What I’ve Been Reading
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller–the Newbery Committee got it right this year for sure! This book made me believe in magic, took that belief away, broke my heart, mended it, and gave magic back to me–all in the space of seven and a half hours of audio narration. (The narrator wasn’t a fast talker, either!) Truly astonishing.
ALA Awards
Today is the day! It’s the Grammys…it’s the Oscars…it’s the children’s lit awards from the American Library Association.
The Newbery goes to How To Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller (and the remarkable Christina Soontornvat cleaned up with two Newbery Honors!)
The Caldecott goes to We Are Water Protectors, illustrated by Michaela Goade.
And the Coretta Scott King goes to Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson for text and RESPECT illustrated by Frank Morrison for art!
Many, many other books of note here (and a lot of them are Magnificent Homespun Brown). Read, admire, check out, buy, take home and love!
Read MoreAmanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman recites “The Hill We Climb” during the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Take note, young writers–she is 22 years old. Start practicing now–this could be you!
Read MoreOne More WOMBAT sketch
Although Wombat is not actually in this one–here are Wallaby (and Joey, but I’m not sure you can really see Joey in Mom’s pouch), Skink, and Echidna.
Thanks to the ever-fabulous Charles Santoso for not only bringing these characters into the visual world but allowing me to show you some of his process as the book takes shape.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly