Children's Lit Newsletter 3/17/26

BOY!! (um GIRL!!!!) did this old column resonate for people. I'm going to include some comments I received without attribution because I'm not sure if people want to be 'outed' or not (and, I want to get this out tonight, so I can't ask).

From one author:

*******

Comments on cover of my new pb--"-oh good, there's a snake on the cover! Boys will like it!" For k-2!!!!

******

REALLY?!?!? and sigh (at comments, not the author)

From another author:

*******

(paraphrased to not give identity away)

"I asked boys if they minded that the main character was a girl and that the cover had a girl. They never even noticed. They just enjoyed the book and the humor"

****

And this one:

Hi Sharon,

Unfortunately, your “Well, of course not, that would be racist,” isn’t a cut and dried conclusion either. Given that this essay was originally published in 2011 you’d think that it would be, but no. I’ve both had discussions with editors who wanted me to have more “neutral” covers for marketing purposes and have had conversations with industry professionals who have told me that because of the covers on my books they know it’s not going to be of interest to their student/book buying communities because “we don’t have any X here.” Add girls, boys, queer kids, Muslims – the list goes on. As long as people can subtly divide and categorize and pigeonhole, they will. In-group bias is real, and our brains always look for people who are like us so we can reward them and include them and reinforce a “we” vs. “them” scenario. Change is only made when educated people consciously choose to do differently, and society only moves towards those changes when they’re rewarded… Here’s hoping that we continue to look for ways to put books before our communities that serve as those mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors that they so sorely need.

---------

I COMPLETELY AGREE and the gatekeeping in publishing is horrific. I was talking more about individuals, so this was my response:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and reply to my column. I’m never sure if people do actually read the newsletter. :-)

Oh, I completely agree, publishing does all kinds of racist, misogynistic, ableist cr*p. I’m talking more about an individual, like a parent or a bookseller literally saying to a boy (or their parent), “oh, you won’t like this one, it’s about a girl.” they don’t even think twice. But, they wouldn’t be as comfortable saying, “Oh you won’t like this one, it has a kid of a different race than you on the cover.”

-----

I so appreciate hearing from you all! Thank you for sharing!

CAROL FOOTE WILL BE AT LINDEN TREE BOOKS
Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 10:30 am
for a reading and signing of her picture book,
TROUBLE DOG, FROM SHELTER DOG TO CONSERVATION HERO

TROUBLE DOG is the heartwarming story of Tucker, a rambunctious shelter dog that no one wants…until Laura. Laura thinks Tucker’s nonstop energy and intensity might make him just right for a very special job. With Laura, Tucker finds his place in the world — a loving home and a new life traveling the globe to help conservationists by sniffing out endangered, invasive, and elusive species.

The story is based on the lives and adventures of two real canine heroes of Working Dogs for Conservation, the world’s largest and oldest conservation dog organization.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection for ages 5-9

"With humor, heart, suspense, and adventure, this story will win over animal lovers of all ages."
― Kirkus Reviews

"Day’s illustrations harness the fluidity of watercolor and use loose line work to convey Tucker’s perpetual movement."
― The Horn Book Magazine
"Trouble Dog deftly tells the story of Tucker . . . with plenty of heart for good measure."
― Shelf Awareness
"This is a great example of a book that knows how to take a true story and turn it into a fictional picture book that’s friendly to kids and a darn good tale in and of itself. I love the idea of 'bad' dogs with too much energy having ways to put that endless love of play to good use."
―Librarian Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production (an SLJ blog)
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7w1as5W9xw

• Date: 03/21/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Location: Redwood Shores Branch Library
  399 Marine Parkway
  Redwood City, California 94065

Enjoy an author reading and interactive session for young readers and their families. Meet Author Julie Keshmiry, author of Princess Shmincess, the story of Princess Alexandria Von Shmincess (Alex), who snorts when she laughs and would rather play drums than practice proper posture. When she meets a dragon with a secret fear of being herself, the two become friends and learn that happiness comes from following your heart, not others' expectations. The book is designed for ages 6-8 and carries themes of authenticity, empowerment, and self-acceptance.

Copies of Princess Shmincess will be provided while supplies last.

A RCPL CARES Women's History Month program.

https://www.redwoodcity.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/93691/2638

We are thrilled to announce that Mychal Threets will be visiting the Downtown Library on Sunday, March 29 at 2pm. Join Mychal Threets, PBS Kids’ Resident Librarian, literacy advocate, and one of Time Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders, as he shares his personal journey through mental health, well-being and self-care. Connect with community members at this all-ages, family-friendly program.

Copies of I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy will be available for purchase from Linden Tree Books.

The program will include a 1-hour talk, followed by a 30–45 minute meet-and-greet and selfie line. The all-ages, family-friendly program from 2-3pm is open to the public and does not require registration. Advance registration is required to participate in the meet-and-greet.

This program is supported by Measure K funding from the County of San Mateo.

We're doing a special show in the Bay Area next month! On Saturday, April 18 at 12:30 pm at the Rockridge branch of the Oakland Public Library
(5366 College Ave.), we're doing a FREE screening of some of the BEST 90-Second Newbery movies we've received over the past 15 years of the film festival. Get your FREE tickets here!

You definitely want to see this! Charlotte's Web as a horror movie, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH in the musical stylings of "La La Land," Last Stop on Market Street in the style of a zombie apocalypse . . . it's all killer, no filler! And you might even be inspired to make a movie for next year's film festival. Anyone can enter, and adult help is okay! We've got lots of helpful tips on how to make a 90-Second Newbery movie on our website.
I'm excited to bring the 90-Second Newbery back to the Bay Area! We've been featured in SF Gate and Oakland North before. If you're on this list, you know how much fun these screenings can be!

Full details about the film festival here. I hope to see you at the Rockridge branch of the Oakland Public Library on April 18 . . . remember, get your free tickets here!

Enjoy a storytime where visitors will follow a young girl’s magical journey as her family discovers a name for her new baby sister. In the story, you’ll also learn more about Taiwanese naming traditions and the meaning behind symbols in Chinese words. Afterward, enjoy art and craft activities including a mobile featuring 5 ancient elemental spirits!

Recommended for ages 3 to adult

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charlotte Cheng has written and illustrated a variety of books including Night Market Rescue, A Name For Sister, Roar-Choo!, and I Miss You Most. Represented by Red Fox Literary, Charlotte’s spoken at diverse events and taught interactive workshops around the world. With over 20 years of EdTech experience, Charlotte has also developed curriculum for companies that include: CodeCombat, Disney, KQED, and Wonder Workshop. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she enjoys playing board games and the ukulele while sampling local boba beverages. Learn more about Charlotte’s work at: www.charlotte.art

https://www.thereadingbug.com/event/storytime-and-crafts-author-charlotte-cheng

I'm not going to list them all, it would be the entire newsletter (well done Linden Tree!!)

I JUST READ THE INBETWEENS and LOVED IT!!! I think I need to get multiple copies for all the animation nerds in my life (remember, in my house, 'nerd' is a term of affection - because we are ALL nerds, just about different things).

Full event calendar is here

https://www.lindentreebooks.com/

Below are a few of the fabulous events (including Stacey Lee in conversation with Stephanie Garber, two fabulous authors AND fabulous people!!!)

Is it snotty of me to say that perhaps Timothée Chalamet should read this book? Too bad, I said it!!!

--

This event is free to attend. Seating is first come, first served.

Meet Claire, find out about her terrific new book, ask questions, and get personalized signed books!

Bookshop West Portal is absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own bookseller, Claire Bobrow, author of When Bumblebees Go to Sleep, is releasing a new book, Cowboys at the Ballet! Join us at 7pm on the evening of April 2nd to celebrate!

About the Book

A spirited picture book about the epic struggle and dramatic breakthrough of Agnes de Mille, the legendary choreographer of Oklahoma! and Carousel, whose work changed the course of Broadway history.

Something new is about to happen,
something extraordinary.

In a dusty California town, Agnes de Mille dreams of becoming a dancer. She gallops to New York, then London, performing a show here, a dance there, combining old steps with new. But no one knows what to make of Agnes. She's not a ballet dancer or a modern dancer or a folk dancer. So what is she? Then one summer she attends a rodeo, where the cowboys' powerful and unbridled movements transform her life--and the history of dance--forever.

--

As a total musical theater nerd, I cannot wait to read this book!!!!

FROM STEPH:

Happy March! This newsletter (which is longer than usual due to a mix of procrastination + publishing being slow) includes:

• Medusa cover reveal + pre-order links!

• Abominable launch recap + musings on impostor syndrome

• A buttload of publicity stuff, including my 1st podcast, 1st illustration class, and a revision deep-dive

More details in her fabulous newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/9ef730a3934d/steph-news-q2-newsletter-4953799?e=12c13f1e9b

AND: An interview with the incredible Betsy Bird just dropped!!

https://afuse8production.slj.com/2026/03/18/hiss-terical-a-cover-reveal-and-discussion-with-steph-lau-on-medusas-pet-rock/

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.