The Art of Alice and Martin Provensen

The beloved work of Alice and Martin Provensen is explored in this new tome which includes hitherto unseen paintings, drawings, travel sketchbooks, photographs, quotes, speeches and possessions from their archive.  Karen Provensen Mitchell, the Provensens’ daughter, speaks about her parents’ lives and work in a lovely, insightful interview, and editor Robert Gottlieb and book historian Leonard Marcus offer essays on memories of the pair and their impact on midcentury children’s literature and beyond.  For those who treasure the Provensens’ charming and whimsical art, don’t miss this one.

The Art of Alice and Martin Provensen was published by Chronicle Chroma.

I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us

Just because someone is quiet doesn’t mean they’re shy.  When people see Emile’s quiet ways, what they don’t know is that there is so much going on inside — he’s actually a daring captain of a great ship and a valiant knight, amongst so many other things.  His imagination and thought life are rich, vibrant and overflowing.  He also wisely knows that there is a quiet side to strength, friendship and knowledge that people sometimes overlook.  We love this very thoughtful and affirming ode to introverts!

I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us was written by Andie Powers, illustrated by Betsy Petersen and published by Bala Kids.  It’ll be out soon on April 12!

When Lola Visits Event at Bel Canto Books

Join me on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 11:00 am

for a Meet the Author event

at Bel Canto Books in Long Beach!

Join us for an hour of book chats, activities and cookies from San and Wolves Bakeshop!  We’ll be raffling off a few special When Lola Visits tote bags plus a copy of Doreen Fernandez’s TIKIM, a very hard-to-find collection of essays on Philippine foodways and culture.  This is a ticketed event and as of today, there are still some slots available.  This will be the last event I’ll be doing for a while.  Very much hope to see you there!  Click here to register.

A Year in Fleurville

The gardens in the lovely city of Fleurville grow almost year-round, producing different gifts each month.  April brings asparagus standing tall like soldiers, cherries burst out of their tree on Tamarind Avenue in June and bright oranges usher in February for the children of Cinnamon Street.  A different illustrated recipe is offered for each month and we can’t wait to make the blood orange and olive oil cake!  Back matter about gardening tips, tools, fruit, vegetables and more end this undeniably delightful ode to the changing of the seasons, the value of slow food and the beauty of community and sharing.

A Year in Fleurville was written and illustrated by Felicita Sala and published by Scribble in the UK and Australia.  The US edition, What's Cooking in Flowerville?: Recipes from Garden, Balcony or Window Box, will be published by Prestel Junior on April 5.

This Is a School

What is a school?  It’s so much more than a place — it’s the people who make it a community of camaraderie, caring, growth and change.  It’s where curiosity, creativity and collaboration are encouraged and where learning from each other takes place every single hour of the day.  THIS IS A SCHOOL is such a lovely and affirmative celebration of the teachers and students and staff that make the learning experience a meaningful one.  Three cheers for this fantastic debut from Mr. Schu, a librarian who’s made an immeasurable impact on so many lives!

This Is a School was written by John Schu, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison and published by Candlewick Press.  It’ll be out on March 29! Watch the book trailer here.