Presented by: Albatros Books, Publisher Spotlight, Red Comet Press, Tiger Tales, and School Library Journal
Event Date and Time: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

Join our panel of publishing insiders and picture book creators for this live webcast showcasing the best new and upcoming picture books for this fall and winter season! You'll discover a handpicked selection of beautifully illustrated, engaging stories that are ideal for read-alouds and cozy storytimes. From heartwarming tales of friendship and family to whimsical adventures and playful characters, these new releases are sure to inspire and delight both kids and caregivers alike. Several of the authors and illustrators of the featured titles below will be on hand to give insights into their new books and their creative process! Register now and join us for the fun on October 23rd!

Featured Titles:

Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedle (Tiger Tales)

Hank is one rude goose. He doesn't see anything wrong with interrupting others when they're speaking. He helps himself to the cherries on the top of other people's cupcakes. He makes loud noises in the library and movie theater...and he's upsetting everyone!

But being rude, loud, and obnoxious can't always be fun--in fact, it can be downright lonely. This perfect read-aloud (kids love to HONK!) is a reassuring tale that change can happen, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. 

We're Off to the Forest by Katarina Macurova (Albatros Books)

We're Off to the Forest paints a vivid autumn picture as leaves cascade in a dance of color. Daddy squirrel and son venture into the forest daily, not just for supplies but also for something special. Amidst the rustling leaves and chilling air, a heartwarming story emerges, revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary and how even the smallest things can weave magic into the vast world. This book is a heartwarming addition to Katarina's Small Wonders series, an enchanting collection by award-winning illustrator Katarina Macurova.

We Sing From The Heart - How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court by Mia Wenjen & Victor Bizar Gómez (Red Comet Press)

As a young boy, both in school and working in his family’s Chinese restaurant, Simon Tam faced racist taunts and verbal bullying.  Words were used as weapons. And from a young age, Simon understood how powerful they could be.

When Simon decided to trademark the name of his band, The Slants®, he was denied. But it wasn’t the fact that he was denied that angered him, it was the reason why—because they deemed the name was racist. Words mattered, and he was reclaiming what was used against him all those years before.

What followed was an up and down, eight year landmark battle that would take him all the way to the Supreme Court—a fight that he fought to rout out structural anti-Asian racism in our government systems, and a fight for free speech that was worth fighting for.

Papa's Butter Chicken - A Celebration of Family and Community by Monica Saigal. llustrated by Abeeha Tariq. (Tiger Tales)

Monica loves the Butter Chicken that her father makes. She spends the day helping him in the kitchen as he prepares the dish, stirring the sauce and adding the spices. And while the chicken bakes, the two dance around the kitchen.

When the chicken is done, they get ready to sit down and enjoy the meal together. But then the doorbell rings, and Grandma, Monica’s uncles, and even the neighbors arrive to share in the feast!

A warm and inspiring story of food, family, community, and sharing that includes a foreword by renowned chef José Andrés, and one of the author’s own recipes.

Kende! Kende! Kende! by Kirsten Cappy & Yaya Gentille. Illustrated by Rahana Dariah. (Child’s Play)

A multilingual story of love and learning, joy and journey.

Inspired by the families throughout Central Africa who are forced to leave their homes, this is an honest but hopeful own-voice narrative about displacement, migration, and finding a new home.

Having fled their village as conflict approaches, Mamá, Papá, Lolie, and Nico live in a refugee camp until they are chosen for resettlement in North America. Their new city is a go, go, go of new challenges, but also a return to love and learning, joy and journey.

A text woven from three languages (English, French and words in Lingala) celebrates multilingual speakers and the resilience of refugees.

Presenters:

Carolina Schwarz, Marketing Consultant, We the Content & Albatross Books

Katarina Macurova, Award-winning illustrator of We're Off to The Forest from Albatros Books

Ellen Myrick, President, Publisher Spotlight

Angus Yuen-Killick, Publisher, Red Comet Press

Mia Wenjen, Author of We Sing From The Heart: How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court from Red Comet Press

Monica Saigal, Author of Papa’s Butter Chicken: A Celebration of Family and Community from Tiger Tales

Kirsten Cappy, Author of Kende! Kende! Kende! from Child's Play

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