Congratulations to our April release!

Even Steven: A Book About Sharing by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman (April 14, 2026 | G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers): A lighthearted, humorous picture book from the author/illustrator duo behind Don’t Hug Doug about a boy who wants everything to be perfectly even.

Say hello to Steven. Steven likes to share! He knows the best way to share something is to split it in half. It’s fun! It’s fair! And it’s EVEN.

But some things aren't so easy to split in half . . . Like a nickel. Or a book. Or a slide. Sometimes taking turns is better. Or giving one of something to each person. Steven likes these options because they're fun, and fair, and still EVEN!

But...can some things be even, but not fair? Can some things be fair, but not even? Steven isn't so sure, and he'll need YOUR help to figure it out!

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Cover Reveal

We’re excited to present the cover for Abi Cushman’s upcoming picture book, Penguins Don’t Wear Pants!

Have you ever seen a penguin wearing pants? No? Not ever? Would you like to? Acclaimed author Abi Cushman’s signature silliness is on brilliant display in this laugh-out-loud funny, wonderfully interactive, and unpredictable picture book that is custom-made for school, library, and family storytimes. For penguin fans and readers who love Where’s Waldo? and Dragons Love Tacos. Releases October 13.

You can read Abi’s cover reveal interview with Mr. Schu here.

Pre-order this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Releasing Soon

The Quiet Ocean by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Abi Cushman (May 5, 2026 | Beach Lane Books): When a playful pufferfish’s actions cause a snowball effect disrupting the peace of the other sea creatures, it’s up to the ocean and a baby whale to restore quiet once more in this delightfully funny picture book companion to The Quiet Forest.

Pre-order this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Mark your calendars...

Connecticut

• May 7, 2026. Join Valerie Bolling at the Read To Grow Annual Gala, 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Westport Library in Westport, CT

• May 15-18, 2026. Join Valerie Bolling at the NESCBWI Annual Spring Conference in Stamford, CT

• May 17, 2026. Join Valerie Bolling at the Stamford Book Festival, 12:30pm - 2:30pm in Stamford, CT

Massachusetts

• April 25, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for an Independent Bookstore Day Celebration! Even Steven & Plenty of Pancakes Story Time, 11am at Book Ends inWinchester, MA

• May 13, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for Double Story Time – Touch a Truck Day

  and Breathe a Rainbow by Julie Koon, 10:30am at Whitelam Books in Reading, MA

• May 16, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for Plenty of Pancakes Story Time, 10:30am at Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, MA

New York

• May 2, 2026. Join Carrie Finison and Valerie Bolling for the Hudson Children’s Book Festival, 10am-3pm at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, NY

• May 30, 2026. Join Carrie Finison and Valerie Bolling for the Sullivan County Youth Book Festival, 10am-3pm at Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello, NY

Tennessee

• April 23-26, 2026. Join Valerie Bolling for CDF Freedom Schools Black Children’s Literature Gathering in Clinton, TN

British Columbia (Canada)

• April 25, 2026. Join Vicky Fang for Independent Bookstore Day at 11am at KinderBooks in New Westminster, BC

About Soaring ‘20s

We are a diverse and award-winning group of authors and illustrators. We create books for all ages including board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and adult—with over 150+ books published collectively. Read more about us here.

Congratulations to our March releases!

Touch a Truck Day: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Viola Wang (March 17, 2026 | Chronicle Books): Today’s the day to TOUCH A TRUCK! This rhyming, tabbed novelty book invites young vehicle fans to explore eight fascinating trucks, with a sweet and special surprise at the end.

Climb inside eight different trucks--including a fire engine, garbage truck, ambulance, and more!--and discover what makes each of them unique. Use the tabs to skip straight to your favorite vehicle, then lift the flaps and learn about the important features found inside and out.

• Eight different vehicles to choose from!

• Tabs across the top let you open to your favorite vehicle.

• Each vehicle page has one to three flaps to lift and learn.

• There are sixteen information-packed flaps throughout the book.

Brightly illustrated and filled with dynamic, fun-to-read rhymes and engaging facts, this celebration of trucks puts readers in the driver’s seat and in the middle of the action.

KIDS LOVE TRUCKS!: Books about trucks and vehicles are a perennial hit with young readers. With its engaging format and variety of trucks, this life-the-flap book is sure to capture the attention of any young truck fan.

FUN AND INFORMATIVE: Touch a Truck Day is packed with fascinating details about how trucks work and what’s inside each one. It combines cheerful rhymes with informative, labeled pages to engage kids and spark their curiosity.

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE: Tabbed pages and liftable flap features encourage readers to develop their motor skills, learn about vehicles, and play independently. A fun and sweet surprise at the end will have children eager to turn every page.

ASPIRING TRUCK DRIVERS: This book celebrates trucks and their hardworking drivers, as well as the skills and stamina they possess to operate these essential vehicles. Appreciating and admiring these public service professionals makes for an enriching read for any truck fan.

Perfect for:

• Young readers enthusiastic about trucks of all kinds

• Parents and family members looking for a fun, interactive gift for birthdays and baby showers

• Gift-givers looking for an item with good play-and-read value

• Fans of vehicle books like Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site; Trucks Go; and First 100 Trucks

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Under the Rubble: The Hidden Letters of the Warsaw Ghetto by Eliza Boxer, illustrated by Oksana Drachovska (March 17, 2026 | Behrman House/Apples & Honey Press): On September 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland setting off WWII. The following year Nazis forced nearly 450,000 Polish Jews into a crowded ghetto in the capital city of Warsaw. By the end of the war, most of those imprisoned had been killed, either in concentration camps or on the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. But miraculously, their stories survived. HOW? That’s a story in itself . . .

When the Jewish prisoners of Warsaw Ghetto realize that Nazi atrocities might go unanswered, they courageously risk their lives and resist with just pen and paper as their weapons. In an act of defiance, they write and bury deep underground a complete record of what they endured. After the war, Hersh Wasser, the only survivor who knows where the records are buried, leads the effort to recover them.

This true story of the Oneg Shabbat Archive was the subject of an award-winning adult book and documentary film.

Part mystery, part adventure, part tragedy, Under the Rubble tells this courageous, true story as an age-appropriate introduction to the Holocaust. The book includes notes from those who were part of the effort to recover the cannisters. Extensive backmatter includes a historical note, glossary, and a list of resources for further learning.

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Releasing Soon

Even Steven: A Book About Sharing by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman (April 14, 2026 | G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers): A lighthearted, humorous picture book from the author/illustrator duo behind Don’t Hug Doug about a boy who wants everything to be perfectly even.

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Cover Reveal

Lots and Lots of Ocelots by Vicky Fang, coming Aug 11 with Workman Kids. This rhyming romp of a picture book introduces kids to the concept of skip counting with piles and piles of crocodiles, crews and crews of kangaroos, and more.

Available for pre-order.

Mark your calendars...

Connecticut

• April 2, 2026. Join Valerie Bolling for a Library Author Panel, 6:30-8:00pm at Hartford Public Library in Hartford, CT

• April 18, 2026. Join Valerie Bolling for CT Bookstore Tour from 9:00am-4:00pm (Mermaid Books, Milford; Obodo Serendipity, Stratford; Kindred Thoughts Bookstore, Bridgeport; Books on the Common, Ridgefield)

Kansas

• April 15, 2026. Join Lindsay H. Metcalf for Eunice Newton Foote: Science Meets Suffrage, 11 am CT at Kansas Community College in Kansas City

• April 22, 2026. Join Lindsay H. Metcalf for Earth Day storytime featuring Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm, 10 am CT at Flint Hills Books in Council Grove, Kansas

• April 22, 2026. Join for YA book club with Footeprint and Lindsay Metcalf, 3:15 pm at Flint Hills Books in Council Grove, Kansas

Massachusetts

• April 3, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for Plenty of Pancakes Story Time, 10:30am

  Gleason Public Library in Carlisle, MA

• April 11, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for Dozens of Doughnuts & Plenty of Pancakes Story Time, 11am at Ten Trees Books in Natick, MA

• April 18, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for Even Steven & Plenty of Pancakes Story Time, 11am at Beacon Hill Books in Boston, MA

• April 23, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for Dozens of Doughnuts & Plenty of Pancakes Story Time, 10:30am at J.V. Fletcher Library, Roudenbush Community Center, Room 105, 65 Main Street in Westford, MA

• April 25, 2026. Join Carrie Finison for Independent Bookstore Day Celebration!

  Even Steven & Plenty of Pancakes Story Time, 11am at Book Ends in Winchester, MA

New York

• April 18, 2026. Join Lindsay H. Metcalf for Eunice Newton Foote: Science Meets Suffrage, 2 pm ET at Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, NY

• April 19, 2026. Join Lindsay H. Metcalf for Eunice Newton Foote: Science Meets Suffrage, 2 pm ET at Albany Institute of History & Art in Albany, NY

Tennessee

• April 23-26, 2026. Join Valerie Bolling for CDF Freedom Schools Black Children’s Literature Gathering in Clinton, TN

British Columbia (Canada)

• April 25, 2026. Join Vicky Fang for Independent Bookstore Day at 11am at KinderBooks in New Westminster, BC

About Soaring ‘20s

We are a diverse and award-winning group of authors and illustrators. We create books for all ages including board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and adult—with over 150+ books published collectively. Read more about us here.

Congratulations to our February releases!

Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman, illustrated by Isabelle Follath (February 10, 2026 | Margaret Quinlin Books/Peachtree): In 1924, an audience of more than one million listeners across the world listened in amazement to the first live radio broadcast of a nightingale accompanying the young cellist Beatrice Harrison.

On May 19, 1924, a duet between a young cellist and a male nightingale was broadcast across the British Commonwealth as far away as Canada, India, and Australia to over one million listeners. It was an unprecedented collective experience made possible by the invention of the radio and a new microphone that picked up sounds of nature.
Beatrice Harrison, considered one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century and a musical prodigy, was that cellist. This biography describes Beatrice’s singular dedication to music from a very early age.

At the age of eighteen months, Beatrice attended her first concert. Catching sight of a cello and hearing it for the first time, she was bewitched and immediately began asking to play it. She got her first cello when she was about eight years old. Later, her parents moved the family to Germany so Beatrice could study with one of the best cello teachers. There, at age seventeen, she was awarded a prestigious prize, the youngest artist and only cellist to win at that time.

Back in the UK, the family moved to Surrey, England and Beatrice’s career flourished.

One evening while Beatrice was practicing her cello in the garden, she heard a creature repeating the music she was playing. It turned out to be a nightingale. She played many nights with the bird and was completely enthralled. Wanting to share the experience, she convinced the head of the newly formed BBC to take a chance on a live broadcast from her garden. The resulting duet was a smashing success and Beatrice received more than 50,000 letters in response. Overnight, she became known as the Lady of the Nightingales and for twelve years thereafter the cellist and the bird were broadcast annually to BBC listeners from her garden in Surrey.

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

FOOTEPRINT: Eunice Newton Foote at the Dawn of Climate Science and Women’s Rights by Lindsay H. Metcalf (February 10, 2026 | Charlesbridge): A fascinating historical novel-in-verse for young adults capturing the discoveries of Eunice Foote, a remarkable woman in science WAY ahead of her time.

A fictionalized account of the first woman to identify carbon dioxide as a cause of climate change in 1856 when most people preferred that women be seen rather than heard.

Fictionalized only to weave together some unknown pieces of Eunice's life, this is a journey through time, triumph, trepidation, and trauma, revealing the extraordinary life and work of Eunice Newton Foote.

Eunice’s most important discovery was recognizing the effect of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere: a warming planet. But in a society driven by coal, kerosene, and crude oil, Eunice’s warnings went unheeded. After all, who would listen to a woman—especially a woman known to consort with suffragists?

From the Seneca Falls Convention to the halls of the US Patent Office in Washington, DC, Eunice Newton Foote blazed a trail for independence and inquiry. Today Eunice’s discoveries feel ever more prescient. She knew that reliance on fossil fuels would have a devastating effect. Today she is finally receiving the credit she deserves.

Eunice Newton Foote's extraordinary tale is told in novel-in-verse format, perfect for teenagers interested in STEM.

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Releasing Soon

Touch a Truck Day: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Viola Wang (March 17, 2026 | Chronicle Books): Today’s the day to TOUCH A TRUCK! This rhyming, tabbed novelty book invites young vehicle fans to explore eight fascinating trucks, with a sweet and special surprise at the end.

Pre-order this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Under the Rubble: The Hidden Letters of the Warsaw Ghetto by Eliza Boxer, illustrated by Oksana Drachovska (March 17, 2026 | Behrman House/Apples & Honey Press): On September 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland setting off WWII. The following year Nazis forced nearly 450,000 Polish Jews into a crowded ghetto in the capital city of Warsaw. By the end of the war, most of those imprisoned had been killed, either in concentration camps or on the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. But miraculously, their stories survived. HOW? That’s a story in itself . . .

Pre-order this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Mark your calendars...

Connecticut

• March 7 at 8:00am. Join Valerie Bolling for nErDcampCT, Brookside Elementary School, Norwalk, CT

• March 12 at 4:00pm. Join Valerie Bolling for Storytime, Craft, and Signing at Darien Library, Darien, CT

• March 14 at 3:00pm. Join Valerie Bolling for Storytme at Possible Futures, New Haven, CT

Kansas

• March 14 at 11:30am. Join Lindsay H. Metcalf on her Footeprint Book Tour at Russell Specialty Books & Gifts in Russell, KS

Massachusetts

• March 7 at 12pm. Join Carrie Finison for Plenty of Pancakes Story Time at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA

• March 21 at 10am. Join Carrie Finison for Dozens of Doughnuts & Plenty of Pancakes Story Time at Reading Public Library in Reading, MA

• March 21 at 2pm. Join Carrie Finison for Touch a Truck Day Launch Party! at Maxima Book Center in Lexington, MA

• March 28 at 11am. Join Carrie Finison for Touch a Truck Day Story Time with

  Special Guest: Acton Fire Department! at Silver Unicorn Books in Acton, MA

  Fire Truck appearance 11am-12:30pm!

New York

• March 4 at 11:30 a.m. Join Valerie Bolling for Bookstore Visit and Signing at Bedford Books, Bedford, NY

• March 28 10am-3:00pm. Join Valerie Bolling for Poughkeepsie Children’s Book Festival.

Texas

• March 29. Join Lindsay H. Metcalf on her Footeprint Book Tour at Texas Library Association in Houston, TX

About Soaring ‘20s

We are a diverse and award-winning group of authors and illustrators. We create books for all ages including board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and adult—with over 150+ books published collectively. Read more about us here.

There are tons of amazing items up to support efforts in Minnesota, from art prints to signed books to critiques and author visits. Here are some of the items donated by our group:

• Angela Burke Kunkel: Signed copy of Digging for Words

• Angela Burke Kunkel: Signed copy of Make Way

• Angela Burke Kunkel: Signed copy of RESCATANDO PALABRRAS

• Angela Burke Kunkel: Signed copy of WORLD MORE BEAUTIFUL

• Carrie Finison: Picture book critique (up to 1000 words)

• Carrie Finison: Set of 2 signed books

• Lindsay H. Metcalf: Pictue book critique

• Vicky Fang: Picture book or chapter book critique (up to 1000 words) & 20-minute AMA

Bidding starts at midnight and closes at 11:45pm ET on Friday, January 30. Thank you for any bids you are able to make. ❤️

View Auction

Cover Reveal

Cat is mad – a lot (after all, she’s a cat). But when a friend needs her help to solve a mystery, she puts her irritation to the side…

One Mad Cat and the Missing Book is a new early graphic novel series by Vicky Fang, coming July 7 with Candlewick Press!

Available for pre-order.

Mark your calendars...

Connecticut

• February 28 at noon. Join Valerie Bolling for Story Time at and Book Signing at Kindred Thoughts Bookstore, Bridgeport, CT

Massachusetts

• February 27 at 10:30 a.m. Join Valerie Bolling for story time at the Boston Public Library, Lower Mills Branch.

• February 28 at 11 a.m. Plenty of Pancakes Story Time with Carrie Finison, The Book Shop of Needham, Needham, MA

Out Now

Congratulations to our January releases!

The March for Hope by Valerie Bolling, illustrated by Monica Mikai (January 20, 2026): In this uplifting picture book, a young Black girl’s identities converge at the Women’s March, helping her find power in her voice and her community.

Mama and I are on our way to the Women’s March. I wish we were going somewhere else. Somewhere fun.
Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the protest, Hope is unsure of how she fits into this movement and how she can make her voice heard―after all, she didn’t seem to have any power when her teacher discriminated against her in class. But when she and Mama join a group of Black women protesters, Hope sees herself in them and discovers that one voice, no matter how small, can make powerful change.

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

Plenty of Pancakes by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brianne Farley (January 27, 2026): From the creators of Dozens of Doughnuts comes a lively take on friendship, springtime, and counting by fives.

Opossum Topsy is preparing a “Welcome Spring!” meal for her bear friend LouAnn, who has been asleep all winter long. She’s brought milk, eggs, berries, and syrup, and soon she has five perfect pancakes, fresh from the pan. But when Topsy’s back is turned—MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH!—she discovers someone has eaten all of the pancakes! No problem, she’ll just make more, counting out five at a time. But then, it happens again! Who could the thief be?

Buy this book on our Bookshop (affiliate link)

About Soaring ‘20s

We are a diverse and award-winning group of authors and illustrators. We create books for all ages including board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and adult—with over 150+ books published collectively. Read more about us here.

The March for Hope by Valerie Bolling, illustrated by Monica Mikai (January 20, 2026): In this uplifting picture book, a young Black girl’s identities converge at the Women’s March, helping her find power in her voice and her community.

Mama and I are on our way to the Women’s March. I wish we were going somewhere else. Somewhere fun.
Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the protest, Hope is unsure of how she fits into this movement and how she can make her voice heard―after all, she didn’t seem to have any power when her teacher discriminated against her in class. But when she and Mama join a group of Black women protesters, Hope sees herself in them and discovers that one voice, no matter how small, can make powerful change.

Preorder here (affiliate link)

Plenty of Pancakes by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brianne Farley (January 27, 2026): From the creators of Dozens of Doughnuts comes a lively take on friendship, springtime, and counting by fives.

Opossum Topsy is preparing a “Welcome Spring!” meal for her bear friend LouAnn, who has been asleep all winter long. She’s brought milk, eggs, berries, and syrup, and soon she has five perfect pancakes, fresh from the pan. But when Topsy’s back is turned—MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH!—she discovers someone has eaten all of the pancakes! No problem, she’ll just make more, counting out five at a time. But then, it happens again! Who could the thief be?

Preorder here (affiliate link)

Subscribe now

Cover Reveals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

Connecticut

• February 28 at noon. Join Valerie Bolling for Story Time at and Book Signing at Kindred Thoughts Bookstore, Bridgeport, CT

Massachusetts

• January 31 at 11 a.m. Join Carrie Finish for the Plenty of Pancakes Launch Party! Belmont Books, Belmont, MA

• February 19-22. Join Valerie Bolling at the Kindling Words East retreat, Plymouth, MA.

• February 27 at 10:30 a.m. Join Valerie Bolling for story time at the Boston Public Library, Lower Mills Branch.

• February 28 at 11 a.m. Plenty of Pancakes Story Time with Carrie Finison, The Book Shop of Needham, Needham, MA

Tennessee

• January 23-25: Valerie Bolling will be the featured author at The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Orientation & Training for Executive Directors and Project Directors, Clinton, TN.

Virtual

• January 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern. 12×12 Book Chat with Carrie Finison. Register here.

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Coming August 11, 2026! Preorder coming soon.

Subscribe now

Cover Reveals

Sarah Shumway at Bloomsbury has bought world rights to Jade vs. the Claw Machine, a picture book by Margaret Chiu Greanias (l.), illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. When Jade’s baba’s boba shop gets a new claw machine with adorable prizes inside, Jade is determined to beat the odds, win a toy, and change her luck forever. Publication is set for spring 2028; Sean McCarthy at Sean McCarthy Literary Agency represented the author, and Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency represented the illustrator.

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

Connecticut

• November 30th 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Join Valerie Bolling for Storytime at Possible Futures Bookstore, New Haven, CT.

• December 6th 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join Valerie Bollling for CT Bookstore Tour (Mermaid Books, Milford; Kindred Thoughts Bookstore, Bridgeport; Black Rock Books, Bridgeport; Byrd’s Books, Bethel; and The BookSmiths Shoppe, Danbury)

Massachusetts

• December 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join Kelly Carey for The United Parish Holiday Bazaar: Book Reading and signing, United Parish of Upton, 1 Church Street, MA.

• December 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Afternoon with Authors — Book Signing with Carrie Finison as part of Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature, Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA. Learn more.

• January 31, 2026 at 11 a.m. Join Carrie Finish for the Plenty of Pancakes Launch Party! Belmont Books, Belmont, MA

Virtual

• December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. “Humorous Picture Books with Abi Cushman Webinar” through NY Metro SCBWI. Register here.

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Coming May 5, 2026! Preorder coming soon.

Subscribe now

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• October 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Join Isabella Kung for a read aloud, Q&A, doodle, kid-friendly activity & book signing at Linden Tree Books, 265 State Street, Los Altos, CA 94022.

• November 1 from 11 - 11:30 a.m. Join Isabella Kung for a read aloud, doodle, kid-friendly activity & book signing at Hicklebee’s Childrens Books, 1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.

• November 8 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Join Isabella Kung for a read aloud NUNU AND THE SEA & NO FUZZBALL! doodle, kid-friendly activity & book signing at Berkeley Library Comic Con, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA 94704.

Colorado

• November 20 at 9:30 a.m. Join Dr. Sophie M. Ladd, Patricia Newman, and Jessica Stremer for “Big Issue Nonfiction in the Classroom: Creating Space for Teachers and Students To Engage with the World” in room 601 at the NCTE National Convention, Denver, CO.

• November 20, at 1 p.m. Join Patricia Newman, Sierra Satterstrom, and Elizabeth Shreeve for “Double the Fun: Add STEM to Your Language Arts Block” at the NCTE Annual Convention in Denver, Mile High Ballroom 4A/4B.

• November 21 at 12:30 p.m. Join Vicky Fang, Kirsten Larson, Colleen Paeff, Dr. Jen Malia and Lindsay H. Metcalf at the NCTE Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado for their roundtable “Activating Future Dreams with STEM Books.” They will cover creative problem solving with design thinking, teamwork and leadership, critical thinking through storytelling, research and debate skills, and resilience.

• November 21 at 12:30 p.m. Join Danielle Sachdeva, Patricia Newman, and Claire Covington for “Reimagine Your Literacy Instruction: Nonfiction and Science in the ELA Classroom” in room 612.

Connecticut

• November 1 at 11 a.m. Join Valerie Bolling for story time at Barnes and Noble, High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT.

• November 15 from 10 a.m.-.1.p.m. Join Carrie Finison and Kelly Carey for the Granby Children’s Book Festival, Granby Memorial Middle School, Granby, CT. Learn more.

• November 30th 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Join Valerie Bolling for Storytime at Possible Futures Bookstore, New Haven, CT.

• December 6th 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join Valerie Bollling for CT Bookstore Tour (Mermaid Books, Milford; Kindred Thoughts Bookstore, Bridgeport; Black Rock Books, Bridgeport; Byrd’s Books, Bethel; and The BookSmiths Shoppe, Danbury)

Massachusetts

• November 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Join Carrie Finison for the Newton Children’s Book Festival, New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA. Learn more.

• December 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join Kelly Carey for The United Parish Holiday Bazaar: Book Reading and signing, United Parish of Upton, 1 Church Street, MA.

• December 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Afternoon with Authors — Book Signing with Carrie Finison as part of Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature, Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA. Learn more.

Minnesota

• November 13 at 1 p.m. Join Patricia Newman at NSTA for “Teach the Hope: Environmental Education That Inspires Action, Not Anxiety,” in room 200A at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

New York

• November 2nd 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Join Valerie Bolling for Storytime at the Curio Room, Mount Kisco, NY.

• November 23rd 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Join Valerie Bolling for an Author Panel Discussion at Mount Kisco Library, Mount Kisco, NY.

Virtual

• November 3rd 7:00 p.m. - Wed 5th 8:15 p.m. Join Valerie Bolling and Janae Marks at the Highlights Foundation: "Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers."

• November 11th 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Valerie Bolling is presenting to SCBWI Mid-Atlantic: "Being a Creator: Tips for Getting Started and Staying Motivated."

• November 19th 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Valerie Bolling is presenting to SCBWI PA-West: "Luscious Layers in Picture Books."

• December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. “Humorous Picture Books with Abi Cushman Webinar” through NY Metro SCBWI. Register here.

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Happy book birthday to these two, new nonfiction titles:

THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Cornelia Li is perfect for readers of What Do You Do With an Idea? and The Curious Why. This beautifully illustrated ode to science and discovery encourages the curious, inspires the imaginative, and gives dreamers of all ages a powerful tool for building a better world.

In A FLEA FOR JUSTICE by Valerie Bolling, illustrated by Temika Grooms, Marian Wright Edelman is a flea for justice. Just like her hero, Sojourner Truth, Marian pushes for change even when it's uncomfortable. She makes people itch, just like a flea. This book is a historical and political picture book biography for 6-9-year-olds about Black perseverance. An aspiring read for future activists and changemakers!

Buy in our Bookshop. (Note: The Soaring 20s receives a small commission on purchases through our shop.)

Subscribe now

Cover Reveals

New Book Deals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m.: STEM Story Time and Book Signing with Kirsten W. Larson for This Is How You Know, Barnes & Noble, Palmdale, CA. Details here.

• Oct. 18 at 3:15 p.m.: Join author Patricia Newman at the California Science Education Conference in Palm Springs for “Teach the Hope: Environmental Education that Inspires Action Not Anxiety.”

Connecticut

• Sun Sep 28th 1:00pm - 2:00pm: Storytime and Signing at Barrett Books with Josh Funk and Valerie Bolling, Darien, CT.

• November 1 at 11 a.m. Join Valerie Bolling for story time at Barnes and Noble, High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT.

• November 15 from 10 a.m.-.1.p.m. Join Carrie Finison for the Granby Children’s Book Festival, Granby Memorial Middle School, Granby, CT

Massachusetts

• October 10 from 3-5 p.m. Join Carrie Finison at Winchester AuthorFest for a Book Signing, Winchester Town Hall, hosted by Book Ends, Winchester, MA.

• November 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Join Carrie Finison for the Newton Children’s Book Festival, New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA.

New York

• Sat Sep 27th 10:00am - 4:00pm: Chappaqua Children's Book Festival featuring Valerie Bolling and Mia Wenjen. Details here.

• October 12 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join Valerie Bolling for the Warwick Children’s Book Festival in Warwick, NY. Details here.

Rhode Island

• October 17-18. Join Valerie Bolling for the Rhode Island Festival of Children's Books and Authors, Lincoln School, Providence, RI. Details here.

Virtual

• Mon Nov 3rd 7:00 p.m. - Wed 5th 8:15 p.m. Join Valerie Bolling and Janae Marks at the Highlights Foundation: "Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers."

• Tue Nov 11th 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Valerie Bolling is presenting to SCBWI Mid-Atlantic: "Being a Creator: Tips for Getting Started and Staying Motivated."

• Wed Nov 19th 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Valerie Bolling is presenting to SCBWI PA-West: "Luscious Layers in Picture Books."

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Congrats to Lindsay H. Metcalf and Edwin Fotheringham on the release of Tomatoes On Trial: The Fruit vs. Vegetable Showdown. Here’s a bit about the book:

Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? The US Supreme Court takes on the case in this juicy history picture book for kids ages 7 to 10.

In the late 1800s, American produce king John Nix just wanted to sell tomatoes. But when import taxes on popular vegetables impacted his profits, he knew he had to remedy the situation. Nix set out to prove that tomatoes, which have seeds and grow on vines, were clearly fruits. That was the claim Nix argued all the way to the US Supreme Court. With Nix on Team Fruit, and the US government on Team Vegetable, both sides slung definition after definition in an epic, legal food fight. This little-known agriculturally-based story from American history will fascinate young readers and encourage them to take a stand and defend their opinions.

★ “The Supreme Court battle over the definition of a tomato plays out in a humorous children’s picture book which is most certainly guilty of being a remarkable read.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

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Cover Reveals

New Book Deals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. Science Saturday featuring This Is How You Know by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Cornelia Li, Once Upon a Time Bookstore, Montrose, CA. Details here.

• Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m.: STEM Story Time and Book Signing with Kirsten W. Larson for This Is How You Know, Barnes & Noble, Palmdale, CA. Details here.

Connecticut

• Sun Sep 28th 1:00pm - 2:00pm: Storytime and Signing at Barrett Books with Josh Funk and Valerie Bolling, Darien, CT.

Massachusetts

• Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. Eastern: Join Carrie Finison for Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! Back-to-School Story Time,Gladys E. Kelly Public Library, Webster, MA.

• September 7, from 11am to 12pm Eastern: Join authors Kelly Carey and Kaija Langley for Grandparents' Day Sunday Story Time! at The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton MA. Learn more.

• September 10, from 6:30pm - 7:30pm Eastern: Kelly Carey presents Be a Story Engineer: Character Inventor Workshop at the Upton Public Library, Upton MA. Learn more and sign-up.

New York

• Sat Sep 27th 10:00am - 4:00pm: Chappaqua Children's Book Festival featuring Valerie Bolling and Mia Wenjen. Details here.

Virtual

• Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Eastern: Join Kirsten Larson and head “Back to School.” Learn the fundamentals of nonfiction picture books including firming up your “problem” or “premise” plus your takeaway. Plus get a Scrivener template and complete workbook you can use with each new draft. Learn more and sign up here.

• Sat. Sept. 6th at 10:30 a.m.: Valerie Bolling will be presenting to SCBWI Iowa: "Writing Is a Revolution. Loving Your Writing Is the Real Revolution." Learn more.

• Sep 8 at 8 p.m.: Valerie Bolling will be resenting to SCBWI Houston: "Infinite Ideas.” Learn more.

• Sep 11 at 6:30 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for SCBWI MD/DE/WV School Visits Panel Presentation. Learn more.

• Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. Eastern: Join Kirsten Larson to celebrate the launch of her next picture book with The Messy Magic Behind THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW. This event is FREE! Learn more.

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Congrats to Vicky Fang and Saoirse Lou on the release of their second book in the Boo Crew series. Here’s a bit about the book:

Fall is here! A fest is planned at Ruby's farm and pumpkin stand.

Guess who's come to lend a hand? It's the Boo Crew!

In this delightful interactive picture book story, kids can save the day at a pumpkin patch! It's the first day of a fall festival at Ruby's farm, but she and her friends aren't ready yet! Luckily the spooky-cute crew of Luna, Bones, and Fang are nearby to help, and so are this book's readers! Following action prompts throughout the story, kids can press apples on the page to make cider, tilt the book to clear autumn leaves, and do so much more! This seasonal read-aloud is perfect for young ones who want to get in on the fall fun!

There's a Halloween book too! Don't miss The Boo Crew Needs YOU!

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Cover reveals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

Connecticut

• Aug. 14th 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for Kid Lib Camp at Darien Library, Darien, CT.

Kansas

• Aug. 12 at 10:30 a.m. Central: Storytime for TOMATOES ON TRIAL: The Fruit V. Vegetable Showdown at Red Fern Booksellers with Lindsay Metcalf, Salina, Kansas

• Aug. 12 at 12 p.m. Central: Storytime for TOMATOES ON TRIAL with Lindsay Metcalf at The Learning Tree, Prairie Village, Kansas

Massachusetts

• Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. Eastern: Join Carrie Finison for Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! Back-to-School Story Time, Wellesley Free Library, Wellesley, MA.

• Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. Eastern: Join Carrie Finison for Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! Back-to-School Story Time,Gladys E. Kelly Public Library, Webster, MA

Pennsylvania

• Aug. 7th - Aug 10th: Join Valerie Bolling for the Highlights Foundation Black Voices Retreat in Milanville, PA, where she is lead faculty member.

Virtual

• Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Eastern: Join Valerie Bolling for the SCBWI virtual summer conference. Learn more and see the full schedule here.

• Aug. 3 from 1- 3:30 p.m. Eastern: Jen Malia will teach “An Introduction to Writing for Children” through the Muse Writers Center. Learn more and sign up here.

• Aug. 18 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Eastern: Join Valerie Bolling for Highlights Gather: When Reading & Writing Love Kids Back! Learn more.

• Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Eastern: Join Kirsten Larson and head “Back to School.” Learn the fundamentals of nonfiction picture books including firming up your “problem” or “premise” plus your takeaway. Plus get a Scrivener template and complete workbook you can use with each new draft. Learn more and sign up here.

• Sat. Sept. 6th at 10:30 a.m.: Valerie Bolling will be presenting to SCBWI Iowa: "Writing Is a Revolution. Loving Your Writing Is the Real Revolution." Learn more.

• Sep 8 at 8 p.m.: Valerie Bolling will be resenting to SCBWI Houston: "Infinite Ideas.” Learn more.

• Sep 11 at 6:30 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for SCBWI MD/DE/WV School Visits Panel Presentation. Learn more.

• Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. Eastern: Join Kirsten Larson to celebrate the launch of her next picture book with The Messy Magic Behind THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW. This event is FREE! Learn more.

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Welcome to the world, book babies! Check out our latest titles:

Ava Lin: Super-Duper Happy by Vicky Fang

A school walkathon! A visit from Popo! Six-year-old Ava’s week has SUPER potential—with just a few snags along the way. Kirkus Reviews says, “Black-and-white illustrations—made up of spot art and comics-style panels—add humor, while the simple vocabulary and story structure are ideal for newly independent readers. . . .Now in its third installment, this series continues to charm.”

Firefly Song by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Ji-Hyuk Kim

The Leaf Detective meets fireflies in this inspirational nonfiction picture book from Sibert Honoree Colleen Paeff about how one woman proved to scientists that the fireflies she had watched as a young girl put on dazzling and impossibly synchronous nighttime performances. Kirkus Reviews says, “Paeff succinctly captures the patience and detailed work involved in this kind of study while keeping the sense of wonder in focus. Kim’s painterly art perfectly conveys the deep, leafy green of the forest in summer and the splashes and sparks of light from these bioluminescent creatures.” (⭐️ starred review)

Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom by Valerie Bolling

Goal setting is an integral part of life. But when and how do we teach this important skill to students? And how can we do so in ways that are engaging, rewarding, and nestled into our other priorities in the writing classroom?

In this book, Valerie Bolling breathes new life into the work of goal setting with students. “Valerie skillfully blends her experience as a children’s author and middle school writing teacher to offer practical strategies that help students set and achieve personal writing goals. This book is a valuable tool for educators.” ―Dr. Towanda Harris, author of The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices

Buy in our Bookshop. (Note: The Soaring 20s receives a small commission on purchases through our shop.)

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New book deals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

Connecticut

• Aug. 14th 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for Kid Lib Camp at Darien Library, Darien, CT.

Massachusetts

• Aug. 22 at 4 p.m.: Join Carrie Finison for Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!

  Back-to-School Story Time,Wellesley Free Library, Wellesley, MA.

Pennsylvania

• Aug. 7th - Aug 10th: Join Valerie Bolling for the Highlights Foundation Black Voices Retreat in Milanville, PA, where she is lead faculty member.

Virtual

• Jul 17 at 1:30 – 2:20 p.m. Eastern: Join Isabella Kung for the panel “Navigating Our Emotions” at SLJ Picture book Palooza. (FREE!) Learn more and register.

• Jul 22 at 7 p.m. Eastern: Join Kirsten Larson for Digging Deeper (Part Two): Beyond the Library Walls. In this hands-on webinar, award-winning author Kirsten W. Larson shares practical strategies to help you uncover rich, accurate, and unexpected sources online ($25). Learn more and sign up here.

• Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Eastern: Join Valerie Bolling for the SCBWI virtual summer conference. Learn more and see the full schedule here.

• Aug. 3 from 1- 3:30 p.m. Eastern Jen Malia will teach “An Introduction to Writing for Children” through the Muse Writers Center. Learn more and sign up here.

• Aug. 18 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for Highlights Gather: When Reading & Writing Love Kids Back!

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Congratulations to Hope Lim and Qin Leng on the release of At the Window. Booklist Reviews says, “Subtly building on the idea that children initially see only their own points of view before developing empathy and understanding of others, the narrator grows in the ability to take a wider view and even make a new friend through sharing the neighbor’s perspective. This book would be useful to encourage children to look at their own surroundings in new ways and consider what they may be missing.”
Buy in our Bookshop. (Note: The Soaring 20s receives a small commission on purchases through our shop.)

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New book deals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• June 14 at 11 a.m.: Join Vicky Fang at Linden Tree Books for the super duper launch party of the next Ava Lin book, "Ava Lin: Super-Duper Happy.

Connecticut

• June 14 at 11 a.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for story time at the Byram Shubert Library in Greenwich. Learn more here.

Georgia

• May 27 at 11 a.m.: Join Joana Pastro for the launch of A Festa for Luna at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA.

Virtual

• Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Eastern: Join Valerie Bolling for the SCBWI virtual summer conference. Learn more and see the full schedule here.

• Aug. 3 from 1- 3:30 p.m. Eastern Jen Malia will teach “An Introduction to Writing for Children” through the Muse Writers Center. Learn more and sign up here.

• Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.

Congratulations to Patrica Newman and Becca Hall on SHARKS UNHOOKED from Millbrook Press. Kirkus Reviews says: “Through Newman's sparkling, alliterative verse, a portrait of Cristina emerges--a dreamy wonderer who felt out of place growing up yet found a sense of belonging beneath the waves. Hall's delightful cartoon illustrations avoid anthropomorphism as they depict a more vulnerable side of sharks. Above all, readers will emerge with a strong grasp of sharks' crucial role in ecosystems. A conservation tale that's sure to hook readers."--Kirkus Reviews Buy in our Bookshop. (Note: The Soaring 20s receives a small commission on purchases through our shop.)

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Cover Reveals

New book deals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• April 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join Patrician Newman to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day. Enjoy Sharks Unhooked and STEM at Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills, CA.

• April 27 at 3 p.m.: Join Darshana Khiani at the Mitchell Park Library for a How to Wear a Sari story time in Palo Alto, CA. Get details here.

• April 27 at 10:30 a.m.: Story Time with Vicky Fang at Linden Tree Books for Independent Bookstore Weekend.

Connecticut

• April 26 at 2 p.m. Eastern: Join Valerie Bolling for the Presenting Poetry Workshop at Darien Library, Darien, CT. Learn more.

• May 1 from 6-9 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for the Read to Grow Annual Gala: "A Night for the Books" at Westport Library, Westport, CT. Learn more.

• May 16-18: Join Valerie Bolling for the SCBWI New England Spring Conference, UCONN, Stamford, CT. Learn more and register here.

Georgia

• May 27 at 11 a.m.: Join Joana Pastro for the launch of A Festa for Luna at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA.

Massachusetts

• April 26 at 11 a.m.: Join Carrie Finison for Independent Bookstore Day at Book Ends in Winchester, MA for Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing.

• May 7 at 10:30 a.m.: Pigs Dig a Road Story Time with Carrie Finison presented as part of the Mass Kids Lit Fest, South Hadley Public Library, South Hadley, MA

Wisconsin

• April 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Join Kirsten Larson at the Children’s Imaginarium for a reading of Wood, Wire, Wings plus STEM craft in Wasau, WI. Learn more.

Virtual

• NOW STARTING APRIL 27: Are you ready to take your work to the next level? Join Kirsten Larson for Write. Submit. Support through The Writing Barn. Learn more about this six-month mentorship program and apply at The Writing Barn. ​Learn more here.

• May 1: Join Rajani LaRocca for “Writing the Story Only You Can Write” (SCBWI). Learn more.

Congratulations to Elisa Boxer and Kevin and Kriten Howdeshell on their latest book, PINE CONE REGROWN: How One Species Thrives After Fire from Sleeping Bear Press. The publisher writes: “Through lyrical prose and stunning art, learn how one tree species thrives through fire.

One pine cone hangs in wait at the top of a tall lodgepole pine--for forty years it waits. But it watches as a small spark flickers into flame. It watches as the flames whip into a forest fire, sending animals fleeing. It watches as the flames grow higher and hotter--until the pine cone cracks open. As the fire cools and dies, the pine cone finally drops its seeds into the soil. Soil that has been made rich by the fire, warmed by the sun that can reach the forest floor once more. And from that destructive start, comes new life once more.

This poetic story introduces readers to one of the serotinous tree species that can only grow anew when the seeds face fire. Back matter includes additional information on forest fires and lodgepole pines.” Buy in our Bookshop. (Note: The Soaring 20s receives a small commission on purchases through our shop.)

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Cover Reveals

New Book Deals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• April 5 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Join Patricia Newman for a Sharks Unhooked storytime and signing at Ruby's Books in Folsom, CA. Lots of STEM-y demos, too!

• April 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join Patrician Newman to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day. Enjoy Sharks Unhooked and STEM at Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills, CA.

• April 27 at 3 p.m.: Join Darshana Khiani at the Mitchell Park Library for a How to Wear a Sari story time in Palo Alto, CA. Get details here.

• April 27 at 10:30 a.m.: Story Time with Vicky Fang at Linden Tree Books for Independent Bookstore Weekend.

Connecticut

• April 5 at 11 a.m.: Presenting Poetry Workshop with Valerie Bowling at Rowayton Library, Rowayton, CT. Learn more.

• April 6 at 10:30 a.m.: Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing

  with Carrie Finison. River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, CT

• April 26 at 2 p.m. Eastern: Join Valerie Bolling for the Presenting Poetry Workshop at Darien Library, Darien, CT. Learn more.

Georgia

• March 28-29: Join Rajani LaRocca for SCBWI Southern Breeze, Opening Keynote and Sessions at 9:30 a.m. 215 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030

Maine

• April 3 at 8:30 a.m.: Join Rajani LaRocca for the Maine State Library Reading Round Up Keynote, 242 State St 64 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333

Massachusetts

• March 27: Carrie Finison will be at the Massachusetts Reading Association Conference. Her sessions include “Laughter and SEL Lessons in Picture Books” – presentation with Andrew Hacket, 12:15-1:15pm and “Authors & Appetizers”, 5-6:30pm, Boston Marriott Newton Hotel, Newton, MA

• April 26 at 11 a.m.: Join Carrie Finison for Independent Bookstore Day at Book Ends in Winchester, MA for Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing.

• May 7 at 10:30 a.m.: Pigs Dig a Road Story Time with Carrie Finison presented as part of the Mass Kids Lit Fest, South Hadley Public Library, South Hadley, MA

Ohio

• April 22: Join Rajani LaRocca for the WeRise for Greater Westerville WeRead Event in Columbus. Sessions include: 4 p.m. (Students), 7 p.m. (All Ages). Otterbein University, Roush Hall – Room 114

Texas

• April 3 at 9:30 a.m.: Join Vicky Fang for the panel, “Growing readers with early chapter books” along with Jenn Bailey, Kon Tan, Greg Pizzoli, Julie Murphy, and Jaime Eastman at the Texas Library Association (TLA) meeting.

• April 3 at 11 a.m.: Join Vicky Fang at TLA for an author signing for Ava Lin

Virtual

• April 10 at 7p.m. Eastern (virtual): Want to keep young readers turning pages? 📖✨ Join Kirsten Larson’s live webinar on building tension in children’s books, “Keeping Readers Hooked”! Learn how to craft suspenseful openings, maintain scene-level tension, and use page-turn techniques in picture books and beyond. Learn more and sign up here.

• April 15 at 4 p.m. Eastern (virtual): Join Valerie Bolling and SCBWIU for “To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme.” Learn more.

• April 22 at 10 a.m. Eastern: Valerie Bolling will be on a virtual author panel at the New York Public Library. Learn more.

• May 1: Join Rajani LaRocca for “Writing the Story Only You Can Write” (SCBWI). Learn more.

Preorder two new books from Soaring 20s creators:

• FALL IS FOR BEGINNINGS by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Abhi Alwar: From Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca and critically acclaimed illustrator Abhi Alwar, an authentic celebration of friendship and finding your place in this back-to-school picture book and follow up to Summer Is for Cousins. Preorder here.

• FIREFLY SONG by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Ji-Hyuk Kim: The Leaf Detective meets fireflies in this inspirational nonfiction picture book from Sibert Honoree Colleen Paeff about how one woman proved to scientists that the fireflies she had watched as a young girl put on dazzling and impossibly synchronous nighttime performances. Preorder here.

• GOAL SETTING IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM by Valerie Bolling: Goal setting is an integral part of life. But when and how do we teach this important skill to students? And how can we do so in ways that are engaging, rewarding, and nestled into our other priorities in the writing classroom?

  In Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success, Valerie Bolling guides teachers, step by step, through helping students set goals, monitor progress, revise (and sometimes even abandon!) goals, and celebrate their achievements along the way. Preorder here.

Subscribe now

New Book Deals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• March 7-8: Join Colleen Paeff at Charlotte Huck Festival at the University of Redlands. Her sessions include March 7 at 10:15 (with author Dan Paley) “Infrastructure Extravaganza: Books About Systems & Services that Make the World Work” and March 8 at 11:20 (with author Gretchen Woelfle) “Picture Book Biographies: More Than Meets the Eye.” Learn more here.

Massachusetts

• March 22 at 11 a.m.: Join Carrie Finison for “Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing” at Mama Book Center, Lexington, MA.

• March 27, 2025: Carrie Finison will be at the Massachusetts Reading Association Conference. Her sessions include “Laughter and SEL Lessons in Picture Books” – presentation with Andrew Hacket, 12:15-1:15pm and “Authors & Appetizers”, 5-6:30pm, Boston Marriott Newton Hotel, Newton, MA

North Carolina

• March 22 10 a.m. to 5 p.m: Join Valerie Bolling at the Lexington Book Festival, Lexington, NC. Get the full line up here.

Texas

• April 2-3: Join Vicky Fang at the Texas Library Association where she will be on the panel, “Growing Readers with Beginning Chapter Books.”

Vermont

• March 10 at 7 p.m.: Join Angela Burke Kunkel for “Intro to Writing Picture Books” at Champlain Valley Union High School; $35. Learn more here.

Virginia

• March 3: Join Jen Malia, reatured speaker, at the Virginia State Literacy Association (VSLA) Conference, Roanoke, Virginia. Author panel from 1:15-2:15, author signing 2:15-2:35, and presentation, “Neurodiversity and Children’s Literature” 4:10-5:10. Get the full agenda here.

Virtual

• February 25-April 8 (6 meetings) at 7-8:30 p.m. Eastern : “Reimagine Your Writing Book Study” with Kirsten W. Larson. Reimagine what your nonfiction picture book could be. Each week we'll focus on one section of the book, sharing our learnings and answering your questions about the craft of writing nonfiction picture books in an intimate group of no more than 20 members. Learn more and register.

• March 3 - April 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern: “Picture Book Writer’s Workshop” with Valerie Bolling via Maine Writers Workshop. Learn more and sign up here.

• March 7-21: Apply for a PB Rising Stars Mentorship with Rajani LaRocca. Learn more here.

Ava Lin’s quest to earn the most kindness tickets in her first-grade class—and claim a coveted reward—leads to unanticipated results in this second chapter book in Vicky Fang’s funny and heartfelt series. Kirkus Reviews says: “Ava Lin returns to deliver new laughs and misadventures…. This series continues to charm.” Learn more and buy the book here.

(Note: All our links are affiliate links that go to our Bookshop. When you buy a book using these links, we receive a small commission.)

Vicky Fang is auctioning off a picture book or chapter book critique plus AMA session. Learn more here.

In early January, devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, destroying thousands of homes and decimating schools, libraries, and entire communities. More than 180,000 people were forced to evacuate, leaving behind personal belongings and irreplaceable memories. Many now have no homes to return to. At least 27 lives were lost, and countless animals perished in the disaster. From Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding communities in the San Gabriel Valley, to the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the Hollywood Hills, the blazes were the most destructive in Los Angeles’s history. The impact of these fires is profound, reshaping the landscape of LA and leaving many in urgent need of support.
This auction aims to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts. All proceeds will be donated to:

California Community Foundation - Wildfire Relief Fund: www.calfund.org

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: www.lafoodbank.org

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: www.supportlafd.org/

Animal Wellness Foundation Fire Relief Fund: www.animalwellnessfoundation.org/

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New Cover Reveals

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

California

• February 2 at 11 a.m. Join Vicky Fang for a book launch at Linden Tree Books, Los Altos, CA for Ava Lin, One of a Kind—with stickers, treats, and a raffle (ooh)! Mark your calendars and come celebrate. Learn more here.

• February 21-23: Join Isabella Kung and Kirsten W. Larson at the Big Sur Writing Workshop. Learn more

Connecticut

• February 1, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.: Author Visit with Abi Cushman for Take Your Child to the Library Day. Waterford Public Library, Waterford, CT

  https://www.facebook.com/events/611236324610225

• February 1, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for Storytime at Rowayton Library, Rowayton, CT. Learn more

• February 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for Storytime at Mitchell Branch, New Haven Free Public Library, New Haven, CT. Learn more

Massachusetts

• February 2, 2025 at 10 a.m.: Dozens of Doughnuts & Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing with Carrie Finison. Volante Farms, Needham, MA

• March 27, 2025: Carrie Finison will be at the Massachusetts Reading Association Conference. Her sessions include “Laughter and SEL Lessons in Picture Books” – presentation with Andrew Hacket, 12:15-1:15pm and “Authors & Appetizers”, 5-6:30pm, Boston Marriott Newton Hotel, Newton, MA

Vermont

• February 1st at 11 a.m.: Angela Burke Kunkel will appear at the Carpenter Carse Library, Hinesburg, VT. Learn more here.

• March 10 at 7 p.m.: Join Angela Burke Kunkel for “Intro to Writing Picture Books” at Champlain Valley Union High School; $35. Learn more here.

Virtual

• February 5, 2025: World Read Aloud Day. Join many of our creators for WRAD including Valerie Bolling, Darshana Khiani, and Carrie Finison. Please check author website for info.

• February 12, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern: Got a notebook bursting with nonfiction ideas but unsure which one to pursue? Join Kirsten W. Larson for “Sifting Through Story Ideas.” In this focused one-hour webinar, you'll learn a proven six-question framework for evaluating your story concepts and identifying winners. Register here.

• Feb 19, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Eastern: VIRTUAL Read to Grow Popcorn and PJs with Valerie Bolling. Learn more

• February 20, 2025 at 7 p.m. Eastern: NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies) webinar - "From Farm to Table to Book: Teaching with Farm Texts to Learn About Food Security" with Lindsay Metcalf, Mia Wenjen, Antawn Eddy, Maria Gianferrari, Nancy Castaldo, and Wendy Stephens. Free for NCSS members. Learn more here.

• February 25-April 8 (6 meetings) at 7-8:30 p.m. Eastern : “Reimagine Your Writing Book Study” with Kirsten W. Larson. Reimagine what your nonfiction picture book could be. Each week we'll focus on one section of the book, sharing our learnings and answering your questions about the craft of writing nonfiction picture books in an intimate group of no more than 20 members. Learn more and register.

Are you looking for great gifts this holiday season? Books make magical gifts, and you’ll find a great selection for kids and teens at Bookshop.org. Bookshop is an online bookstore that supports local, independent book stores. When you buy books through our custom Soaring 20s Bookshop, we receive a small commission on each sale as well.

We are so grateful to each and every one of you for supporting us in 2024. Here’s to more new books in 2025!

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NCTE Wrap Up

Many of us met up for the first time at the National Council of Teachers of English annual conference in Boston. Here are some snaps.

New Book Deals

World Read Aloud Day School Visit Opportunity 2/5/25

Mark your calendars for February 5, 2025 — it’s World Read Aloud Day! 

LitWorld started World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) in 2010 to honor the power and joy of reading. To celebrate, authors and illustrators come together each year to offer virtual classroom visits around the world.

Many of our creators are already booked, but here is a link to author Kate Messner’s site with a list of other creators who might still be open to WRAD visits.

Most virtual visits go something like this:

• 1-2 minutes: Creator introduces themself and talks a little about his or her books.

• 3-5 minutes: Creator reads aloud a short picture book, or a short excerpt from a chapter book/novel

• 5-10  minutes: Creator answers a few questions from students about reading/writing.

• 1-2 minutes: Creator book-talks a couple books they love (but didn’t write/illustrate!) as recommendations for the kids.

Happy reading!

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

Massachusetts

• January 11, 2025, 10:30 a.m.: Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing with Carrie Finison, Billerica Public Library, Billerica, MA

Virtual

• January 9, 2025: Valerie Bolling presents to the Rochester Area Children's Writers and Illustrations (RACWI) at 7 p.m. Eastern. Learn more here.

• January 15, 2025: Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to create captivating nonfiction picture books that inspire and educate young readers? Join Kirsten W. Larson, author of Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book, for a foundational four-week course that will guide you every step of the way! Join the January cohort and enjoy 30% off plus two bonus, Q&A sessions, and a supportive Facebook group. Learn more.

Happy book birthday to MAUNTIE AND ME by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Nadia Alam (Candlewick)!

Publisher’s Description: “Every Saturday, when Priya's aunties and uncles and cousins come over, the other kids run off to play together, leaving Priya behind. But she doesn't mind, because she gets to have her favorite aunt, Mauntie--short for My Auntie--all to herself. Until, that is, her older cousin Aditi comes to visit and wants to share Mauntie's attention. Priya doesn't want to share--she wants things to go back to the way they were! With Mauntie's help, can she find a way to ease her feelings of jealousy and make room in their family duo for one more? Nadia Alam's artwork details a cozy home and a big, loving family in this sweet story by Rajani LaRocca of taming cousin rivalry that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out or struggled to share something precious.”

Buy the book at Bookshop.org and wherever books are sold.

(When you buy these books through our Bookshop, we receive a small commission on each sale.)

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From the blog

Read and Create: Activities Inspired by Soaring ‘20s Books

Pigs Dig a Road

Written by Carrie Finison

Illustrated by Brian Biggs

Putnam, 2024

A rhyming picture book featuring pig construction workers that’s perfect for fans of Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site.

Construction crew chief Rosie and her team are building a new road to the Hamshire County Fair. It’s time to put on hard hats, grab hammers, and bring out the big trucks: bulldozers, excavators, pavers, rollers, and more!

Unfortunately, work with Rosie’s crew doesn’t always go as planned. Rosie is there to save the day, but she can’t do such a big job all by herself. There’s only one way to get the road done on time . . . teamwork!

Get more picture-book-based activities for kids here.

Welcome to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!

Where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we are moving to posting new content from this series to substack from our previous website. We’ve long enjoyed this series so we’ve decided to just keep the questions coming!)

This month’s question:

Which of your books do you wish got more attention from readers and reviewers?

“It's a shame that BING, BOP, BAM: Time To Jam! didn't get any trade reviews because it’s a book that I believe should be in pre-K to Grade 1 music classrooms across the country. I know that music teachers would take out accompanying instruments and read the book while having students chime in, shaking maracas or pounding a drum. Not only is this book appropriate for music classrooms, but it's great to teach about rhyme (literacy) and community (social studies).”

– Valerie Bolling, author of BING, BOP, BAM: Time To Jam, illustrated by Sabreda Khadija (Henry N. Abrams, 2023)

Click to read more about our books we wished got more reader and reviewer attention.

Mark your calendars...

Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.

Massachusetts

• December 14, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Newton Children’s Book Festival with Carrie Finison, New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA

• December 15, 2024, 2 p.m.: Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing with Carrie Finison, Eric Carle Museum, Amherst, MA

• January 11, 2025, 10:30 a.m.: Pigs Dig a Road Story Time & Book Signing with Carrie Finison, Billerica Public Library, Billerica, MA

Virtual

• January 15, 2025: Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to create captivating nonfiction picture books that inspire and educate young readers? Join Kirsten W. Larson, author of Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book, for a foundational four-week course that will guide you every step of the way! Join the January cohort and enjoy 30% off plus two bonus, Q&A sessions, and a supportive Facebook group. Learn more.

Welcome to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!

Where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we are moving to posting new content from this series to substack from our previous website. We’ve long enjoyed this series so we’ve decided to just keep the questions coming!)

This month’s question:

Which of your books do you wish got more attention from readers and reviewers?

“It's a shame that BING, BOP, BAM: Time To Jam! didn't get any trade reviews because it’s a book that I believe should be in pre-K to Grade 1 music classrooms across the country. I know that music teachers would take out accompanying instruments and read the book while having students chime in, shaking maracas or pounding a drum. Not only is this book appropriate for music classrooms, but it's great to teach about rhyme (literacy) and community (social studies).”

– Valerie Bolling, author of BING, BOP, BAM: Time To Jam, illustrated by Sabreda Khadija (Henry N. Abrams, 2023)

“My book HOW THIS BOOK GOT RED received some honors like a starred review from Kirkus, however, I would have liked for this book to have been widely used in schools to to discuss the importance of representation. On the surface, this story is about Red, a red panda who wants to see a main character that looks like her. But comparing the differences between the two spreads of Red’s town (one pre-representation and one post-representation), would be especially useful to communicate to students the WHY of how come representation is so important–both for those that are underrepresented and those that are represented. “

 – Margaret Chiu Greanias, author of HOW THIS BOOK GOT RED, illustrated by Melissa Iwai (Sourcebooks, 2023)

“My newest series, AVA LIN, has received great reviews, but because it’s about a six-and-a-half-year-old first grader, I think many older kids (or their parents) overlook the book! But in the spirit of Dory Fantasmagory or Junie B. Jones, AVA LIN is written to appeal to kids older than she is. Written to be fun and relatable with lots of illustrations, this one is meant to encourage kids to fall in love with reading, laugh about the social misunderstandings we all encounter, and approach life with optimism and resilience. I would love to see more 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders reading this series!” — Vicky Fang, author and illustrator of the AVA LIN series (Candlewick, 2024)

Pigs Dig a Road

Written by Carrie Finison

Illustrated by Brian Biggs

Putnam, 2024

A rhyming picture book featuring pig construction workers that’s perfect for fans of Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site.

Construction crew chief Rosie and her team are building a new road to the Hamshire County Fair. It’s time to put on hard hats, grab hammers, and bring out the big trucks: bulldozers, excavators, pavers, rollers, and more!

Unfortunately, work with Rosie’s crew doesn’t always go as planned. Rosie is there to save the day, but she can’t do such a big job all by herself. There’s only one way to get the road done on time . . . teamwork!

Craft ideas:

• Have some big-truck fun by making your own bulldozer blade out of a cardboard box.

• Check out these other construction-site craft ideas on Pinterest.

I See Color

Written by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew

Illustrated by Laylie Frazier

Harper Collins, 2024

I SEE COLOR is a powerful and direct response to those who use the phrase “I don’t see color” to dismiss race and racism. 

This book celebrates revolutionaries from various backgrounds who have lived fearlessly, faced oppression, and fought for change.

Part ode to an array of beautiful skin tones and part introduction to change-makers in history, this book is a rallying call to future generations to march forward. 

I SEE COLOR is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and has received starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal.

Craft ideas:

• Find the color crayon or paint that matches your skin color, or do some mixing to create the perfect match. Use that color to create a self-portrait. Give your color a special, creative name like the ones in I SEE COLOR.

• Use your hands to create art. You may choose to make a butterfly, decorate a tote bag, or design your own project.

  

• Since I SEE COLOR is about affirmation and celebration, write a poem that celebrates YOU. You can write your own free verse poem or use an I Am Poem or Autobiopoem format to inspire and guide you. Feel free to illustrate your poem.

Flamingos Are Pretty Funky: A [Not So] Serious Guide

By Abi Cushman

Greenwillow, 2024

Flamingos are tall, wading birds known for their bright pink color. Their nests look like tiny volcanoes, and they live in areas that are considered extreme—from nearly boiling bodies of water filled with corrosive chemicals to cold, mountainous regions where ice freezes around their feet. And if you ask their snake friend Joey, those aren’t the only things that are fabulous about flamingos!

Abi Cushman’s Flamingos Are Pretty Funky contains informative, expressive, and funny illustrations of flamingos in their natural habitats. This enlightening picture book offers an entertaining blend of narration, sidebars, speech balloons, and dialogue, and is a refreshing departure from traditional nonfiction.

Craft ideas:

Make your own funky flamingo with bendy legs! Choose from all six species of flamingo. Download the template and instructions here.

Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea 

by Patricia Newman

Millbrook Press/Lerner, 2024

Ages 10-14

Off the coast of Perú, gentle giants swim beneath the waves. Thanks to the work of Kerstin Forsberg, giant manta rays have become a symbol of hope for ocean conservation in the region. This inspirational story will empower tweens and teens to take on an environmental challenge in their own community!

Activity idea:

Sometimes fishers accidentally catch large marine creatures in their nets, like giant manta rays. Bycatch is a huge problem for fishers and mantas. Try this fun simulation that uses pasta to represent mantas and other fish, and kitchen tools to represent fishing nets. Then try to design a better fishing net that helps save our important marine life. This activity integrates science, design, math, and language arts skills.

The following video is a brief crash course for the Bycatch Simulation activity. For more complete instructions and classroom integrations, please download my Activity Guide.