that is my dream

Daniel Miyares paints the words of one of Langston Hughes’ most esteemed works, “Dream Variations,” originally published in 1924, for a new audience of young readers.  Its message of freedom, hope and joy still resonates deeply with us today.

Daniel’s paintings are gentle yet profound in emotion and zeal.  His visually arresting and expansive page spreads immerse us in Hughes’ meaningful words, and give us a beautiful space to take them in and mull them over.

That Is My Dream was published by Schwartz & Wade.  Out on October 3.

the library book

“The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring,

and the same old stuff is on TV—boring.

What is there to do today?

Go to the library, of course!”

With nothing to do on a gray, rainy Saturday morning, a little girl takes a trip to her library and encounters a magical surprise (or two) when she delves into some well known and loved children’s books.  Melodic words, undulating text and radiant illustrations bring a joy and playfulness to this celebration of reading, books and our beloved libraries that house them.  

The Library Book is based on a popular song by singer/songwriter Tom Chapin and musician/composter Michael Mark and its sheet music can be found in the book’s endpapers!  Illustrated by Chuck Groenink and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.  Out October 3.

i have a balloon

This is definitely not a book about sharing. ;)

Scott Magoon illustrates Ariel Bernstein's dialogue-driven story about how we tend to act with our favorite possessions, and how quickly our perspectives can shift about them.

So much of the story and its gestalt are conveyed through the pictures and the dramatic changes in scene from spread to spread.  Readers will linger over the pages to ponder Owl and Monkey's fluctuating states of emotion and intention, along with the mix of subtle sideway glances, sly humor and hilarious antics.  A home run read-aloud.

I Have a Balloon was written by Ariel Bernstein, illustrated by Scott Magoon and published by Paula Wiseman Books.  Out on September 26!

when's my birthday giveaway

When’s My Birthday? is a celebration of the one day each year that kids look forward to with eager anticipation: their birthday.  Julie Fogliano's words are lovely and exuberant and Christian Robinson's work is, as always, an absolute delight.  His work evokes the irrepressible joy of childhood: its fun, laughter and effervescence.

We’re partnering with Red Cap Cards and Macmillan Children's Books to give away an assorted set of 24 birthday cards and 2 rolls of gift wrap featuring new designs by Christian Robinson, along with a copy of the newly released book When’s My Birthday?

This giveaway is open to US residents and ends Sunday, September 24, at 11:59 PM PDT.  Head over to this Instagram post to enter.

Pick a Pine Tree

Of all the holiday traditions, picking a tree has got to be one of the most memorable of the lot—the impatient anticipation, the frigid air nipping little noses and running up and down the rows of aromatic pine trees.  Breathing in that crisp, fragrant moment makes you realize that Christmas really is just around the corner.  That kind of wintry scene is hard to imagine as we're only starting to see hints of fall now, but soon enough this cooler, blustery season will blow by and December will be knocking at our front door.

Beautiful, jaunty rhymes by Patricia Toht are a lovely ode to our beloved tannenbaum whether it be "slim and tall or short and squat."  Her text evokes coziness, cheer and the sense of togetherness that make Christmas such a special time.  Jarvis' illustrations are incredibly lovely, inviting and will warm readers' hearts.

Pick a Pine Tree was written by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis  and published by Candlewick Press.  Coming soon—this Tuesday, September 19th, in fact!