Release date: December 26, 2017
My first picture book, I Love You for Miles and Miles, illustrated by Mike Yamada, is scheduled to release from Farrar, Straus and Giroux on December 26, 2017. Take a look at the publisher’s site for a sneak peek! The book is available for pre-order where books are sold.
To celebrate the cover reveal, Hayley Barrett (author and critique partner extraordinaire) interviewed me on Books in the Meadow, where I discuss the inspiration for this book.
I shared my road-to-publication journey with Carol Gordon Ekster (author of the soon-to-be-released picture book, You Know What?) on Writers’ Rumpus, where I’m also doing a book giveaway this week.
So many wonderful 2017 picture books!
During the past few months, I’ve sought out other authors and illustrators with books releasing this year. I’ve connected with many talented picture book creators and I’m excited to cheer on their books!
Visit Picture the Books to learn about 2017 picture book debuts. On the site you’ll find a variety of titles, as well as an interview series with new voices in children’s literature.
And here’s a Goodreads list with additional 2017 picture books. There are so many books to love this year!
Activism in children’s literature
I began this blog a few years ago in order to reflect on activism and social justice in children’s literature. Writing projects pushed blogging to the back burner for a while but these topics are still very much on my mind.
Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in a community organizing event in Boston, where my daughter and I brought a stack of books to Radical Kids’ Storytime. It gave us a chance to go through our shelves, reread some favorites, and connect with kids through these powerful stories.
These days when I take my own children to protests, I think about how important activist picture books are. These stories help prepare us for events, put our actions into context, teach history, inspire us, and start discussions.
I’m starting up this blog again, to discuss books that introduce young children to a variety of forms of protest.
Some great book lists are available on this topic: Carter Higgins’ post on All the Wonders, 35 Picture Books for Young Activists, the recent Washington Post article, The best books for raising activist kids, and the wonderful blog, The Pirate Tree.
Let me know your favorites! I welcome recommended titles for the blog.
More soon… Thanks for reading!