We need literature that wrestles with the evils of slavery while confronting its complexity – especially when it’s written for childrenA book called George Washington’s Birthday Cake has caused controversy for depicting a smiling black cook, in this case chef Hercules and his daughter, preparing cake in the kitchen for the president, who held in bondage hundreds of enslaved workers. It is unclear what kind of moment we are witnessing on the cover. Is it familial love, servile obedience, or, perhaps, a smile to hide the pain of being enslaved? Improving our understanding of the lives of slaves is key to answering those uncomfortable questions. The rationale which the illustrator, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, gave for the “happy slaves” imagery was that these enslaved folk, identified as “servants”, were proud and felt privileged to serve a man of such a great “stature”. In her plea for a middle ground, the author, Ramin Ganeshram, argued that not every enslaved person was in the middle of hell every single second, and therefore, smiling isn’t an unreasonable thing to suggest. I know Ganeshram, as do many in the black culinary scene. I have not dialogued with her about the book, nor have I had the opportunity to read it. Both the author and illustrator, are of color. On the surface, they are right on both counts. But why are we still uncomfortable, opposed and furious – even after the book has been pulled? Related: Scholastic pulls George Washington book over slave cake... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'
[ The Guardian | 2016-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The activist-quarterback discusses the defining moment that sparked his new children’s book, ‘I Color Myself Different.' Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2022-04-06 09:00:00 UTC ]
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‘Triumphant debut’ with environmental theme, illustrated by Levi Pinfold, is awarded £5,000 prize by the chain’s booksellersA timely adventure story that tackles environmental themes has been named winner of this year’s Waterstones children’s book prize.The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, illustrated... Continue reading at The Guardian
[ The Guardian | 2022-03-31 19:00:00 UTC ]
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"Antiracist Baby" is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon a day after the GOP senator railed against it during Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing. Continue reading at HuffPost
[ HuffPost | 2022-03-23 19:18:14 UTC ]
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Bestselling author Ann Voskamp is celebrating belonging, love, and the difference one person can make in her first children’s book, 'Your Brave Song,' which will be released by Tyndale Kids next February. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-03-23 04:00:00 UTC ]
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The United Kingdom's based book award duo, Carnegie and Greenaway, have 16 shortlisted titles between them. The post More Children’s Books Awards: Carnegie and Greenaway Shortlists appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2022-03-21 07:50:32 UTC ]
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A reading list hints at the richness and breadth of African American children’s writing before Brown v. Board of Education. Continue reading at The New York Times
[ The New York Times | 2022-03-19 09:00:07 UTC ]
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The Barcelona-based literary agent Karolina Jaszecka heads for Bologna with a specialty in Polish literature for young readers. (Sponsored) The post Children’s Books Edition: Agent Karolina Jaszecka’s Outlook for Bologna appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2022-03-11 13:30:36 UTC ]
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Author Larysa Denysenko wrote introduction to Maya and Her Friends while sheltering from missiles in Kyiv“As I write to you, rockets are flying outside my windows, and at a distance of 20km from my house, Russian aggressors are destroying the suburbs of Kyiv,” author Larysa Denysenko says in an... Continue reading at The Guardian
[ The Guardian | 2022-03-11 11:15:48 UTC ]
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Conversation starters to help kids understand and process our world’s most dreadful events. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-03-04 13:52:13 UTC ]
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The ninth iteration of the China Shanghai International Children's Book is moving its 2022 dates to July, under COVID-19 restrictions. The post Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair Postponed From March to July appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2022-03-03 18:16:52 UTC ]
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Shirley Hughes was the English author and illustrator of beloved picture books like Out and About, Dogger, and the Alfie series. Continue reading at Book Riot
[ Book Riot | 2022-03-02 13:57:50 UTC ]
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Bruce Simpson self published Paislee and the Talking Tree, and put an American Sign Language version online. Members of the deaf community say such translations are still not that common with newer books and applaud the move. Continue reading at CBC
[ CBC | 2022-02-28 21:15:37 UTC ]
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A writer and illustrator, he created more than 200 books for young readers, including the ode to individuality “Mr. Pine’s Purple House." Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2022-02-26 04:19:15 UTC ]
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He crafted tales of everyday life for early readers. His “Mr. Pine’s Purple House,” first published in 1965, later inspired a new publishing company — and Jeff Bezos. Continue reading at The New York Times
[ The New York Times | 2022-02-24 23:32:36 UTC ]
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The awards recognize outstanding literary achievements in 12 categories, with winners to be announced at USC in-person on April 22. Continue reading at Los Angeles Times
[ Los Angeles Times | 2022-02-23 14:00:04 UTC ]
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With 14 jurors having worked their way through 2,215 submissions from 61 countries, the 2022 Bologna Ragazzi Award winners are announced. The post Bologna Children’s Book Fair: The 2022 Ragazzi Award Winners appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2022-02-22 18:45:35 UTC ]
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An unspoken tradition hints that going to the source is good for the story you want to write. The trouble often is that we have no idea what that source may be. Sometimes we think it is sheer research and we spend time in libraries. Often, we think it’s where the action of the proposed […] Continue reading at Literrary Hub
[ Literrary Hub | 2022-02-22 09:52:32 UTC ]
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This year, Bologna Children's Book Fair's Illustrators' Exhibition features winning work from 78 artists in 29 international markets. The post Bologna Children’s Book Fair Names Its 56th Illustrators’ Exhibition Winners appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2022-02-07 04:17:02 UTC ]
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Broadway actor Kristin Chenoweth explores the joys of adoption, showing kindness, and sharing love in her debut book for kids, 'What Will I Do With My Love Today?' Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-01-26 05:00:00 UTC ]
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Winners of an array of children’s literature awards reflect a diversity of perspectives and topics. “The Last Cuentista,” a tale of a young girl who must preserve the memory of Earth’s history, won the John Newbery Medal for the year’s best children’s book. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor
[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2022-01-25 18:02:43 UTC ]
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