Sun, a sporty boy, reconnects with his artistic side in this gorgeous, joyful celebration of creativity that offers an expanded and appealing model for boyhood.

Sun loves everything about playing soccer: the cheers, the competition, the winning. But he feels as though something is missing. When he sees his younger brother spread out on the floor, creating a wondrous piece of art, he remembers how much he loves to make things. He goes to the beach to think, and it’s there that a magical encounter with a fox helps him reconnect with a long-forgotten source of happiness.

Simple words and stunning illustrations pair to show us there is more than one way to be a boy…and remind us of the deep satisfaction of creativity.

“[An] immensely appealing fantasy…expressed in an explosion of collage-style montages. … [more]

A life on the prairie is not all its cracked up to be for one girl whose mom takes her love of the Little House series just a bit too far in this middle-grade novel about belonging from the author of A Patron Saint for Junior Bridesmaids.

Charlotte’s mom has just moved the family across the country to live in Walnut Grove, “childhood home of pioneer author Laura Ingalls Wilder.” Mom’s idea is that the spirit of Laura Ingalls will help her write a bestselling book. But Charlotte knows better: Walnut Grove is just another town where Mom can avoid responsibility. And this place is worse than everywhere else the family has lived―it’s freezing in the winter, it’s small with nothing to do, and the people talk about Laura Ingalls all the time. Charlotte’s … [more]

New York City Brick by Brick is the ultimate exploration of the architecture and history of New York City through the creative medium of LEGO. Expert builder Jonathan Lopes presents iconic structures of his own design, including the Flatiron Building, the Woolworth Building, the Manhattan Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, Junior’s Diner, brownstones, fire houses, and much more! Each model has been beautifully photographed with full-scale views and close-up details, as well as brief instructional breakouts. Lopes’s masterful constructions will inspire builders of all ages.

Jonathan Lopes is an artist who works within the medium of LEGO bricks. He has done commissions—large and small—for private groups, nonprofit organizations, galleries, book publishers, authors, and retail shops as well as for Toys “R” Us and the LEGO Group itself.

To see book interiors and more, click here. … [more]

I’m so happy to share that Marcie Colleen’s picture book text, SURVIVOR TREE, has sold at auction to Deirdre Jones at Little, Brown!

SURVIVOR TREE tells the true story of the Callery pear tree that stood at the base of the World Trade Center for 30 years and was almost destroyed, only to be pulled from the rubble, coaxed back to life, and eventually replanted as part of the 9/11 memorial.

We’re over the moon that Aaron Becker’s art will bring this story to life. In Marcie’s words, “Books heal. I hope SURVIVOR TREE helps those who need it, like writing it did for me.”

You’ll find it in bookstores in the summer of 2021 — congratulations to Marcie and everyone involved!

… [more]

I am looking for three Readers, to help me review middle grade and young adult manuscripts.

Publishing experience isn’t necessary; I’m looking for keen, thoughtful readers, who love YA and MG fiction and whose personal taste isn’t wildly different than mine. Especially important is knowledge of recent award-winners and New York Times bestsellers. Readers will have a firsthand view into an agent’s work and decision-making process. Past readers have been writers for children, children’s librarians, elementary school teachers, MFA students. All of them have been passionate about books for children and teens.

Here are some details:

• Readers review and report on one manuscript every week.
• I ask for a minimum six-month commitment, though many readers have stayed on longer.
• Communication is largely via email, though I also plan periodic Q&A sessions with readers (via gchat/skype

A big congratulations to Marcie Colleen for the publication of PENGUINAUT! This is Marcie’s second published picture book and we’re so happy to see it out in the world. GO, PENGUINAUT, GO!

Orville lives at the zoo, surrounded by animal pals who go on exciting adventures. A hang gliding rhino! A deep-sea diving giraffe! Orville struggles to keep up, until one day he concocts an adventure all his own: build a spaceship and fly to the moon all by himself. Can one tiny penguin get there alone?

Penguinaut is perfect for every child who’s said, “I can do it myself!” and comes to find that the rewards are much richer when shared with friends. Marcie Colleen’s playful text and Emma Yarlett’s charming, whimsical illustrations are sure to delight both children and their parents.

PENGUINAUT! is … [more]

Here’s something wonderful: there are now eight BABY LOVES books out in the world! Today, we celebrate the publication of GREEN ENERGY and STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING!

Big, brainy science for the littlest listeners.

Accurate enough to satisfy an expert, yet simple enough for baby, this clever board book explores the climate of our planet and the need to protect it for all babies. Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby’s sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well!

These books are widely available at bookstores and libraries. Congratulations to Ruth Spiro!… [more]

Hello and welcome to the world, BE BOLD, BABY by Alison Oliver! I’m so excited that these two marvelous board books — BE BOLD, BABY: OPRAH and BE BOLD, BABY: MICHELLE OBAMA — are finally out in the world!

Be Curious

Be Confident

Be Empathetic

Be Active

Be Passionate

BE YOU!

Be Bold, Baby is the board book series that introduces little ones to the inspiring heroines of our time!

The series begins with a celebration of Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey’s most motivational and powerful moments. Quotes from the former First Lady and media mogul accompany a distillation of their most important qualities, while vibrant illustrations by Alison Oliver, author of Moon, and illustrator of the BabyLit series, bring them to life!

Each book ends with a mirror, so that young readers know that … [more]