“[A] quiet tale of love and honeybees…. Visually lovely and tonally appealing” —Kirkus Reviews

“Sweetly nostalgic ink-and-watercolor illustrations could depict the past or the present and offer an atmospheric complement to the gentle, warm, and informative text.” —Booklist

“A gentle tale full of Southern charm…[LaMarche’s] ink-and-watercolor spreads are light and dreamy, with evocative sunrise shades and detailed looks at beekeeping equipment and the bees themselves.” —Publishers Weekly

“An informative and visually dazzling picture book about beekeeping…. A must-have for most collections, perfect for reading aloud to a small group and for introducing a nature unit on bees.”—School Library Journal

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“Stunning landscapes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry marshlands and expressive portraiture” —Foreword Reviews

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award  —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) —The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2019

Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Intermediate Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2019-2020

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

Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit website here.

Jim LaMarche is one of the most talented artists working in children’s books today.  His books include Rainbabies and Albert, which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. He lives in California.

“The bright pops of color make the artwork vivid and appealing. The text is full of challenging new words for young readers and the text rhymes, which allows the story to flow in a fun, inventive way. The theme of not giving up after a first, second, and third failure will resonate with readers of all ages. This book will inspire kids to get out there and to try new things.” ―School Library Journal

“This story of a girl engineer is sorely needed and has potential to develop and nourish readers’ interest in STEAM subjects. Additionally, themes of creativity and tenacity, together with the portrayal of a girl who’s allowed to show anger and frustration, make this a worthwhile read. Fun, with depth.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Brightly illustrated, this picture book will make for a fast-paced read aloud that is pleasing to the ear.…it will surely leave the class in a fit of giggles. In addition to helping develop fluency and prosody, the vibrant vocabulary and rhyme scheme make this book an excellent addition to a lower elementary language arts block. As it features a young girl involved in the STEM fields, this title fills a gap in existing literature and is a much-needed selection for libraries.” ―School Library Connection

Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Building STEAM with DIA Booklist (K-Grade 2) ―ALSC, 2019

Children’s Book Award (2nd Place) ―Florida Literacy Association, 2019-2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

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Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Florida Literacy Association, 2019-2020

Delaware Diamonds Awards (Nominee, K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2019-2020

Mockingbird Award (Nominee) ―Abilene Independent School District, 2018-2019

Treasure State Award (Nominee) ―Montana State Reading Council, 2020

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Honor, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2019

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Pip Jones spent her childhood gobbling up books and dreaming about being an author.  At nineteen, she began a career in journalism, and in 2014, she published her first book. She lives in England.

Sara Ogilvie studied illustration and printmaking at Edinburgh College of Art. In addition to illustrating children’s books, Sara exhibits across the UK and abroad and creates images for editorial and design. She lives in England.

“The story intricately explores the teenagers’ quirky relationships and the notion of what it takes to feel comfortable in one’s own skin. Sophia’s character is authentically geeky, and readers will empathize with her anxiety.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Neuroatypical characters, nerdiness, social anxiety, intelligence, and magic make this book stand out among other contemporary romances.” ―School Library Journal

“Readers struggling with social and personal interaction issues, awkwardness about fitting into their community, and uncertainty about where their future may take them will embrace this novel.” ―Booklist

“Excellent character development of the protagonists (Sophia and Elsie are ‘brown girls’ of South Asian descent; Joshua is white), their diverse group of friends, and their families (Elsie’s brothers, especially, are a hoot) makes the romantic relationship just one among several satisfying story strands, and witty dialogue keeps pages turning.” ―The Horn Book Magazine

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“Charming and witty… Combining elements of science and magic in a spectacular way, this unconventional love story brings two atypical teens with very typical needs happily together.” ―Foreword Reviews

“This teen rom-com satisfies the sweet tooth for a sophisticated but youthful love story without getting too mushy.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Senior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Melissa Keil, born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, studied cinema and anthropology and has spent time as a high school teacher, Middle-Eastern tour guide, waitress, and IT help-desk person. She now works as a children’s book editor, and spends her free time watching YouTube and geek TV. You can visit her website here.

“Bowen employs nearly every bit of applicable baseball lingo, with detailed descriptions of practicing and playing the games… In a nice touch, there are fun facts about some famous major league players who had lucky rituals, hats, bats, and more…. A good read for youngsters who know and love the game.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A former kids’ baseball coach and the writer of a Washington Post sports column for young readers, Bowen adds an entertaining note on baseball superstitions…. The straightforward story will appeal to young players as well as older ones intimidated by longer novels.” ―Booklist

“This quick and to-the-point story is a solid choice for upper elementary readers as well as middle school collections looking to boost their hi-lo offerings.” ―School Library Journal

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Massachusetts Children’s Book Award (Master List) ―Salem State College, 2019-2020

Fred Bowen is the author of Peachtree’s popular Fred Bowen Sports Story series. A lifelong sports fanatic, he has coached youth league baseball, basketball, and soccer. His kids’ sports column “The Score” appears each week in the KidsPost section of the Washington Post. Bowen lives in Maryland. You can visit his website here.

“The poems are expertly crafted in a variety of forms (identified in the backmatter). The language is lively and the imagery appropriate. With alliteration, internal rhymes, and careful rhythm, these will be a delight to read aloud and learn…. Meganck’s engaging digital drawings give each creature pop-eyes and attitude…. A delightful, memorable introduction to an unsung ecosystem.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Bulion stuffs her poems with scientific detail and puts even more into accompanying “science notes.” Meganck’s cartoons strike sillier notes…balancing all of the information Bulion provides with hefty doses of fun.” ―Publishers Weekly

“In this ecological poetry collection, Bulion works her own magic, turning potentially dull life science into zany fun…. An amusing way to get the dirt on food chains.” ―Booklist

“Educational and highly entertaining…rich with cross-curricular teaching opportunities. Meganck’s humorous, digitally rendered cartoon artwork will have readers giggling as they learn.… An excellent find for science fans and teachers alike.” ―School Library Journal

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“A fascinating and funny introduction to the duff or brown food web… Terrific back matter… Bright comic illustrations by Robert Meganck make these critters very appealing while adding to reader’s understanding and make this small book truly enticing.  Fabulous fun, this is a real winner both for the classroom and for young scientists learning on their own.” ―Booklist Reader

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Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2018

Moonbeam Children’s Book Award (Silver, Children’s Poetry) ―Independent Publisher, 2018

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Junior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Leslie Bulion is the author of several children’s books, including Uncharted Waters, The Trouble With Rules, and Fatuma’s New Cloth, winner of the African Studies Association’s 2002 Children’s Africana Books. She lives in Connecticut. You can visit  her website here.

Designer and illustrator Robert Meganck is a professor of illustration, graphic design, digital imaging, and color theory at Virginia Commonwealth University.  He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  He has received over 300 regional, national, and international awards for illustration and graphic design work. He lives in Virginia.

“The momentarily dire consequences and subsequent détente are familiar, but Paschkis’s innate effervescence more than compensates. She fills the oversize pages with curly ink lines and folk art motifs and colors; it’s cozy and cheery, yet it still delivers on the big dramatic moment. While the narration tends toward the see-and-say, Paschkis writes with concision and an ear for words that make for great readalouds.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Kalinka’s blithe cluelessness and Grakkle’s grunting ire should tickle young listeners. Paschkis’ colorful and quirky illustrations, rendered in ink and gouache, heighten the supreme silliness of her tale…. Another cute odd-friendship story.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Humorous monster details will pull in readers for this lighthearted tale of an unusual friendship.” ―Booklist

“[A] fictitious tale that reads more like a modern-day fable….an important lesson about the value of self-control… A strong emphasis on friendship provides a solid theme for this book.” ―School Library Journal

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“Charming… This is an appealing picture book that children will love based on the characters and the engaging illustrations. The book is also great for teaching lessons, for instance that not everyone is the same nor wants the same things.…teachers will love to use it for various lessons throughout the year with all age ranges!” ―School Library Connection

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

“Lively, engaging… Bowman’s conversational, folksy reader-directed paragraphs incorporate droll, dramatic, and suspenseful touches that will likely hold readers’ interest…Schindler’s intricate, expressive watercolor-and-ink illustrations lend further vibrancy.” ―Booklist

“Bowman’s upbeat telling is infused with folksy humor, and Schindler’s superb watercolor-and-ink illustrations effectively capture the time period.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Bowman adds levity and appeal… Schindler’s illustrations, done in watercolor and ink, are a perfect accompaniment to this moralistic story.” ―School Library Journal

“This title takes a refreshing look at one of Lincoln’s mistakes. Likely a story not known to many, this selection humanizes a celebrated man and solidifies his position as one of America’s greatest heroes!” ―School Library Connection

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2019

Writers’ League of Texas Book Awards (Finalist, Picture Books) ―Writers’ League of Texas, 2018

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Delaware Diamonds Award (Nominee, 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2019-2020

Donna Janell Bowman is the author of Step Right Up. She holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in Texas. You can visit her website here.

S.D. Schindler is a popular illustrator of many bestselling children’s picture books, including Ben Franklin’s Big Splash: The Mostly True Story of His First Invention and Brother Hugo and the Bear. He lives in Pennsylvania.

“An intriguing new angle on an important story.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A shadowy color palette situates the narrative in the twilight and moonlit hours, perfectly complementing the suspense of the plot…. Ending on a hopeful note, the book brings this piece of hidden history to life.” ―Booklist

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“Inspired by tales of the Underground Railroad and its innovative methods of communication, a perilous story of courage and cunning unfolds…” ―Foreword Reviews

“The design of every spread lends itself well to an oral reading or presentation, which would serve as a stimulus for more in-depth information or discussion on the topics of slavery and the Civil War….a welcome addition to an introduction of the Underground Railroad.” ―School Library Connection

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Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) —Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation. 2018

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Grades 4-6) —The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2019

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

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Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Intermediate Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2019-2020

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Elizabeth Van Steenwyk is the award-winning author of more than 70 published books for young people. After graduating from Knox College, she went on to spend ten years writing for radio and television with a concentration on children’s programming. She lives in California.

Anna Rich says her art career began in kindergarten.  She much preferred coloring and drawing to her other class work.  She received her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, and is an active member of the New York Chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild. She lives in New York.

“With the assistance of Mlawer and Lázaro, National Young People’s Poet Laureate Engle brings to children the childhood of the great storyteller Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra in his native tongue….the Spanish translation by Mlawer and Lázaro beautifully captures the rhythm and language of the original…. Colón’s remarkable pen-and-ink-and-watercolor illustrations have an old-masters quality that perfectly complements the narrative… This is a worthy translation of a beautiful and engaging book.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Young readers will relate to Miguel’s constant daydreaming and to his wild imaginings of a hero who can right wrongs…. Teresa Mlawer and Georgina Lázaro’s Spanish translation of Miguel’s Brave Knight (2017) ring true to Engle’s poetic voice.” ―Booklist

Best Children’s Picture Books of the Year in Spanish ―Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Tejas Star Reading List―Texas Library Association, 2019-2020

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.

“This charming board book…will inspire conversation and simple science explorations.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Gentle rhymes…draws to mind Ezra Jack Keats’ A Snowy Day as she enjoys the small pleasures of playing in the elements… Manelle Oliphant’s illustrations infuse the book with joy and colors to brighten a cloudy day.” ―Booklist Reader

Best Children’s Books of the Year―Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Elizabeth Spurr holds a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. A former newspaper editor, she is the author of a number of children’s books. You can visit her website here.

Manelle Oliphant is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho and an artist and illustrator. She lives in Utah. You can visit her website here.