Recently, lauded illustrators came together for an event, longtime collaborators accepted a special gift, married co-creators prepared for a release, Boston’s kid-lit community gathered, an author made a TV appearance, and a young reader dressed up as a book character.
Learning from the Best
On March 14, Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall (l.) and Caldecott Honor artist Elisha Cooper teamed up for a storytime event at Spiral Books in New York City. Each read one of their pet-centric picture books, with Blackall reading If We Were Dogs (Little, Brown) and Cooper reading The Rare Bird (Roaring Brook). The pair also gave a drawing demonstration for the young attendees.
Back to the Future
Longtime collaborators Mac Barnett (l.) and Shawn Harris made an appearance at Grande Reserve Elementary School in Yorkville, Ill., as part of their tour for The Future Book (Knopf). The picture book offers readers a glimpse into all the changes one might expect in the future. On March 4, the duo received custom Charlie “Shawn” Cheese Face and Charlie “Mac” Cheese Face busts, created by local librarian Mary Luschas, as a welcome gift.
Making Friends
Married couple and collaborators Melissa de la Cruz (r.) and Mike Johnston dropped by New York City’s indie bookstore Words on Warren on March 5 to pre-sign copies of their new graphic novel Sloomoo: Making Friends (Encantos). The story follows Daisy, a science-obsessed tween who seeks friendship in the form of a sentient slime sidekick Sloomoo. The book was developed in partnership with the team behind Sloomoo Institute, a real-world, interactive experience centered on slime.
Boston Loves Kid Lit
On March 11, Barefoot Books, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge Publishing, NorthSouth, Nosy Crow, Pushkin Press, and Steerforth Press came together to host the second Boston Kid Lit Night. Librarians, educators, booksellers, publishers, and creators were invited for an evening of celebrating children’s literature at Night Shift Brewery in Boston. Here, Nina Serafini of Candlewick and Lindsey Macarthur of Abrams pose with giveaway books at the bustling second iteration of the meet-up.
We’re Live!
Author Ruth Spiro recently made a TV appearance on Fox32 Chicago’s local mid-morning talk show ChicagoNOW to discuss the 10th anniversary of her board book series, Baby Loves Science (Charlesbridge). The series introduces the youngest readers to STEM concepts. Here, Spiro (r.) speaks with ChicagoNOW hosts Anthony Ponce (l.), and Gabriella Premus (c.).
The Game’s Afoot
Ashley Belote recently headed off on tour to present Squirrel Lock Holmes #1: The Pet Rock Mystery (Random House Graphic). The graphic novel series starter follows the titular detective on his first investigation into a missing rock. On March 3, Belote dropped by Bristol Grade School in Bristol, Ill., to give a presentation, q&a, and book signing for students. Here, a student dresses up as the squirrel sleuth.
