Let's Talk Illustrators #132: Masha Manapov

Today I'm excited to share my interview with illustrator, designer, and artist extraordinaire Masha Manapov about her author debut Ariba. Ariba humorously celebrates community and the joy of storytelling, and it was an honor to catch up with Masha and talk about how she created this special book. Enjoy!

Crushes of the Week: February 9-15, 2020

This week's crushes:

1. No More Naps!: A Story for When You're Wide-Awake and Definitely NOT Tired by Chris Grabenstein (Random House Books for Young Readers, February 2020)
2. Alice Across America: The Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Road Trip by Sarah Glenn Marsh and Gilbert Ford (Henry Holt and Co., February 2020)
3. One Mean Ant by Arthur Yorinks and Sergio Ruzzier (Candlewick, February 2020)
4. Bird Hugs by Ged Adamson (Two Lions, February 2020)
5. Garden Jungle by Hélène Druvert (Thames & Hudson, February 2020)
6. August the Tiger by Marieke Van Ditshuizen (Crocodile Books, October 2019)
7. Fearless Felines: 30 True Tales of Courageous Cats by Kimberlie Hamilton (Scholastic Nonfiction, November 2019)

      

Let's Talk Illustrators #131: Pete Oswald

I caught up with Pete Oswald to talk to him about Hike, his first solo picture book. This nearly-wordless wonder prompts readers to take in nature's beauty, and it truly encourages them to reflect on the idea that the longest, hardest journeys are often the most valuable ones. I hope you enjoy our chat!

Let's Talk Illustrators #130: Miren Asiain Lora

I was so excited to connect with Miren Asiain Lora, illustrator of Daniel Nesquens' A Good Day. Miren's sense of space throughout the book is impressive to say the least, but it's her gentle gouache illustrations that truly captured my heart. Take a look at our conversation below.

Crushes of the Week: February 2-8, 2020

This week's crushes:

1. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o and Vashti Harrison (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, October 2019)
2. Child of St Kilda by Beth Waters (Child's Play International, September 2019)
3. On Wings of Words: The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson by Jennifer Berne and Becca Stadtlander (Chronicle Books, February 2020)
4. Gus and the Greatest Catch of All by Victoria Cossack (Page Street Kids, October 2019)
5. Ho'onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale and Mika Song (Tundra Books, October 2019)
6. Where Are You Now? by Tyler Clark Burke (Owlkids, October 2019)
7. Earth Hour: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet by Nanette Heffernan and Bao Luu (Charlesbridge, January 2020)

 
    

OUR RAINBOW

Our Rainbow is a board book celebration of pride.

DANDELION'S DREAM

Dandelion's Dream by Yoko Tanaka wordlessly tells the story of one little dandelion-turned-lion's journey to self-actualization.

Crushes of the Week: January 26-February 1, 2020

This week's crushes:

1. All Colors by Amalia Hoffman (Schiffer Publishing, October 2019)
2. Sean Awesome: The Dog Next Door: The Dog Next Door by Jiwon Hwang and Sung Hong (Simply Read Books, November 2019)
3. The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera (Holiday House, October 2019)
4. The Ball Book: Footballs, Meatballs, Eyeballs & More Balls! by Joshua David Stein and Marcus Oakley (Phaidon Press, September 2019)
5. The Finger and the Nose by Paula Merlan and Gomez (Nubeocho, October 2019)
6. A Walk Through Nature by Libby Walden and Clover Robin (360 Degrees, September 2019)
7. Gus and the Greatest Catch of All by Victoria Cossack (Page Street Kids, October 2019)

      

BLACK IS A RAINBOW COLOR

Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy and Ekua Holmes is celebratory, historically-rooted poetry about Black representation in America.

Crushes of the Week: January 19-25, 2020

This week's crushes:

1. The Button Book by Sally Nicholls and Bethan Woollvin (Tundra Books, January 2020)
2. The Ranger by Nancy Vo (Groundwood Books, August 2019)
3. Thanku: Poems of Gratitude by Miranda Paul and Marlena Myles (Millbrook Press, September 2019)
4. Kai and the Monkey King (Brownstone's Mythical Collection #3) by Joe Todd Stanton (Flying Eye Books, October 2019)
5. Stormy: A Story About Finding a Forever Home by Guojing (Schwartz & Wade, September 2019)
6. The Big Little Thing by Beatrice Alemagna (Tate, October 2019)
7. Everything You: A Board Book by Elizabeth McPike and Jay Fleck (Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), December 2019)
8. You Loves Ewe! (A Yam and Donkey Book) by Cece Bell (Clarion Books, November 2019)