“Engle’s poems are lyrical yet direct… Colón’s pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations (inspired by the prints of Gustav Doré) accompany every poem bringing Engle’s words into sharp focus…. An intriguing, lightly fictionalized introduction to an iconic author, this will encourage readers to learn more about the first modern novel.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Beautiful and engaging, this book will inspire readers to find out more.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Colón’s pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are paired perfectly with the text and the subject…This expressive picture book biography presents a solid argument for why Cervantes should be revered as an important figure in the Western canon. A gorgeous and well-crafted work for all nonfiction collections.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Margarita Engle (The Wild Book) and Raúl Colón (Draw!) combine their formidable strengths to create Miguel’s First Knight, an inspiring story of tenacious hope and indelible grit….what shines forth is the power of imagination to transcend hardship and injustice. As portals to creativity, Engle and Colón prove how ‘[s]ome daydreams really do/ come true.’” ―Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

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“Poems about contemporaneous events—the plague, book burning—add depth to Engle’s representation of the era. Colón’s noble portraits, done in pen, ink, and watercolor, recall the work of classic popularizers such as N.C. Wyeth and the D’Aulaires. Even readers who don’t progress to Cervantes’s own work will come away with an indelible sense of the story and its creator.” —Publishers Weekly

“Engle supplies historical, biographical, and literary context in her appended notes, making this a flexible piece for classroom use, readalouds, and independent reading. Says Miguel, ‘I still carry invisible stories/ in my head, my daydreamed tales/ help calm/ my worries.’ If ever a theme can connect children over a span of five hundred years, this is it.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The illustrations perfectly complement each poem and add a dream-like quality to the storytelling. I would highly recommend this as an addition for a biography or poetry collection. This would be a great read aloud (either all the poems or a selection) to assist with introducing classic literature to any audience.” ―School Library Connection

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Cybils (Finalist, Poetry) ―Cybils, 2017

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts ―Children’s Literature Assembly, NCTE

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International Latino Book Awards (Finalist, Best Children’s Nonfiction Picture Book) ―Latino Book & Family Festival, Latino Literacy Now, 2018

Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of ILA, 2020-2021

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Margarita Engle is the Cuban-American author of many verse books, including a Newbery Honor winner, The Surrender Tree; a PEN USA Award winner, The Lightning Dreamer; and a verse memoir, Enchanted Air, winner of many awards, including an inaugural Walter Dean Myers Award Honor and the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award. Margarita’s books have also received three Pura Belpré Awards and four Américas Awards, as well as a Jane Addams Award, International Reading Association Award, Claudia Lewis Poetry Award, and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. In 2017, the Poetry Foundation named her the Young People’s Poet Laureate. Margarita grew up in Los Angeles, but developed a deep attachment to her mother’s homeland during summers with her extended family in Cuba. She was trained as a botanist and agronomist before becoming a full-time poet and novelist.

Raúl Colón was born in New York City in December of 1952 and moved with his parents in the 1960s to Caguas, Puerto Rico, where he studied commercial art. In 1978 Colón made Florida his home, working at an educational television center designing everything from puppets to short animated films. In 1988 the artist settled with his family in New City, New York, and began a freelance career. Today, Colón continues to be a versatile and acclaimed illustrator whose work has appeared in important national publications. An award-winning illustrator of over thirty books for children, Colón has received a Golden Kite Award, a Pura Belpré Award, and both a gold and silver medal in The Original Art show.

“Slade tells the purposively inspiring story with a poetic flair, and Ratterree’s pale, evocatively washed-out watercolor illustrations are richly detailed… An attractive volume introducing an important American to young readers.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Slade continues her line of outstanding nonfiction picture books with her latest offering, about Jane Addams…. This short biography emphasizes the value of doing what is right despite criticism…. In Slade’s and Ratterree’s hands, Addams’s legacy shines brightly for the next generation of advocates…. A stirring addition to any school or public library’s biography section.” ―School Library Journal

“A straightforward introduction to the dedication and purpose of an American heroine.” ―Booklist

“An inspiring testament to the power of activism.… An afterword and timeline round out a solid introduction to a woman who ‘kept doing what she’d always done: helping people. No matter where they were from. No matter what others thought. No matter the cost.’” ―Publishers Weekly

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“This is a quick read aloud, perfect for discussions regarding the importance of community service and advocating for the less fortunate…. The book’s mission to share Jane’s fascinating life might just inspire the next generation of social activists.” ―School Library Connection

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Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

CCBC Choices (Biography and Autobiography) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Illinois Reads (3-5) ―Illinois Reading Council, 2019

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2018-2019

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Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of over one hundred children’s books. She lives in Illinois. You can visit her website here.

Alice Ratterree’s work has been featured in greeting cards, children’s books, and original paintings and drawings. Also an accomplished classically trained singer, Alice has appeared as a soloist in opera, concert, and oratorial venues. She lives in South Carolina. You can visit her website here.

“It’s about time that Rapunzel saved herself, and in Woollvin’s sly follow-up to 2016’s Little Red, she does exactly that…. Thanks to Woollvin, readers may grow up thinking this just-wicked-enough retelling is the classic one; if they ever stumble across versions with the prince, they may wonder why he was thought necessary.” —Publishers Weekly

“The blocky gouache illustrations in gray and black, strategically accented with yellow…heighten the timbre, suggesting both deviousness and joy…. Empowerment in leaps and bounds.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Utilizing simple, bold strokes of yellow, black, and gray inks, Woollvin expressively fills each page with eye-catching details that will bring readers back for another look. Fans of her Little Red (2016) will enjoy this latest feisty and intelligent heroine.” —Booklist

“Children will adore Rapunzel and cheer her victory over evil personified. A perfect length for storytime and those seeking fairy tale variants.” —School Library Journal

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“Woollvin (Little Red, rev. 3/16) offers another wryly comic rewrite of a Grimms favorite, updating it with a can-do, self-rescuing heroine… Bold, graphic illustrations…capture the fusion of modern and traditional elements and offer sly tidbits of humor.”  —The Horn Book Magazine

“Pockets of eye-popping aureolin rivaling the brightest of yellow hues add to the black and grayscale to bring warmth and humor to the dark woods with a distinctive, quirky signature style as Rapunzel fearlessly rallies to her own rescue.” —Foreword Reviews

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2017

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018

Bethan Woollvin is a recent graduate of the Cambridge School of Art, where she won the prestigious Macmillan Children’s Book Competition with her version of Little Red Riding Hood. It was her first picture book. She lives in England. You can visit her website here.

“Confusion, mischief, and silliness abound. Kids who don’t always have the vocabulary to express themselves will sympathize with this waggish pup and his earnest desire to be understood by his human.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Budding detectives will have the benefit of both King’s discoveries and Kayla’s reasoning as they piece together the clues…. A welcome addition to collections supporting the transition from picture books to chapter books, this title will appeal to both dog lovers and mystery buffs.” ―School Library Journal

CCBC Choices (Books for Beginning Readers) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Dori Hillestad Butler is the author of over fifty works of fiction and nonfiction for young readers. She has also published stories for children in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Cricket, Spider, Children’s Digest, and Child Life. Butler is the children’s book review columnist for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

Nancy Meyers is a graphic designer and illustrator and the proud owner of Sullivan, golden-doodle extraordinaire! She lives in Minnesota. You can visit her website here.

“Smith’s endearing duo will easily hold the attention of young readers through their camaraderie and silly escapades, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight. Energetic, two-toned illustrations flood the pages of this early chapter book with humor and clever details, and the text is well suited to primary-school readers.” ―Booklist

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided to become an illustrator. He graduated from Coventry University with a degree in Illustration and won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Illustration. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“A fascinating, thoughtful, and provocative look at what in the Constitution keeps the United States from being ‘a more perfect union.’” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Insightful… Much food for thought on the application and relevance of many of the Constitution’s stipulations. Essential for class discussions, debate teams, and reports.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Lately there’s been dismay that civics, government, and history have taken a backseat in classrooms. This smartly conceived book goes a long way toward reintroducing students to those subjects….the Levinsons link both history and current events as they offer an illustrative group of examples that show where the Constitution got it right—and wrong…. Although the font, charts, and well-written text make this appealing, it’s not always an easy read. It is, however, an important one.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW  

“Interest-piquing anecdotes open each chapter, the effects of the Constitution’s provisions are dramatically summarized in poster-like illustrations, and the ensuing discussions…are both cogent and highly readable…thought-provoking and exceptionally topical…” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

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“It’s an excellent introduction to the strengths and weaknesses of our founding document and is especially enlightening for those who don’t yet understand how our government is supposed to work.” —Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times

“This provocative and fascinating book brought the Constitution to life for me and made me question my deepest assumptions about our country. The questions it raises became an essential part of the debate in my play What the Constitution Means to Me, and I wish every student in America would read it.” —Heidi Schreck, playwright & creator of Pulitzer Prize finalist What the Constitution Means to Me

“Chatty, conversational, and very provocative, this fascinating book takes our revered document and opens it up to examination and debate…. Throw out the high school textbooks and put this outstanding book in the hands of the next generation!” ―The Booklist Reader

“While written for students, the book is a worthwhile read for adults as well.” ―School Library Connection

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Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2017

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2017

Notable Children’s Books ―ALSC, 2018

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

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Building a Home Library (Ages 12-14) ―ALA, Children’s Book Council, 2018

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens―Capitol Choices, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2020

Orbis Pictus Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Award (Recommended Book) ―National Council of Teachers of English, 2018

Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List ―Texas Library Association, 2019

Garden State Teen Book Awards (Nominee, Nonfiction for Grades 6-12) ―New Jersey Library Association, 2019

Massachusetts Book Awards (Honor Book) ―Massachusetts Center for the Book, 2018

Writers’ League of Texas Book Awards (Finalist, Middle Grade/Young Adult)―Writers’ League of Texas, 2017

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Cynthia Levinson holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and also attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. A former teacher and educational policy consultant and researcher, she is the author of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. She has also published articles in Appleseeds, Calliope, Cobblestone, Dig, Faces, and Odyssey.  You can visit her website here.

Sanford Levinson is an American legal scholar, a professor in the Law School and the Department of Government at the University of Texas, and a frequent visiting professor at Harvard Law School. He holds degrees from Duke, Stanford, and Harvard universities and is the author of several adult works of nonfiction.

“Another excellent edition… The beautifully designed layout and succinct text combine with the backmatter to offer very accessible nonfiction reading for the very young as well as early grade students.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“With reliable information and attractive illustrations, this volume is a useful addition to a series celebrating its tenth year.” ―Booklist

“Useful for introductory units on marine and earth science.” ―School Library Journal

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―National Science Teachers Association, Children’s Book Council, 2018

North Carolina Author Awards (AAUW Award for Juvenile Literature, Nominee) ―North Carolina Literary & Historical Association, 2018

Cathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.

John Sill holds a BS in wildlife biology from North Carolina State University. Combining his knowledge of wildlife and artistic skill, John has achieved an impressive reputation as a wildlife artist and received several awards. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

“A simple, handsome book.” ―School Library Journal

NSTA Recommends ―National Science Teachers Association

Cathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.

John Sill holds a BS in wildlife biology from North Carolina State University. Combining his knowledge of wildlife and artistic skill, John has achieved an impressive reputation as a wildlife artist and received several awards. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

“Simple line drawings, bright colors, and engaging animal characters make learning to count good fun in this charming board book….the artwork and characters will engage budding mathematicians…. should give youngsters plenty about which to babble.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Kids will be asking for these by name.” ―School Library Journal

“Well designed and colorfully illustrated, this inviting book introduces numbers to young children.” ―Booklist

William Bee is an artist and commercial designer who has worked for renowned fashion houses, including Issay Miyake and Paul Smith. As well as writing children’s picture books and board books, he races a vintage sports car, is an international skier, and when at home tends his lawns and meadow. He lives in England. You can visit his website here.