie Lee. Melanie was not only the moderator of one of my panels, but is also a children’s book author, a journalist, a multimedia project creator, and a teacher of …

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The Mango Tree/La mata de mango – interview with Edel Rodriguez + a giveaway!

From the publisher’s description: From internationally renowned, award-winning artist Edel Rodriguez comes The Mango Tree, an enchanting wordless picture book and a moving, fantastical take on his childhood experience as an immigrant. In a quiet village on a small island, two boys spend their days in a mango tree. High above the rest …

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THE SUGAR PLUM BAKERS – Interview with Patricia Tanumihardja

Publisher’s book description: With a pinch of hope and a dash of zing, we can do anything! The bakerinas are hard at work creating holiday goodies for kids around the world when a blizzard whips up trouble. Will the bakerinas deliver their treats in time? With enchanting illustrations and charming …

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