“What makes illustrating books so exciting is that because each book has a special voice, my approach toward each is different. Whether it be through my choice of palette, design or perspective, there is always a desire to experiment and explore what makes each book unique.” – James Ransome The recent BYU Books for Young…
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Sam Ricks on Being A Children’s Illustrator
By Michael Strickland “I’ve always loved whimsical, funny things … And at the same time, I’d constantly hole up in whatever library I could and read children’s books and look at art from illustrators I admired.” – Sam Ricks My years in children’s books have been as an author, not an illustrator. That’s why it…
Joyce Sidman on Writing Children’s Books
Tree frogs are different from other frogs. They spend most of their adult life outside of the water. They have special mucus on their toepads so that they can climb. They are the only climbing frog. Tree frogs are very quiet during the day. When you get close to them, they freeze, rather than jumping…
This Hilarious Picture Book Explores Being the Odd One Out With Bright and Engaging Art
It’s a beautiful day, and a group of friends are excited to spend it together. Check out We Love Fishing. The woodland creatures can’t wait to pile into their boat and go fishing! Or, at least, Bear, Porcupine, and Otter can’t wait. They love fishing. Squirrel…does not. Squirrel tags along with his enthusiastic friends, but…
A Hopeful and Timely Picture Book About a Spirited Girl Living in a Refugee Camp
Of all her friends, Abia has been at the Shimelba Refugee Camp the longest—seven years, four months, and sixteen days. Papa says that’s too long and they need a forever home. Until then, though, Abia has something important to do. Be a queen. Sometimes she’s a noisy queen, banging on her drum as she and…
This Charming Tale by Nicki Kramar Tells a Little Girl’s Plan to Find her Courage
In the spirit of Come With Me, this timely and charming tale about mask-wearing follows a little girl and her generous plan to find her own courage by helping those in her neighborhood find theirs. In a changing world, little Sophie is feeling a bit worried. She loves being outside and playing with her friends…
This Fascinating Picture Book Tells the Story of Artist Nek Chand and how he Created One of India’s Treasured Wonders
This luminous picture book tells the fascinating true story of artist Nek Chand and how his secret art project—hidden away in a jungle—became one of India’s most treasured wonders, second only to the Taj Mahal. In the bustle of the busy streets of Chandigarh, India, Nek Chand saw something no one else did. Where others…
Better Nate than Ever meets Love Sugar Magic in this spooky debut novel from Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez!
Better Nate than Ever meets Love Sugar Magic in this spooky middle grade novel from Hamilton and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez about a group of young thespians who must face the ghost haunting their theater. Twelve-year-old Monica Garcia has arrived in NYC with her grandmother and a few suitcases to live her dream on Broadway. In Fearless, by Mandy Gonzalez,…
March Through History and Discover Groundbreaking Protest Movements In This Stunningly Illustrated Book
For generations, marches have been an invaluable tool for bringing about social change. People have used their voices, the words on their signs, and the strength in their numbers to combat inequality, oppression, and discrimination. They march to call attention to these wrongs and demand change and action, from a local to a global scale….
Award Winning Author Anita Lobel Brings a Sweet Story About Young Rabbits Taking Care of Their Mama
From Caldecott Honor–winning author and illustrator Anita Lobel comes a sweet story about young rabbits taking care of their Mama Rabbit. This beloved classic picture book has been enlarged and refreshed for an immersive reading experience! Oh no, Mama Rabbit is sick in bed! Papa Rabbit has gone to get medicine, but her ten little…