Children's Lit Newsletter 10/21/26
AKA Sharon's Book Rx
SHARON'S BOOK RX YOUTUBE AND INSTAGRAM HAVE RELAUNCHED!!!! CHECK OUT THE LATEST!
Preview Video Link Posted Above (still learning how to make that icon prettier)
PERFECT PRESENT FOR BABIES AND THEIR PARENTS!!!!
A PERSONALIZED BOOKPLATE (AND BOOK) OF DEBRA FRASIER'S MAGICAL BOOK
ON THE DAY YOU WERE BORN
The perfect way to welcome a new baby (or, honestly, even an older one)
Get a copy of the newly reissued ON THE DAY YOU WERE BORN from Reach and Teach and get a special PERSONALIZED bookplate from author and illustrator, DEBRA FRASIER!!
Debra also notes, that if you have the book before the baby arrives (and someone is organized enough) you can bring the book to wherever the baby is being delivered, and their little footprints (that they do after the birth) can be put right on the title page!!! SO CUTE!!!
Please feel free to purchase the book in store or on-line (we will get the bookplates to you either at the store or through the mail) for this incredibly special gift!!!
RSVP now for the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group Winter 2027 Preview Event, where we’ll preview upcoming picture books, middle grade, and young adult titles during this free, one hour webinar on Tuesday, October 27th at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET! Stay tuned for our live special guest! Marla Frazee will be in conversation about her new picture book, Stand-Up Duck, a story about resilience, trying again, and finding community with people who lift you up.
We’ll also have guest video appearances from talented creators Zeke Peña(The Junk Box), Kristen Mai Giang (Lian Song Unlocks Real-Life Secret Powers), John Leguizamo (American History, the Latin Remix), and Hafsah Faizal (Blade of Honey).
Join Lee & Low, the largest multicultural children’s book publisher in the country, on Wednesday, October 28 at 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT to discover our upcoming spring titles!
During this one-hour webinar, learn about new picture books and novels about everyone, for everyone. Hear from illustrator Alex Aldrich Barrett (At Home in My Skin) and author Amparo Ortiz (Dream Away the Night & Soñar la noche entera).
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4gZ4kTHJQiWBYGzdoze23A#/registration
Register for our Spring 2027 Seasonal Showcase!
Join us on:
The Open Book Blog • Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • TikTok
THE GIVEAWAY CONTINUES THROUGH THIS UPCOMING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25!!
Mainly because I put the wrong links in my Social Media - and I want to give everyone a chance to enter!! So Follow AND Subscribe and you'll be entered! Winner will be announced in next week's newsletter!!
TOGETHER FOR MAMA A STORY OF HOPE AND HEALING
Together for Mama is a book about Postpartum Depression (PPD), a topic not normally discussed in Children's Picture Books. Some people may think that this is actually not a topic for picture books. It absolutely IS! Many children experience a parent who is going through Postpartum Depression and this wonderful book helps them know they are not alone.
Like WAITING FOR MAX, this book is told through the eyes of the loving older sister, in this case it's Asha. Asha is SO EXCITED that baby Maya is home! We see Asha loving on Maya and delighting in her new role.
As I mentioned with WAITING FOR MAX, society has expectations for what happens during and after a baby is born - those expectations tend to be positive. However, reality is that it's not always that way.
I was very lucky that I did not experience postpartum depression with either of our daughters. That does NOT mean that it was easy, but I felt like I was supposed to feel and act as if it was. Birthing parents go through a variety of emotions, which are exacerbated by emotions and hormones (wheeee).
The illustration below says so much, with no words. We can feel the heaviness on Mama.
TOGETHER FOR MAMA is so lovingly and genuinely told. Asha worries about her mother, while loving her sister. Mama asks for help and the grandmas arrive. There is not pressure on 'shaking it off', 'bucking up' - it's loving support, for Mama, Papi and Asha.
With time, support, and food prepared with so much love, Mama slowly comes back to herself.
TOGETHER FOR MAMA ia a book sure to generate discussion and empathy.
There is an author's note at the back explaining that this book was inspired by the author's own experiences. She notes that PPD is not uncommon, but not talked about because of guilt and shame. That is why this book should be in every Birthing Center, Hospital and Pediatrician's office.
SOCIAL JUSTICE CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR SO MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS FABULOUS EVENT!
VOLUNTEER WITH US! On Saturday Dec 5th in Oakland California we're having our 10th book fair. There will be 60+ authors, illustrators, publishers, and organizations. Expect read alouds, panel discussions, activities, and more. SPONSORS?
We started as volunteers and this event couldn't happen without the help of a diverse array of volunteers. If you've ever thought "How can I help or get involved with this fair?" then we need you!
Sign up to volunteer NOW. You can help leading up to the event, at our 10th Anniversary celebration the night before, or on the day of the fair.
Last year we had some great sponsors for the fair that helped us get snacks, food, media coverage, swag, signage, tables, sound equipment, and more for the fair. Do you know a business, store, or organization that would consider sponsoring our fair or award night?
PLEASE: Share our Sponsorship Deck with them
Deep Dive into Discoverability for Illustrators. Join Scholastic Inc. Art Directors Brian LaRossa and Doan Buu and Random House Children's Books (Crown & Little Golden Books) Art Director Véronique Lefèvre Sweet as they share how illustrators can gain more visibility for their artwork. Got a book under your belt and not sure what comes next? Or are you still trying to find the best way to promote your illustrations in a saturated market? This webinar will explore everything from navigating new online hubs and traditional offline promos, to getting insight on what art directors look for when scouting both fresh and published talent. Expect a practical conversation on how to cut through the digital noise, refine your strategy, and make your work stand out where it actually counts. Live virtual presentation with Q&A. The session will be recorded and available to registered attendees. Option to purchase written portfolio critiques while supplies last. Register now for a deep dive into discoverability for illustrators!
WENDELIN VAN DRAANEN AT THE REDWOOD CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, OCTOBER 18, 3-4 p.m.
Wendelin and all her books are much adored in our house!! Elise's (the eldest) Bat Mitzvah Project was gathering funds for Wendelin's Exercise the Right to Read Campaign. She is ALWAYS a fabulous and funny presenter and I can't wait to read her new book!
REMEMBER IF YOU WANT SOMETHING IN THE NEWSLETTER YOUR EMAIL SUBJECT LINE MUST BE
FOR THE NEWSLETTER
My in-box is a terrifying place, I am finally down to about 10,000+ unopened e-mails - that doesn't include the open ones that still need time and attention. I need it to be as easy as possible to find your newsletter submissions in there. Thanks for understanding.