our story begins

"Our story begins with a box in the basement. It's brown and heavy and one of many marked Elissa.  And it's filled, to the brim, with stories from my childhood. Stories I wrote." — from editor Elissa Brent Weissman

Before writers and illustrators were putting their work out into the world, inspiring children everywhere and turning them into lifelong readers, they were kids themselves.  Our Story Begins is an honest, funny and heartfelt collection of some of the earliest works written and drawn by twenty-six authors and illustrators as kids.  Included are Kwame Alexander, Tom Angleberger, Kathi Appelt, Ashley Bryan, Tim Federle, Candace Fleming, Marla Frazee, Chris Gall, Alex Gino, Chris Grabenstein, Gordon Korman, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Thanhha Lai, Peter Lerangis, Gail Carson Levine, Grace Lin, Yuyi Morales, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park, Rohmann, Eric, Dan Santat, Brian Selznick, Cynthia Leitich Smith and Rita Williams-Garcia.

We read their candid words, thoughts and feelings as they spilled out onto looseleaf lined paper.  We have the privilege of seeing their earliest literary efforts and stapled-together stories, inventive even at a young age.  We learn who and what books inspired their love of words, pictures and stories, what they dreamt about, how they came to the realization that they wanted to write books for children and how they found their own voice.  "Their stories were just beginning. Your story is beginning too. Where will it go?" — E. B. W.

Our Story Begins was edited by Elissa Brent Weissman and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

her right foot

At a substantial one hundred and four pages, Her Right Foot is not just a smart and insightful source of history and symbolism about the Statue of Liberty.  Dave Eggers considers an often overlooked detail — Lady Liberty's right foot, "the foot that is so obviously in mid-stride."  What does it mean?  "If the Statue of Liberty is the symbol of freedom, and has welcomed millions of immigrants to the US, then how can she stand still?"

We find in Her Right Foot a message of acceptance and a timely reminder of the principles of hope and compassion that our country was built on.  When I first read it, I was overwhelmed in a good, almost tearful way.  It's a book not just for children, but for all of us.

Written and illustrated with humor, wit and a tremendous amount of heart by Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris and published by Chronicle Books. Out on September 19.  Click here to watch the book trailer.

frida and her animalitos

In Frida and Her Animalitos, we learn about Frida Kahlo's childhood and the cherished pets in her life, her special relationship with each of them and how they inspired her work.  Her menagerie included two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat and a fawn.  And their names!  Her pair of monkeys were called Fulang Chang and Caimito Del Guayabal.  Bonito, her parrot, would do tricks at the dinner table for pats of butter.

Despite experiencing major difficulties early on in life, she had an independent and indomitable spirit, a healthy curiosity and participated in her fair share of mischief.  Frida's animalitos were a big part of her life and were a source of joy and companionship, in good times and bad.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos was written by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra and published by North South Books.  It will be published in English and Spanish editions on September 5.  You can watch a book trailer here and a Frida Kahlo discussion guide is available here on North South Books' website.  

How to Make Friends with a Ghost

A playful tongue-in-cheek guide to becoming friends with a ghost—and how to look after your new otherworldly pal—including favorite activities, the sort of cozy bath it prefers and recommendations for some deliciously eerie snacks.  Spiderweb sushi and cinnamon-dusted insects, anyone?  

Gorgeous, quirky and charming illustrations from start to finish, exquisite handlettering and insanely beautiful end papers.  Feels like fall reading this one.  And that's a good thing.

How to Make Friends with a Ghost is Rebecca Green's adorably spooky debut picture book from Tundra Books.  It'll be out soon on September 5!

pocket full of colors: the magical world of mary blair

Mary Blair is most well known for designing It’s a Small World, but the scope of her work encompasses much more than that magical iconic Disneyland ride.  She was an illustrator, designer and animator for Walt Disney Studios at a time when the field was dominated by men whose work was formulaic and predictable.  Many of Mary's ideas were rejected because her work was considered  unconventional and too modern.  But she never let go of her brilliant color stories.  Her intrinsic understanding of color and charming, child-like sensibilities made her one of Walt Disney’s favorite artists.  And she left an indelible mark on the art world.

Brigette Barrager's bold colors, energy and vibrant illustrations are mesmerizing, and bring to life Mary's spirit, determination and perseverance.  An informative author's note about Mary's life is included in the back matter of the book.  Children will learn about her life, from her joyful childhood to her prolific career as a celebrated artist, learn color names they never knew existed and leave with pocketfuls of inspiration.  Click here for a preview of the interior.

Pocket Full of Colors was co-written by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville, illustrated by Brigette Barrager  and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.  Out on August 29!