Spotlight: Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve

A National Book Award Finalist for Nonfiction, Never Caught is the eye-opening narrative of Ona Judge, George and Martha Washington’s runaway slave, who risked everything for a better life—now available as a young reader’s edition!

In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons’ when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.

Born into a life of slavery, Ona Judge eventually grew up to be George and Martha Washington’s “favored” dower slave. When she was told that she was going to be given as a wedding gift to Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Ona made the bold and brave decision to flee to the north, where she would be a fugitive.

From her childhood, to her time with the Washingtons and living in the slave quarters, to her escape to New Hampshire, Erica Armstrong Dunbar (along with Kathleen Van Cleve), shares an intimate glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, and her brave journey as she fled the most powerful couple in the country.

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About the Authors

Erica Armstrong Dunbar is the Charles and Mary Beard Professor of History at Rutgers University. She also serves as Director of the Program in African American History at the Library Company of Philadelphia. Her first book, A Fragile Freedom: African American Women and Emancipation in the Antebellum City was published by Yale University Press in 2008. She is also the author of Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave Ona Judge.

Kathleen Van Cleve teaches creative writing and film at the University of Pennsylvania. She has written three books, including the award-winning middle grade novel Drizzle and lives in Philadelphia with her husband and sons

Spotlight: Let's Go: Into Space By Timothy Knapman and Illustrated by Wesley Robins

Blast off on an outer space adventure with Ollie, Allie, and their dog Yowzer in this innovative board book for junior space explorers.

Get ready to blast off for an out-of-this-world adventure with Ollie, Allie, and their dog Yowzer! Each die-cut page in this innovative board book invites young space explorers on a mission to learn about Earth’s moon, our solar system, and beyond. Each turn of the fact-filled pages launches readers deeper into outer space on a colorful and fascinating tour of the stars.

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About the Author & Illustrator

Timothy Knapman studied history at Oxford. Since then he has spent his time writing plays, musicals, songs, operas, and children's books. His books include the best-selling Dinosaurs in the Supermarket, Eleanor’s Eyebrows, and Mungo and the Picture Book Pirates and its sequels. They have been translated into 15 languages and have been read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. Tim has also written for CBeebies’ "Driver Dan’s Story Train."

Wesley Robins is a freelance illustrator and designer from London. He graduated from Kingston University, and his first graphic novel, Ascent, was published in 2011 by Jonathan Cape.

Spotlight: Superkitty By Hannah Whitty and Illustrated by Paula Bowles

Kitty is fed up of answering phones at the Sensational Superhero Agency and dreams of catching criminals with the superhero gang. But they ALWAYS leave her behind!

Then a call comes in about a stolen dinosaur bone . . . and Kitty takes matters into her own paws, following the superheroes in their pursuit of devious criminal Nefarious Norman!

Will she save the day and prove that small is MIGHTY?

Join Kitty and the gang in this energetic picture book about believing in your own abilities, not judging a book by its cover . . . and girl power!

Perfect for fans of Shifty McGifty and Ten Little Superheroes.

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About the Author & Illustrator

Hannah Whitty hails from the bohemian seaside city of Brighton and Hove. Surrounded by inspiring creatives growing up, she quickly discovered a passion for literature, particularly the world of children’s books. She has worked with a number of publishers as both author and illustrator, including Tiger Tales, Scholastic and Simon & Schuster .

Paula grew up in Hertfordshire with a house full of animals. She has always loved drawing, reading and playing in her imagination, so she studied illustration at Falmouth College of Arts and became an illustrator. She was featured in the Association of Illustrators' Images 30 annual, and the ‘New Voices’ exhibition at The Coningsby Gallery, London. She now lives in Bristol, where she has worked as an illustrator for over 10 years. With past clients including Bloomsbury, The National Trust and Child’s Play, she is now very excited to be working on books with Simon & Schuster and Nosy Crow.

Spotlight: The Light in the Night By Marie Voigt

Betty loves her night-time stories, especially the one about Cosmo: a bear that is afraid of the dark.

So when Cosmo comes to life, it is the perfect opportunity for Betty to help him overcome his fear and show him the beauty of the night.

With a lantern in one hand and Cosmo’s paw in the other, join Betty on a wonderful adventure that will light up every child’s story time!

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About the Author

Marie Voigt is an exceptional new picture book talent, with degrees in both Media Design and Marketing. After a successful career in TV, branding and graphic design, Marie realised that making picture books allows her to combine all her passions and skills in the most fulfilling way.

With her work, Marie hopes to delight and inspire so that she may have a small impact on helping make our world that little bit brighter and happier.

Spotlight: Rosie is My Best Friend by Ali Pye

Join these two best friends on a day full of fun!

Rosie and her best friend spend every day together - helping the adults with the gardening and the shopping, learning new tricks, and playing in the park. They even explore outer space and the deepest oceans! When there are scary monsters, they stick together, and although they make new friends, they always come back to each other. There's nothing better than having a best friend, and Rosie is the best best friend you could possibly ask for. 

This gorgeous new book has a clever twist that will tug on the heartstrings!

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About the Author

Ali Pye studied fashion communication at Central St Martins School of Art in London, worked as a copy editor and started a family before finally getting it together to enrol on a part-time MA in illustration at Kingston University. She graduated in 2010, gave up the day job in 2011 and now does what she loves for a living.

Spotlight: PBS KIDS Once Upon A Time. . . A Handbook for Little Storytellers By Early Childhood Experts at PBS KIDS

Once Upon a Time... is a creative storytelling kit from the early childhood experts at PBS KIDS.

Gather round . . . it’s story time! Once Upon a Time. . . is packed with games, prompts, silly scenarios, and creativity-boosting illustrations to get kids as young as 3 or 4 comfortable and confident telling stories. The book is sure to jumpstart the imagination and get the whole family sharing amazing tales about a grumpy bear, a ticklish pirate, a goofy astronaut, and anyone or anything else that they can dream up.

The book comes with 2 wipe-off boards. Kids can draw and erase any idea, character, or action that pops into their head! The options for creative play are endless.

Research shows that storytelling is a wonderful activity for kids (and adults!) of all ages. It:
*Boosts creativity
*Increases focus
*Sharpens memory
*Enhances verbal skills
*Builds confidence

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