15 minute read
New for Spring 2022
FEBRUARY I’ll Always Come Back to You
Written by Carmen Tafolla Illustrated by Grace Zong
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KEYWORDS: Separation Anxiety, Family, Change, Poetry, Rhyming, Read Aloud
SPECS
• ISBN 978-0-8028-5452-0 • $17.99 / CAN $23.99 • Ages 4–8 • Picture book • 32 pages • Hardcover, jacketed • Full-color illustrations throughout • Trim size: 8½” x 11” • BISAC Code: JUV039090 • Bookmark available
RIGHTS
World Rights; eBook rights
DESCRIPTION
What happens when someone you love heads out the door? When a mother goes out to work and her daughter stays behind, Mom reassures her child that nothing can keep her from coming back home again. Mom promises that she would even ride on a whale or fight off a passel of bears, if that's what it takes to return to her child! Her daughter might have to wait with Gramma or a friend at home. Whether their time apart has been long or short, the family will be together again.
This humorous and touching book reminds young readers that distance cannot diminish love. Perfect for children struggling with separation anxiety or a change in family life, this book represents a parent’s promise that they will be back, no matter what! Reassuring rhyme and amusing illustrations create a story to cherish when loved ones have gone away—and also when they’ve come back at last.
AUTHOR
Carmen Tafolla is a poet, speaker, professor emeritus, State Poet Laureate of Texas, and author of more than thirty books, including Fiesta Babies, What Can You Do with a Paleta?, and What Can You Do with a Rebozo? (all available from Random House). Tafolla has received many awards, including the Americas Award, five International Latino Book Awards, and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She travels to many places across the world, but always comes back to San Antonio, to a home filled with books and surrounded by trees, butterflies, and raccoons. Visit her website at carmentafolla.net.
ILLUSTRATOR
Grace Zong is the illustrator of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas (Charlesbridge), Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3 (Peachtree), Our Food (Charlesbridge), and many other books for young readers. She has a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Born in Illinois and raised in South Korea, Grace now splits her time between New York and South Korea.
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Written by Pam Zollman Illustrated by Frances Ives
KEYWORDS: Grief, Illness, Cancer, Death, Family, Coping, Beach
SPECS
RIGHTS
DESCRIPTION
Beach days with Uncle Mike always bring something unexpected, like a shiny shell that turns out to be a hermit crab. But Uncle Mike has cancer. Not every surprise is a good one anymore. Soon Uncle Mike starts spending more and more time at the hospital, and the grown-ups start saying “we don’t know” over and over. One day Mom says Uncle Mike is gone. Gone where? What place could be better than his house on the beach? How could he leave without saying goodbye?
This gentle, evocatively illustrated story addresses illness and loss from a child’s perspective. Though grief, confusion, and anger can be overwhelming, we can find ways to move forward with the memory of our loved ones.
AUTHOR
Pam Zollman is a children’s fiction and nonfiction author. Don’t Bug Me! (Holiday House), her debut, was named a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year and was nominated for Florida’s Sunshine State Young Readers Award. She lives in North Carolina.
ILLUSTRATOR
Frances Ives studied illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. Her debut Maybe the Moon (LOM Art) was the winner of the LOM Art Prize and was longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize. She lives in England. Visit her website at francesives.com or follow her on Instagram @francesives.
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MARCH
APRIL
Written & illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg
KEYWORDS: Immigration, Heritage, Cooking, Food, Identity, Humor
SPECS
RIGHTS
World rights; eBook rights • Hardcover, jacketed • Full-color illustrations throughout • Trim size: 9½” x 11” • BISAC Code: JUV039250 • Bookmark available • Discussion guide available
DESCRIPTION
All Ukrainians are supposed to love borsch—but what if you hate the red stuff? A young girl despises Eastern Europe’s most beloved soup, and not even the grandmothers of Kiev can persuade her to change her mind. But when she immigrates to the United States, American food leaves her feeling empty. One day she discovers borsch recipes in an old suitcase. Maybe that disgusting beet soup deserves another chance…
Imaginatively illustrated with splashes of borsch-bright red, this book captures the complicated experience of rejecting and embracing one’s culture. A recipe and author’s note provide further ways to interact with the story. Witty and poignant, I Hate Borsch! will encourage readers to ponder how history, heritage, and food can shape our identities.
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Yevgenia Nayberg is an illustrator, painter, and theater designer whose books include Anya’s Secret Society (Charlesbridge) and Mona Lisa in New York (Prestel Junior). Her illustrations for Drop by Drop (Kar-Ben) received a Sydney Taylor Silver Medal. Originally from Ukraine, she now lives in New York, where she makes delicious borsch. Follow her on Instagram @znayberg or visit her website at nayberg.org.
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Written by Alain Serge Dzotap Illustrated by Delphine Renon
KEYWORDS: Learning to Write, Creativity, Leopards, Drawing
SPECS
RIGHTS
World English rights; eBook rights; all other rights Les éditions des éléphants
Translated from French
DESCRIPTION
When Leo opens his birthday presents, he receives an amazing gift: a pen! Inside it, Papa says, are many beautiful things. But how do you get them out? None of his friends can guess. Super-Zombo doesn’t get anywhere by blowing on it, and Coco-Tembo thinks it’s too tiny to hold anything important. Maybe Leo’s mama will know how to reveal all the wonders inside…
This warm, charming story is a perfect introduction to the joy of writing. Like Leo, young readers will discover how a simple utensil can express all the words in the world—even one’s own name.
AUTHOR
Alain Serge Dzotap is a Cameroonian children’s author and poet. Born in Bafoussam, he started to write poetry after devouring book after book from the city library. Today he promotes literacy across Cameroon through workshops, school visits, and his publishing house Les Bruits de l’encre. Alain’s books have received the Saint-Exupéry Valeurs Jeunesse Prize and have been included in the International Youth Library’s White Ravens catalog. In 2016, Alain was recognized with Cameroon’s medal of knight. The Gift is his first book published in English.
ILLUSTRATOR
Delphine Renon is a French illustrator, ceramicist, and graphic designer. Her books include The Quiet Crocodile (Princeton Architectural) and Emmett and Caleb (Book Island), which was nominated for the 2020 Kate Greenaway Medal. Visit Delphine’s website at delphinerenon.blogspot.fr or follow her on Instagram @delphinerenon.
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FEBRUARY
MARCH
Written by Davide Calì Illustrated by Monica Barengo
KEYWORDS: Writing, Dogs, Working from Home, Humor, Love
SPECS
RIGHTS
World English rights; eBook rights; all other rights Kite Edizioni
Translated from Italian
DESCRIPTION
A dog has an important job to do, especially if his human is a writer. Without a dog by his side, the writer would forget to eat. He’d never get out of his pajamas, and he’d probably stare at the computer all day long. But even the best French Bulldog can’t do everything. Maybe this perfect pair needs someone new in their lives…
Illustrated in warm, earthy tones, this witty story reflects the ways dogs change our lives for the better. Our canine friends can make—and find—the best companions.
AUTHOR
Davide Calì has written over one hundred children’s books, which have been published in over thirty countries. His picture books include Grown-Ups Never Do That (Chronicle), I Hate My Cats (Chronicle), and The Queen of the Frogs (Eerdmans). Born in Switzerland, Davide now lives in Italy.
ILLUSTRATOR
Monica Barengo is an Italian artist and illustrator. Her work has been exhibited at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and she has been twice selected as a finalist by the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition in Shanghai. The Writer is her first book published in English. Visit her website at monicabarengo.com or follow her on Instagram @monica.barengo.
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Written and illustrated by Raúl Nieto Guridi Translated by Lawrence Schimel
KEYWORDS: Disabilities, Speaking, Social Anxiety, Selective Mutism, School Stories, Courage
SPECS
RIGHTS
World English rights; eBook rights; all other rights Tres Tigres Tristes/VeroK Agency
Translated from Spanish
DESCRIPTION
A school day can be so overwhelming: so many people, so many noises, so many things to remember. Grown-ups say it’ll get easier with time, but even saying hello is incredibly hard. Thank goodness for comforts like math, for anything that can relax a restless mind. Maybe this time a few words will come out at last…
An empathetic look at anxiety and overstimulation, It’s So Difficult follows a child throughout the challenging routines of a single day. Even the smallest step forward can be an enormous triumph.
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Raúl Nieto Guridi has created many books for children, including The King of Nothing (New York Review Books), A Drop of the Sea (Kids Can), and The Day I Became a Bird (Kids Can). His works have been selected for special mention for the Bologna Ragazzi Award and for inclusion in the USBBY Outstanding International Books list. It’s So Difficult was shaped by Guridi’s experiences with students as a secondary school teacher. He lives in Spain.
TRANSLATOR
Lawrence Schimel is an author, anthologist, publisher, and translator of books in both Spanish and English. He has written or translated over 200 titles, including Let’s Go See Papá (Groundwood), Early One Morning (Orca), Niños (Eerdmans), and One Million Oysters on Top of the Mountain (Eerdmans). Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain, and New York. Follow him on Twitter @lawrenceschimel.
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MARCH
MARCH
Written by Amanda Cley Illustrated by Cecilia Ferri
KEYWORDS: Peer Pressure, Identity, Self-Esteem, Wolves, Courage
SPECS
• Hardcover, unjacketed • Full-color illustrations throughout • Trim size: 81/4” x 111/2” • BISAC Code: JUV039140 • Discussion guide available
RIGHTS
World English rights; eBook rights; all other rights Kite Edizioni
Translated from Italian
DESCRIPTION
Resonant and haunting, The Pack imagines what happens when a human being wears wolf’s clothing. If you try to fit in with the pack, you’ll look the same as everyone else. You’ll be a part of the group, but you’ll lose parts of yourself. Eventually you won’t even recognize yourself. Breaking free from the pack isn’t easy, but it is possible. If you find the courage to leave conformity behind, you can finally discover who you are.
This poetic, powerful book will start unforgettable conversations about identity, peer pressure, and finding one’s own path.
AUTHOR
Amanda Cley is an Italian writer and freelance editor. She earned an MA in philosophy from the University of Venice. The Pack is her first book published in the English language.
ILLUSTRATOR
Cecilia Ferri is an Italian-born illustrator and animator currently based in Norway. Her work has been exhibited at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and at many other shows across Europe. The Pack is Cecilia’s first book published in the English language. Visit her website at ceciliaferri.com or follow her on Instagram @ceciliaferri.
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Written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler Translated by Vineet Lal
KEYWORDS: STEM, Ladybugs, Insects, Camouflage, Life Cycles, Biodiversity
SPECS
RIGHTS
North America English rights; eBook rights; all other rights Éditions Courtes et Longues
Translated from French
DESCRIPTION
A ladybug needs a safe place to lay her eggs, but where can she find the right spot? Katydids flutter in the leaves, stick insects hide in the branches, and thorn bugs pop out from every available stem. Even those bright pink flowers are orchid mantises ready to strike! Will any of these creatures be the right neighbors for the ladybug’s eggs?
Illustrated with lush, vibrant details, A Perfect Spot is a fascinating introduction to the diverse world of arthropods. Acclaimed author/ illustrator Isabelle Simler presents a bug’s eye view of camouflage, metamorphosis, and other natural wonders.
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Isabelle Simler has written and illustrated over a dozen books for children. Sweet Dreamers, My Wild Cat, Plume, and The Blue Hour (all Eerdmans) were all featured in the Society of Illustrators “The Original Art” annual exhibition. Plume was also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book. Isabelle lives in France. Follow her on Instagram @isabellesimler or visit her website at isabellesimler.com.
TRANSLATOR
Vineet Lal is a literary translator from French to English. He studied French at the University of Edinburgh and Princeton University. Vineet lives in Scotland. Follow him on Twitter @vineet_uk.
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APRIL
APRIL The Book that Kibo Wrote
Written and illustrated by
Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Translated by Lawrence Schimel
KEYWORDS: Books, Reading, Writing, Animals, Global
SPECS
• Hardcover, unjacketed • Full-color illustrations throughout • Trim size: 81/4” x 11” • BISAC Code: JUV047000 • Bookmark available
RIGHTS
World English rights; eBook rights; all other rights Phileas Fogg Agency
Translated from Spanish
DESCRIPTION
One night under the acacia trees, Kibo writes a story about home. His neighbor Naki reads his words, binds them into a book, and brings it to the city. There Camilo devours Kibo’s story, remembering his childhood in the savanna. The next day he shares the book and his memories with his friend Simon. Soon Simon starts writing new songs about distant lands. Where will Kibo’s book go next, and what will it spark for each new reader?
Featuring a charming cast of animal characters, The Book that Kibo Wrote showcases the power of stories to connect readers across the globe.
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Mariana Ruiz Johnson has created over a dozen picture books, including While You Are Sleeping (Chronicle), Run, Little Chaski! (Barefoot), and I Know a Bear (Schwartz & Wade). After growing up in a family of illustrators and book designers, Mariana decided to make bookmaking her passion as well. Mariana lives in Argentina. Follow her on Instagram @marianaruizjohnson or visit her website at marianaruizjohnson.wordpress.com.
TRANSLATOR
Lawrence Schimel is an author, anthologist, publisher, and translator of books in both Spanish and English. His works have received many awards, including the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, a PEN Translates Award, and the GLIL Best Translated YA Book Honor. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain, and New York City. Follow him on Twitter @lawrenceschimel.
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APRIL
Written by Janice Shefelman Illustrated by Tom Shefelman
NEW IN PAPERBACK
KEYWORDS: Music, Composers, Venice, History, Creativity, Faith
SPECS
• ISBN 978-0-8028-5586-2 • $9.99 / CAN $12.99 • Ages 7–11 • Picture book • 36 pages • Paperback • Full-color illustrations throughout • Trim size: 10” x 11” • BISAC Code: JNF007040 • Part of the series Incredible Lives for Young Readers
RIGHTS
World rights; eBook rights
DESCRIPTION
In this picture book inspired by the life of Antonio Vivaldi, the composer himself narrates how a creative, determined boy grew up to create masterpieces like “The Four Seasons.”
Despite his mother's vow for him to become a priest, young Vivaldi is only interested in music. He soon grows from a feisty, violin-obsessed boy into a stubborn young man who puts his musical training ahead of his studies for priesthood. Beautiful, ornate artwork portrays the spirit and splendor of Vivaldi's hometown of Venice. A historical note, musical score, and glossary will help readers more fully appreciate the composer’s Baroque context and his enduring genius.
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Janice and Tom Shefelman collaborated on several children’s books before Tom’s death in 2017, including A Paradise Called Texas and Sophie’s War (both Eakin Press).Their titles have received many honors, including New York Library Best Book for the Teen Age, CBC Notable Book, and IRA Children’s Choice awards. This book was inspired by the Shefelmans’ shared love for Vivaldi and Venice. The husband-wife team lived and worked in Texas, where Janice still resides. Visit their website at shefelmanbooks.com.
