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Publishers are increasingly focusing on creating series of STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) books for young readers. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers has launched the Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series, while Candlewick's MIT Kids and MITeen imprints are expanding existing series and launching new ones. Other publishers, such as Dial Books for Young Readers, Bloomsbury, Putnam, Blue Dot Kids Press, Charlesbridge, and Greystone Kids, are also developing and expanding their STEM/STEAM offerings for children of various age groups. These series aim to provide engaging and visually appealing content that combines scientific information with imaginative storytelling. [Extracted from the article]

Meg Medina, the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, discusses her latest picture book, "No More Señora Mimí," in an interview with Publishers Weekly. The book explores the relationship between a girl and her grandmother, who becomes her daily caregiver, and the potential impact on her longtime babysitter. Medina also talks about her role as ambassador, her accomplishments, challenges, and the influence of her Cuban heritage on her writing style. She emphasizes the importance of libraries and the community in raising children and promoting reading. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Publishers Weekly features a selection of children's books that explore cultural identity, prejudice, and racism. These books address challenging subjects such as antisemitism, racism, and diaspora experiences, offering young readers a way to navigate difficult emotions and build skills for understanding a complex world. The stories highlight themes of acceptance, resilience, and the power of embracing differences to create harmony, providing valuable opportunities for starting conversations about loss, war, grief, and resilience. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents information related to various debut picture book writers including Jesús Trejo, Ari Tyson, and Balint Zsako. It states that Trejo believes more picture books like his book "Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock" should be written about families, who have hard but necessary occupations but remain unnoticed to the world. Incidents that led Tison to writing her book "Saints of the Household" are described. It explains how Zsako came up with the story of his book "Bunny & Tree."

Orca Book Publishers, founded in 1984, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company focuses on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in children's literature, publishing books in multiple languages, including Indigenous languages. Orca publishes a wide range of children's books and has expanded into audio formats. The company has grown over the years and now has a team of 50 staff members. They are committed to delivering accessible content and have a strong focus on Indigenous titles. Orca also emphasizes nonfiction books with a social justice and environmental protection lens. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the publishing industry, particularly in the realm of children's books. The author, who is both a children's author and a publisher, emphasizes the hard work and unpredictability involved in creating and promoting a successful book. They highlight the disconnect between the realities of publishing and the aspirations of authors and publishers, and stress the importance of taste and timing in determining a book's success. Despite the challenges, the author maintains a belief in the power of hope and the magic of storytelling. [Extracted from the article]

"Girls on the Rise" is a children's picture book written by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loveis Wise. The book celebrates the power and unity of girls, emphasizing the diversity and strength within intersectional girlhood. Through digital artwork and collage elements, the book depicts girls working together, protesting, resting, and playing. The characters in the book represent various abilities, body types, and skin tones, promoting inclusivity and representation. The book concludes with a message of empowerment, highlighting that when one girl rises, it uplifts everyone else. [Extracted from the article]

This article highlights several new children's books from indie presses that emphasize themes of self-discovery, adventure, and representation. "The Fly Who Flew to Space" by Lauren Sánchez and illustrated by Raleigh Stewart follows a gender-indeterminate fly on a celestial adventure, promoting curiosity and exploration, especially for girls in STEM. "In Praise of Mystery" by Ada Limón and illustrated by Peter Sís is a poem engraved on NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, while "Griso, the One and Only" by Roger Mello showcases the last unicorn's search for a companion through various artistic styles. "What I Must Tell the World" by Jay Leslie and illustrated by Loveis Wise tells the story of Lorraine Hansberry, addressing topics of racism and queerness, and "The Forbidden Book" by Sacha Lamb explores themes of gender, power, friendship, and freedom. Lastly, "When Mimi Went Missing" by Suja Sukumar is a psychological thriller featuring characters of Indian descent, providing representation in the genre. [Extracted from the article]

This article features various publishers sharing their behind-the-scenes stories of how certain books came to be published. One story involves a sales rep discovering a self-published picture book about a blue cat with white shoes, which eventually became the popular "Pete the Cat" series. Another story involves a missing hand-painted potato display item at a book expo, causing a mild panic before it was found. Other stories include a manuscript sent by a kindergarten teacher that became a bestselling book, and a publisher stumbling upon a manuscript by Terry Pratchett that led to a successful professional relationship. [Extracted from the article]

"The Gift of Eid" by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, is a children's picture book that reimagines "The Gift of the Magi" with a grieving mother and child during Eid. The story follows Yasmine as she navigates the loss of her father and decides to sell her gold chain to buy a gift for her mother, who in turn sells her bracelet to buy a gift for Yasmine. The emotional tale highlights the bond between the two characters and the love they share, set against the backdrop of Souq Al-Hamidiyeh and the Umayyad Masjid of Damascus. The illustrations feature characters with various skin tones, making it a culturally inclusive read for ages 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

"Grumbalina and the Level Examinations" is a picture book that follows a young fairy named Grumbalina as she faces the nerve-wracking experience of taking exams. Despite her grumpy nature, Grumbalina excels at a sunbeam spell to save the day when a storm threatens her classmates' soggy flowers during the test. The story emphasizes the importance of compassion, generosity, and teamwork, with playful illustrations bringing Grumbalina's whimsical world to life. This book is part of a series that aims to help young readers navigate challenges with joy and determination. [Extracted from the article]

"Crack Goes the Cascarón: An Eggcellent Not-Just-for-Easter Shellebration!" by Sara Andrea Fajardo, illustrated by Rocío Arreola Mendoza, is a lively holiday picture book featuring Toti, the "King of Cascarones," who plans to outwit their family on Easter with unique confetti-filled eggs. The story unfolds with humor and egg puns as Toti's elaborate egg creations go missing, leading to unexpected twists. The digital illustrations by Arreola Mendoza vividly capture the festive atmosphere and familial dynamics, with characters reflecting Latinx culture. The book, suitable for ages 3-7, is also available in Spanish. [Extracted from the article]

"Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid" by Tamron Hall, illustrated by Ebony Glenn, is a heartwarming picture book that follows young Moses as he adjusts to his new home in Harlem after moving from Texas. Through encounters with neighbors and visits to local landmarks like Sylvia's soul food restaurant and the Apollo Theater, Moses discovers the vibrant and welcoming community of Harlem. The illustrations by Glenn beautifully capture the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood, and the diverse characters are depicted with various skin tones. The book is recommended for children ages 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

"Echo" by Adam Rex is a children's picture book that explores the concept of validation and self-discovery through the story of Junior Junior and his echo friend. When a real child, Sandy, challenges Junior Junior's beliefs, he learns the value of authentic relationships and the importance of having someone who challenges and engages. The book uses sly humor and digital drawings to convey the message that real reciprocity thrives on diverse perspectives. The characters in the book are portrayed with pale skin, and the story is recommended for ages 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Pilgrim Codex" by Vivian Mansour, translated by Carlos Rodríguez Cortez and illustrated by Emmanuel Valtierra, tells the story of the Vargas Ramírez family's challenging journey from Iztapalapa, Land of Clay upon Water, to the U.S., incorporating Mesoamerican mythology. The digitized illustrations blend present-day elements with colorful iconography, depicting the group's struggles and reliance on each other during the arduous trip. The narrative, accompanied by rich imagery, captures the suspenseful and poignant nature of the journey, ending with a hopeful outlook for the future. [Extracted from the article]

"The White Peril: A Family Memoir" by Omo Moses is a poignant account of how his father, civil rights leader Bob Moses, and great-grandfather, radical Baptist preacher William Henry Moses, influenced his political beliefs. Moses reflects on his experiences with racism after moving to the U.S. from Tanzania in 1976, and how his focus shifted from basketball to education, inspired by his father's Algebra Project. Through a blend of family history and coming-of-age narrative, Moses eloquently weaves together his own voice with that of his ancestors, offering a moving conclusion that looks towards the future. [Extracted from the article]

"The Urban Owls: How Flaco and Friends Made the City Their Home" by Christian Cooper, illustrated by Kristen Adam, is a children's picture book that showcases wild owls living in New York City. The book introduces characters like Flaco, Barry, Geraldine, and Rocky, highlighting their unique stories and resilience. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, the book emphasizes the owls' adaptability to urban environments and includes fun owl facts. Recommended for ages 4-8, this book celebrates the coexistence of wildlife and city life. [Extracted from the article]

"Chicken Fun" by Mary Jo Huff is a fun-filled picture book that introduces young learners to numbers and counting through the playful antics of 10 chickens. The rhyming prose, onomatopoeia, and expressive illustrations by Wendy Fedan make this book engaging and enjoyable for children. With a focus on storytelling and music, Huff's background as a retired early childhood educator shines through in this delightful story that can be elevated by adult participation. The book offers a light-hearted and bonding experience for both adults and kids, encouraging them to count, sing, and laugh together. [Extracted from the article]

"Sharing the Dream" by Shelia P. Moses, illustrated by Keith Mallett, is a picture book that follows a young Black girl named Agnes and her family as they travel from Birmingham, Ala., to Washington, D.C., for the March on Washington. The story highlights their visit to Frederick Douglass's home, the Lincoln Memorial, and the presence of historical figures like John Lewis, Josephine Baker, Mahalia Jackson, and Martin Luther King Jr. The book emphasizes themes of unity, freedom, and equality, offering a child's perspective on a significant historical event. Moses' narrative and Mallett's colorful illustrations provide a poignant portrayal of this moment in history for readers aged 3-7. [Extracted from the article]

"On All Fours" by Gaëtan Dorémus, translated from French by Emilie Robert Wong, is a children's picture book that celebrates the simple joys of exploring the world through movement. The story follows a blue bear cub as it navigates various terrains and experiences, from feeling the tickly grass to splashing in water. The vibrant illustrations and comforting words capture the wonder and excitement of everyday adventures for young readers aged 3-5. [Extracted from the article]

"Hard Hat Hank and the Sky-High Solution" is a children's picture book that follows Hank, a construction foreman who is precise and focused. When faced with a challenge on the job site, Hank creatively solves the problem by incorporating an eco-friendly green roof that accommodates both the project and a bird's nest. The book emphasizes the importance of flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. The illustrations by Brian Biggs complement the story well, showing Hank's leadership and the admiration of his crew. [Extracted from the article]

"Spaceman Sam" is an exciting picture book that tells the story of a boy named Sam who discovers adventure in a cardboard box. Sam's imaginative play takes him on a rocket race with aliens, but he soon realizes he needs his dad as a co-pilot. The book emphasizes the importance of parents and children creating connections through play, and the expressive illustrations bring the story to life. "Spaceman Sam" is recommended for fans of "The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination" and "Day Dreamers." [Extracted from the article]

"A Recipe for Magic Potion" is a whimsical picture book by Jack Henseleit, illustrated by Natasja Horne. The book follows a pair of children as they create a magic potion for youthfulness using simple ingredients found in nature. The illustrations, done in a pale, earthy style, depict the children enjoying outdoor exploration. The book aims to evoke a sense of imagination and nostalgia, and features characters with diverse skin tones. Recommended for ages 3 and up. [Extracted from the article]

"The Adventures of Myron and Swimmy: One for Myron" is a picture book debut by Mario Nacinovich that follows the journey of Swimmy, an adventurous canyon tree frog, as he explores the desert with his new friend, Myron. Along the way, they encounter various desert creatures and learn about the unique natural wonders of the desert. The book features lively illustrations by Nadia Ronquillo and promotes the themes of friendship and curiosity. It is recommended for fans of similar books like "Life in the Slow Lane" by Conrad J. Storad and "Two Together" by Brendan Wenzel. [Extracted from the article]

In "Saturday Morning at the 'Shop," Keenan Jones and Ken Daley celebrate the vibrant atmosphere of a barbershop through the eyes of a young Black child. The book follows the child as they spend a Saturday morning at the barbershop, soaking up the lively atmosphere and witnessing the barbershop's many roles as a sound booth, gallery, sports show, comedy club, playground, and classroom. The digital illustrations vividly capture the diverse community that gathers at the barbershop, including portrayals of influential figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. This picture book offers an affectionate portrayal of an intergenerational tradition and a vital community cornerstone. [Extracted from the article]

Andrew Larsen's picture book, "Gifts from the Garbage Truck: A True Story About the Things We (Don't) Throw Away," tells the story of Nelson Molina, a lifelong resident of East Harlem and curator of "Treasures in the Trash." Molina spent 34 years working for the New York City Department of Sanitation, rescuing and cleaning 45,000 discarded items, which are now on display at the Manhattan 11 garage. Larsen was inspired to write the book after hearing about Molina on social media and realizing that no one had written a children's book about him. The book explores the anthropological significance of garbage and Molina's artistic approach to collecting. Larsen chose to publish with Sourcebooks, an American publisher, because of their understanding of commercial appeal and their ability to get stories into the hands of children. The book includes a foreword written by Molina himself. [Extracted from the article]

Ruth Chan, author-illustrator of Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back, discusses her graphic narrative debut in an interview with Publishers Weekly. The memoir recounts her family's move from Toronto to Hong Kong in 1993, highlighting her experience as a 13-year-old navigating a new culture and language. Chan explains the challenges and advantages of working in the graphic novel format compared to picture books, and discusses the decision to write a memoir and the importance of sharing stories of culture shock in reverse. She also touches on the inclusion of multiple languages in the book and the support she received from her extended family. Chan reveals that she is currently working on a second graphic novel set in Hong Kong and a picture book sequel. [Extracted from the article]

Renée Watson, the author of Piecing Me Together, has written a middle grade novel-in-verse called All the Blues in the Sky. The story follows Sage, who is grieving the unexpected death of a friend and finds support from her family and a grief group. Watson chose to write in verse to capture the heavy emotions of grief and to make the story move quickly. The character of Sage is inspired by conversations with friends and family who have experienced loss. Community plays a crucial role in Sage's healing process, providing stability, hope, and understanding. Watson emphasizes the importance of showcasing the full range of emotions that Black children, especially Black girls, experience during the grieving process, challenging the expectation for them to always be happy. Watson has several upcoming works, including a poetry collection, a picture book biography, and a debut adult novel, all exploring themes of joy, pain, change, trauma, legacy, and loss. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on Anita Lobel, a prominent figure in the world of picture books since 1965. Topics include Lobel's illustrated works for children, her nonfiction writings based on her own life, and her latest book "Stone Soup: Morsels of an Unsettled Life" which continues her life story from her previous memoir.

"I'm Always Loving You" is a sunny picture book by Kathy Wolff, illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn. The book showcases the unconditional love that adult caretakers have for the children in their lives. Through warm rhyming stanzas and cheery digital illustrations, the book captures relatable moments in the daily routines of families with diverse skin tones and configurations. The book emphasizes the strong bond between children and adults, whether they are dancing together or dealing with disappointment. It is recommended for children ages 3-6. [Extracted from the article]

"The Chinese New Year Helper" is a children's picture book written by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrated by Ginnie Hsu. The story follows a child named Jia who tries to help with the Chinese New Year celebrations at their family's restaurant in Chinatown. However, Jia is repeatedly told that they are too young to assist. Despite feeling disappointed, Jia's mood is lifted when the lion dancers arrive and include the child in the festivities. The book showcases various cultural details and emphasizes the importance of involving children in traditions. It is suitable for children aged 3 to 7 and features characters with diverse skin tones. [Extracted from the article]

"A Pocket Full of Rocks" is a picture book by Kristin Mahoney, illustrated by E.B. Goodale. The story follows a child with light brown skin who collects rocks and treasures them for their various uses, such as being chairs for fairies or for writing on the sidewalk. The illustrations depict the child's experiences throughout the seasons, with natural backdrops and simple human figures. The book explores themes of delight in nature, a child's imagination, and the comfort of having something solid and cool in one's pocket. Recommended for ages 3-7. [Extracted from the article]

"I Love You, Little Horse" by Gianna Marino is an affectionate picture book that takes readers to a sunny meadow where horses run free. The story follows a large white horse and a pale gray foal as the elder horse encourages the younger one to savor the beauty of the day and dream of all they can do. The book emphasizes the empowering constancy of a trusted adult in supporting free-ranging exploration. With gouache washes of blues and greens transitioning to shades of orange, the story ends with the horses settling down to snuggle and sleep under a starry sky. This loving and lyrical tribute is suitable for children ages 3-7. [Extracted from the article]

"Bert the Bowerbird: The Small Bird with a Big Heart" is a children's picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Catherine Rayner. The story follows Bert, a bowerbird, who constructs a beautiful nest in hopes of finding a mate. However, when Nanette, a demanding bird, arrives and asks for more tributes, Bert is left heartbroken. Eventually, a kind bird named Jean comes along and appreciates Bert for who he is, bringing happiness back into his life. The book teaches a valuable lesson about finding love and acceptance. Suitable for children aged 3-6. [Extracted from the article]