Children's Lit Newsletter 2/26/2025

NO soapbox this week, too much news to share. Thank you to the friend who sent me a free image, but, um, it's description was 'Chubby Speaker' so, well, I'm passing, :-)

I did have a lovely listee (Hi Pam!) ask me how to have other people sign up. I believe that there is a way at the bottom of the newsletter, so you can just forward them the current edition. Or, they are welcome to e-mail me at sharonlevin at mindspring dot com. I appreciate any help in growing this list!!

We are being bombarded with bad, and badder, news from those who are 'running' our country. They are actively trying to destroy all that is good about the United Statesv (there's plenty that is bad, they're doubling down on that). But WE ARE NOT HELPLESS! There are many things, large and small, that we can do.

That's why I love this very positive graphic from the incredible Elly Swartz who says she is "inspired by the Book Warriors in life and in Same Page "

If you haven't read SAME PAGE, you have a treat in store. VERY inspiring, a great read!! You can check out more about Elly Swartz here: www.ellyswartz.com

Two of my favorite people AND creators!!!!

I've just wrapped up almost 6 continuous years Chairing the Young Adult Book Award Committee (it's been a blast, but it was time to cycle off).

What I can say from my experience is that we are incredibly lucky to have SO MANY incredible books to choose from!! These top five beat out a LOT of fabulous books! Honestly, we wished we could have a top 10.

More information about other categories and the Festival of Books here (and, if you can, I HIGHLY encourage you to attend. It is an INCREDIBLE experience!)

https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/?utm_source=paid_search&utm_medium=se&utm_campaign=ha&utm_term=caltimes_paidsearch_delos_nonbrand&utm_content=google_nonbrand&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq-u9BhCjARIsANLj-s3XFM9erm12oojhNooxfhQnVZS5kk47ZpvJeSmINkHj5tih14yb-2waAvgPEALw_wcB

More information here: https://aclibrary.org/castro-valley-reads/

ENTER YOUR SCHOOL TO WIN A FREE WELCOMING SCHOOLS TRAINING!

We’re so excited to bring back the Welcoming Schools Training: Let Kids Read Training Grant. Looking for Anti-Bias, LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training? Penguin Young Readers and Random House Children’s Books are sponsoring school trainings from the Human Rights Campaign's Welcoming Schools program for FIVE Title 1 schools! Apply by March 30, 2025. Welcoming Schools Professional Development trainings are designed for the entire staff and are two hours in length.

NOTE: This Grant is Exclusively for Title 1 or Title 1 Equivalent Schools

Note: Please ensure you have prior approval from your school leader before submitting this form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJ4bG6X-CrBm48LEF1lXtf1F0lNTs6EQVuRkNPt6sKNrQAGw/viewform

1450 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose.

408-808-3000

I LOVE these choices!!! I feel like NOT NOTHING was overlooked this year and it is an INCREDIBLE book!!!!

MORE INFO HERE:

https://www.hicklebees.com/event/hannah-jayne-writing-workshop-author-event

An unboxing video that answers two questions:

1. The world is on fire. Why are you making another unboxing video? What is wrong with you, anyway?
2. What took you so long to make the unboxing video for How to Draw the World: Harold and the Purple Crayon and the Making of a Children’s Classic? Wasn’t this book published a couple of months back?

Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdwFfbRoi9s

Blog post here: https://philnel.com/2025/02/18/unboxing-how-to-draw-the-world/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIvRnNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYXPwa1UtiwLDwSp5sBW3i75WofeyAgxR8a9wCAytJ3S3xzq7ordPUSuhw_aem_kxiCFwBdF9cfFquJQi4g7A

And YES, of course I bought the book immediately (I actually preordered it from my local indie)

Blog and video posted here with full permission from Philip Nel https://philnel.com/

This is the text from Reach and Teach (have I mentioned how much I LOVE working with these amazing people?!!?)

By customers' request, Reach and Teach is on https://bookshop.org/shop/reachandteach where you can get books, ebooks, and audio books while supporting independent bookstores across the nation. But you can still order directly at reachandteach.com to get our books, toys, Fair Trade gifts for a more peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive world (and pick up your order at our shop to save on shipping!) https://www.reachandteach.com/bookshop #sancarlos #cityofgoodliving #indiebookstore #betterworld

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NOTE; I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO INCLUDE GRAPHICS LIKE THIS FROM OTHER INDIES. WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

WOO HOO!!

A tender and vulnerable exploration of love and loss that follows two boys as they take their first trip back to the lake without their father, from debut author-illustrator Angie Kang.

Today, Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used to.

I want to thank him for bringing us here, but I can’t find the words.

Instead, I loop my arms around his torso, and he does the same back.

Here, in our lake, the water holds us close.

On a sweltering hot day, a little boy mirrors his brother as he takes off his shirt, stretches, and walks toward the edge of the tall rock, ready to dive into the cool lake waters glistening below. Only this time, Father is not here. And the water looks so far away. How can he take the plunge?

With a gorgeous, deft touch in her exquisitely soft illustrations and words, Angie Kang conveys vulnerability, longing, and connection as these two boys hear Father’s laugh and see his memory all around them, uniting them in a bittersweet moment.

About the Author

Angie Kang is a Chinese American illustrator and writer presently based in LA. Her work has appeared in Narrative, The Believer, The Rumpus, Ecotone, Catapult, and elsewhere, and she has received support from MacDowell, Tin House, Napa Valley Writers’ Conference, VONA/Voices, SCBWI, and the Sundress Academy of Arts. More of her art and writing can be found at AngieKang.net or on Twitter and Instagram @anqiekanq.

You're invited to the virtual

Golden Poppy Awards Ceremony

MARCH 6TH AT 7PM PST

Please join us as we celebrate the most distinguished books written and illustrated by creators who have made California their home. With our host: award-winning author Joanna Ho!

REGISTER NOW

In partnership with the BINC Foundation, CALIBA is fundraising to help booksellers affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California rebuild, heal, and move-forward.

Help us in this mission by donating to the Golden Poppy Wildfire Fundraiser with BINC.

HELP SOCAL BOOKSELLERS REBUILD

FEB 1–MAR 9, 2025
TICKETS NOW ON SALE

https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/the-thing-about-jellyfish/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8Lu9BhA8EiwAag16b6nij8RY3i-T9KG2qOUaYK6VAR4---WckQmMPTQqMTDDhwqJhxNrVxoCszYQAvD_BwE

Adapted from the best-selling novel, The Thing About Jellyfish is a visually stunning and deeply emotional coming-of-age story about friendship, loss, and the profound expansiveness of the human spirit. When Suzy Swanson’s world shatters with the sudden loss of her best friend, her summer transforms into a deeply moving journey of discovery, change, and resilience. Through vivid imagination, breathtaking design, and poignant storytelling, The Thing About Jellyfish invites audiences on an emotional odyssey — one that explores the mysteries of life, the courage it takes to embrace change, and the enduring power of friendship.

Lawler’s Suzy is a poignant mass of fierce intellect and crushing vulnerability, of resolute determination and emotional chaos. She’s as fascinating as she is endearing, and her journey into the landscape of grief is the play’s greatest asset…A gleaming, high-tech theatrical experience full of gorgeous, crystalline projections, and set pieces in constant motion across the stage…But the magic here is Matilda Lawler and her heartfelt ability to convey an epic emotional journey with the simplest of special effects: her honesty, her power and her extraordinary talent.

Bay Area News Group

Have I said how much I love this store and what they stand for? I LOVE THIS STORE AND WHAT THEY STAND FOR!!!!

CAROL FOOTE at Books Inc. Pruneyard

Join local author Carol Foote at Books Inc. Pruneyard for a celebration of her nonfiction picture book Trouble Dog, a thrilling story of a dog who found the perfect job and a loving home, based on the real heroes of Working Dogs for Conservation!

May 15, 2025

6:00pm – 8:30pm

The Green Room
San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center

Joining us for a fun-filled cocktail party with interactive exhibits, guest appearances from esteemed authors and illustrators, and an engaging program that underscores the importance of early learning and celebrates inclusion and belonging in children’s picture books.

Get Tickets

Your support helps to build a more equitable future for Bay Area children and families!

Hey all!!

Recently I have given Book Talks to students and parents that can focus on Engaging Reluctant Readers, Diversify Your (home or school) Bookshelves, and Great and Engaging Books (for various ages/grades). They've been well received and participants leave with TONS of information (and quite a few win prizes). I do these in schools or libraries, but would love to be hired by companies as a 'Perk' for their employees who have children in their lives. So, using my 'Social Capital' (that's you all) to spread the word.

I also work with teachers to help find great books that fit (and expand) the curriculum (otherwise known as my idea of a good time).

Please feel free to spread the word and send people my way: sharonlevin @ mindspring.com

We now return to our regular programming.

I try (when I have time/energy/spoons) to visit store websites and pull event information. However, the best way to get your events in is to e-mail me directly with FOR THE NEWSLETTER as the subject line. There are over 2000 subscribers to this newsletter - plus it gets posted on Facebook, Twitter (I said what I said), BlueSky and my local NextDoor. I am happy to spread the word, it's just easier if 'the word' (not the religious one) comes directly to my inbox

I'm only as good as my sources, so please do feel free to share events, good news, etc.! Please e-mail me at sharonlevin at mindspring dot com and put For the Newsletter as your subject line.

I'm always happy to feature giveaways. There is NO paid advertising in this newsletter - I do not require anything to feature a giveaway. I'm just happy to do it.