Spotlight: The Wedding Portrait by Innosanto Nagara

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The Wedding Portrait is an essential book for kids about standing up for what’s right. Here are stories of direct action from around the world that are bookended by the author’s wedding story. He and his bride led their wedding party to a  protest, and were captured in a photo by the local newspaper kissing in front of a line of police just before being arrested. “We usually follow the rules. But sometimes, if you see something is wrong–more wrong than breaking the rules and by breaking the rules you might stop it–you may need to break the rules.” When indigenous people in Colombia block an oil company from destroying their environment–this is a blockade; when Florida farmworkers encourage people not to buy their tomatos because the farm owners won’t pay them for their hard work–this is called a boycott; and when Claudette Colvin takes a seat in the front of the bus to protest racism–this is called civil disobedience.  In brilliantly bright and inspiring illustrations we see ordinary people say No–to unfair treatment, to war, to destroying the environment. Innosanto Nagara has beautifully melded an act of love with crucial ideas of civil disobedience and direct action that will speak to young readers’ sense of right and wrong. There has never been a more important moment for Innosanto Nagara’s gentle message of firm resolve.

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About the Author

INNOSANTO NAGARA’s new-wave board books encourage children to grow up with confidence in themselves, and to be proactive citizens who are passionate about causes from environmental issues to LGBTQ rights and civil rights. Nagara was born and raised in Indonesia.

Spotlight: Violet and the Mummy Mystery by Harriet Whitehorn and Illustrated by Becka Moor

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Can YOU solve the case of the missing mummy?

Meet Violet Remy-Robinson, an amateur Sherlock Holmes in the making…
 
When Violet’s cousin Agnes and her Aunt Mathilde arrive from Cairo, Violet is delighted.  Aunt Mathilde is a Professor of Ancient Egyptology and has discovered a mummy that may be the key to revealing the secret location of Queen Nefertiti’s tomb. Violet can’t wait to find out more! So when the precious mummy is stolen from the British Museum, it’s a disaster. Who has managed to pull off this crime right under the security guards’ noses and where is the mummy now?  It’s up to Violet and the gang to save the day!

Complete with two-colour illustrations throughout by Becka Moor, this is a fresh and funny mystery and readers will fall in love with Violet’s quirky charm. Perfect for fans of Dixie O’Day, Ottoline and Goth Girl.

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About the Author

Harriet Whitehorn grew up in London, where she still lives with her husband and three daughters. She has studied at Reading University, the Architectural Association and The Victoria and Albert Museum and has always worked in building conservation. She currently works for English Heritage. Violet and the Pearl of the Orient was her first children’s book and the first in a series, followed by Violet and the Hidden Treasure, and Violet and the Smugglers.

About the Illustrator

Becka Moor studied illustration in the North of Wales at Glyndwr University. She has since moved back home to Manchester where she works under the strict supervision of two very mischievous cats, doodling away and drinking far too much coffee.

Spotlight: Grandma Panda's China Storybook Legends, Traditions and Fun by Mingmei Yip

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With classic Chinese fairytales and folk stories, Grandma Panda's China Storybook introduces children to Chinese culture in a fun, adventurous way!

Grandma Panda is a wonderful teacher, a wonderful storyteller and a wonderful cook! Her grandchildren, Baobao and Lingling, love staying with her every summer, because at Grandma Panda's house, each day is an adventure. This summer, with the help of celebrated novelist and artist Mingmei Yip, Grandma will take them to a world filled with Chinese calligraphy, kites, kung fu and more! 

They'll get to hear Grandma's stories of a time long ago in China, when everything began, and learn simple Chinese language along the way. Come join Grandma Panda, Baobao and Lingling for a summer of fun and learning as bright watercolor illustrations make favorite legends come alive!

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Spotlight: Sam & Eva by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

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Harold and the Purple Crayon meets Tom and Jerry in this sweet and funny picture book about a boy and girl who must balance their creativity and figure out how to cooperate after their drawings come to life. 

When Sam starts drawing a super cool velociraptor, Eva decides to join in. But Sam isn’t too happy about the collaboration. Soon Eva and Sam are locked in an epic creative clash, bringing to life everything from superhero marmots to exploding confetti. But when their masterpieces turn to mayhem will Sam stay stubbornly solo or will he realize that sometimes the best work comes from teamwork?

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About the Author

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author of Where Are My Books?. Her illustrations also appear in Sea Monkey and Bob, written by Aaron Reynolds; I’m Bored (New York Times Notable Book) and Naked!, written by Michael Ian Black; as well as ten Judy Blume chapter books and middle grade titles. For more info, visit DebbieOhi.com or @InkyElbows on Twitter.

Spotlight: The Chicks in the Barn by Aly Fronis and Illustrated by Jannie Ho

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Get ready to make some animal noises in this fun, farmyard-themed twist on the classic nursery rhyme "The Wheels on the Bus"!

The chicks in the barn go cheep cheep cheep,

cheep cheep cheep,

cheep cheep cheep.

The chicks in the barn go cheep cheep cheep,

all through the farm.

The farm sure is a noisy place! It’s filled with cheeping chicks, oinking pigs, neighing horses, bleating sheep, mooing cows, hooting owls, and sqeaking mice! Little ones will love this springtime twist on the song “The Wheels on the Bus”!

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