Children's Lit Newsletter 6/06/2025

HAPPY PRIDE!!!!!

At at time when the FOC (see below for meaning, and yes, I did lose a couple subscribers for that - oh well), is trying to erase history, such as renaming the USNS Harvey Milk, let's speak up more loudly than ever! This month and EVERY DAY OF EVERY MONTH!!

At the Bay Area Book Festival last weekend I learned about a couple of books I want to highlight. Please do send me the titles of books you'd like me to highlight this month.

FIRST:

An essential introduction to trans history, from ancient times to the present day, in full-color graphic nonfiction format. Deeply researched, highly readable, and featuring a broad range of voices.

What does “trans” mean, and what does it mean to be trans? Diversity in human sex and gender is not a modern phenomenon, as readers will discover through illustrated stories and records that introduce historical figures ranging from the controversial Roman emperor Elagabalus to the swashbuckling seventeenth-century conquistador Antonio de Erauso to veterans of the Stonewall uprising Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. In addition to these individual profiles, the book explores some of the societal roles played by trans people beginning in ancient times and shows how European ideas about gender were spread across the globe. It explains how the science of sexology and the growing acceptance of (and backlash to) gender nonconformity have helped to shape what it means to be trans today. Illustrated conversations with modern activists, scholars, and creatives highlight the breadth of current trans experiences and give readers a deeper sense of the diversity of trans people, a group numbering in the millions. Extensive source notes provide further resources. Moving, funny, heartbreaking, and empowering, this remarkable compendium from trans creators Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett is packed with research on every dynamic page.

NEXT:

A full-color graphic novel series for emerging readers about accepting yourself and others from up-and-coming author-illustrator Meggie Ramm, creator of the comic strip The Littlest Dungeon Guard and cohost of the Pop! Whiz! Bang! comics podcast.

Batcat loves being all alone in their home on Spooky Island. Up in their tree house, they pass the time playing video games and watching TV. But when Batcat suddenly finds themself haunted by an annoying, ice cream–stealing ghost, they visit the local Island Witch for a spell to remove their ghastly guest permanently!

With their Ghost-B-Gone spell in hand, Batcat travels across Spooky Island to gather ingredients—to the Cavernous Caves where the bats tell them they’re too round to be a bat, and to the Whispering Cemetery where the cats will help only if they commit to being a true cat. But Batcat is neither and that’s what makes them special, right?

From up-and-coming author Meggie Ramm comes a sweet and fun story about accepting yourself when you’re perfectly in between here and there.

Please feel free to reach out and order your books with signed bookplates (if you want them personalized, that will take a tad longer, of course, but we're happy to coordinate that)

https://shop.reachandteach.com/

Join us at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on Friday, June 27 at 7:00 PM when New York author Vivienne Chang and local illustrator Eugenia Yoh return to present their brand new picture book What If We.... The pair will sign copies of their book after the presentation.

Click Here to preorder a copy of What If We...

In this charming sibling bond picture book, a young boy fights boredom by imagining all the adventures he could have, but forgets that he has a built-in adventure partner right by his side.

It’s only the second day of summer, and Max is completely out of things to do. As he cycles through a series of fantastical ideas, Max can’t stop thinking how much more summer fun he could have–only if he were somewhere else!

But by not being present, could Max be missing out on the most special adventure of all? And is he missing out on someone to share his adventures with?

This funny and imaginative story highlights the specialness of a sibling bond and reminds readers of all ages that sometimes the best things can be found right where you are.

EUGENIA YOH and VIVIENNE CHANG met as students at Washington University in St. Louis and now live 2,555.87 miles apart from each other. Eugenia lives in Berkeley, California, and makes books for kids. Vivienne lives in New York City and makes digital products for grown-ups. In addition to What If We..., Vivienne and Eugenia are also the authors of This is Not My Home. They hope to continue telling stories that share universal ideas through humor. When they are not discussing their next book concept, they can be found in a forest sharing ideas on what it means to be in your twenties, which is a very confusing time, to say the least.

THIS EVENT is free but registration is requested. Registration ends at 6:00 pm on June 27.

BECAUSE SEATING is limited, please register only if you plan to attend.

DUE TO SPACE limitations, we may not be able to accommodate every person at an event, so early registration is encouraged.

WALK-INS will be accommodated only if space allows.

WE ASK that attendees arrive between 6:45 and 7:00 PM for the event.

PLEASE leave your non-support companion animals at home.

OUR shared restrooms are not accessible after 6:30 PM, please plan accordingly.

Storytime with Jon Agee
Saturday, June 7 at 1pm

We’re excited to welcome legendary author-illustrator Jon Agee back to the store on to celebrate the release of his wonderful new picture book, George and Lenny Are Always Together.

This rabbit and bear are inseparable best friends—until now, that is! An irresistible, funny read for fans of Frog & Toad and Elephant & Piggie.

George and Lenny are always together. And it's terrific. They are never alone! So what happens when one of them decides it's time to try some alone time? Is there a way for them to be alone together?

Award-winning picture book creator Jon Agee is at his very best in this endearing, silly story of friendship—of asserting yourself, taking a risk, and still being there for your best buddy.

You can preorder RAVENGUARD from The Cove Books to receive:
-A signed copy.
-10% off with code PREORDER10.
-A Max the Cat sticker.

https://thecovebooks.myshopify.com/

I love Kalyn's books and also Kalyn as a panelist (we were on the same panel at Bay Area Book Festival last year). I can't wait to see how she wraps this up!!

The fabulous Author/Illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka made this image to support Dr. Hayden. He has made it available for non-commercial use herre:

studioJJK.com/downloads

I remember being at an ALA Annual when Dr. Hayden was on the tradeshow floor. The 'fanpeople-ing' of this incredible woman gave me so much hope and joy.

Our country is under attack, and a lot of it is aimed at making/keeping people ignorant (yes, straight out of the Nazi playbook). Please speak up wherever and whenever you can.

Dive into the vibrant and inspiring world of children’s book publishing! This two-hour workshop will provide an overview of different genres within children's literature, from board books to picture books to early readers, chapter books, middle grade, and YA. The workshop will spotlight the rewarding aspects of writing for children and provide insights into the various financial opportunities that publishing children's books can offer. Ying, leveraging her extensive experience as a seasoned children’s book author, will share personal strategies and tips to help you refine your work and embark on a successful career in children’s book publishing.

https://www.bookpassage.com/event/how-publish-young-readers-ying-compestine

In this workshop you will explore:

• Different genres of children’s books. Understand the nuances and appeal of various styles of children's literature.
• The personal and financial rewards of writing for children.
• Expert strategies and practical tips to help you navigate the industry and launch a successful career in children's publishing.

Ying Chang Compestine is a nationally recognized authority on culture and cuisine, an award-winning author, and a former food editor for Martha Stewart’s Whole Living magazine. She has published 27 award-winning books, including internationally acclaimed cookbooks, and her work is enjoyed by readers worldwide. In addition, she has authored over 60 articles on healthy living and nutrition. Beyond her writing, Ying is a dedicated mentor and educator. She has taught writing workshops, spoken at major writers' conferences, and mentored emerging writers, guiding them to develop their craft and storytelling skills.

Established in 2000, the New Voices Award is given biennially to an unpublished writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer for a picture book manuscript.

Manuscripts may be FICTION, NON-FICTION, or POETRY for children ages 5 to 12. Manuscripts should address the needs of children of color or Native/Indigenous children by providing stories with which they can identify and relate, and which promote a greater understanding of one another. Themes relating to different family structures, gender identity, LGBTQ+ communities, or disabilities are also of interest.

The submission period for entry will begin on April 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time and will end on June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

New Voices Award winners receive a standard publication contract, including Lee & Low Books’s basic royalties and an advance in the amount of $5,000.

Winners are also given close publishing mentorship as they work to develop their first book for publication. Nurturing manuscripts takes time, and Lee & Low’s commitment to this contest represents over two decades of dedication. We ask for the same commitment and courtesy from applicants. Please make sure you are able to abide by the eligibility and manuscript submission guidelines before entering.

https://www.leeandlow.com/authors-illustrators/writing-contests/new-voices-award/

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.