Enter to win: Soaring '20s Summer Reading Olympics
Compete in the Soaring '20s Summer Reading Olympics
>>>Deadline extended to 8/21<<<<<
This summer is like none before. Camps canceled, swimming pools closed, and for the first time since World War II, the Summer Olympics have been postponed.
We are all adjusting to the changing times and dealing with disappointment. As debut picture book creators, we were looking forward to a summer of book launches, library visits, and story times. But if living through the year of COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s how to be resourceful and make the best of a bad situation.
We created the Summer Reading Olympics as a way to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics and to keep kids active and having fun this summer. Play along and you just might win a gift card to score a few books of your own. Read more here.
Book Birthday: SATURDAYS ARE FOR STELLA by Candy Wellins
So what’s in a picture book about a Grandma?
Ice cream? Check.
Just-because gifts? Check. Check.
Lots of hugs? Oh, for sure.
But there’s something else this grandparent book features—something you might not expect in a book targeted to preschoolers.
Death.
Read more here.
Connect with Soaring '20s Creators Via Virtual Events
Don't miss your chance to connect with the Soaring '20s at these virtual events.
Looking to harness the power of groups to market your next book? New England SCBWI's digital shop talk features SEVEN Soaring ‘20s team members! The "Soaring Into Marketing with a Debut Group" webinar is Sept. 22nd at 7 p.m. Eastern, and is only $10 for SCBWI members. To learn more and register, click here.
The Highlights Foundation is hosting the month-long, virtual LATINX Writers Symposium from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, and our very own NoNieqa Ramos is on faculty. Learn more here.
Lindsay Metcalf will be featured alongside four other authors for the Accurate Ag Books webinar at noon Eastern on Aug. 18. This event is hosted by Feeding Minds Press and the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Find more information and register here.
Carrie Finison’s DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS will be featured for an Instagram Live storytime at House of Books, Aug. 23 at 11a.m. Eastern. Watch it here.
New Book Covers
Don't forget, you can see all our covers and preorder on our website.
📣 New book deals 📚
Soaring '20s in the news and on the road
Kirkus Reviews said Greg Barrington’s COW BOY IS NOT A COWBOY is a “chipper tale of an unlikely farm friendship...sure to bring a smile.” Read the full review here.
Kjersten Hayes read THE ELEPHANTS’ GUIDE TO HIDE-AND-SEEK for Gotham Reads. Catch the video here.
Kirkus gave LOUIS, illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch, a starred review, saying, “Like a faithful teddy, sure to become a favorite for many readers.” Full review here. Meanwhile, School Library Journal called the book “perfect for read-aloud or one-on-one sharing, this is a laugh-out-loud spin on a would-be runaways’ best-laid plans.”
Latinos in Kidlit revealed the cover of YOUR MAMA by NoNieqa Ramos, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara. Read more about the book here.
YOUR MAMA, as well as HOW TO WEAR A SARI by Darshana Khiani, were highlighted in Publishers Weekly’s Spring 2021 Children’s Sneak Previews. Here’s the full list.
Kirkus reviews called Anna Crowley Redding’s CHOWDER RULES “a light-hearted look at the heart and soul of a recipe.” Read more here.
Abi Cushman and East Lyme Public Library joined up to host a SOAKED! storybook trail. Check it out. And Abi was featured on Kathy Temean’s blog. Find her interview here.
DIGGING FOR WORDS by Angela Kunkel was featured in School Library Journal’s “Latinx Luminaries” article. Read the article here. Publisher’s Weekly said the book “absorbs readers with graceful prose that seamlessly incorporates Spanish.” (Full review here.) And Angela’s hosting a preorder giveaway for the book. Head to her website to learn how to enter to win.
WHEREVER I GO by Mary Wagley Copp was reviewed in the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL as part of “Young Readers: A Wide World of Storytelling.” Read the article here.
Mr. Schu Reads hosted the cover reveal for Shelley Johannes’ MORE THAN SUNNY. Here’s the blog post.
Candy Wellins went live on the Soaring ’20s IGTV channel with Jen Malia to talk about SATURDAYS ARE FOR STELLA. Catch the interview here. The book is an Amazon Books best pick for ages 3 through 5.
And speaking of IGTV, Carrie Finison also went live on our IGTV channel with Jen Malia to talk about DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS. Watch their interview here. And check out Carrie reading the book on Brightly story time.
Jasmyn Wright was featured on GapParents reading I’M GONNA PUSH THROUGH. You can watch the replay on Gap Kids’ IG channel here.
The reviews have been rolling in for BEATRIX POTTER, SCIENTIST by Lindsay Metcalf. Booklist called it “a worthy addition to STEAM and women’s history units.” Meanwhile, School Library Journal said, “celebrating how Potter’s talents and interests informed each other, this inviting biography illuminates an unfamiliar aspect of an accomplished woman’s life.” Finally, Publisher’s Weekly said, “in wondering, lyrical language, Metcalf explores Beatrix Potter’s life before Peter rabbit, revealing ‘a girl of science.’” NO VOICE TOO SMALL, Metcalf’s second fall book, also received its first trade review from School Library Journal, which said, “inspiring…All readers will be empowered…An excellent selection for poetry and social justice collections.” Read the full review here.
Rajani LaRocca talked middle grade, picture books, and more at the inaugural NerdCampPA. Get details on her website. And she unboxed her author copy of SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS. Watch the video and help her celebrate.
Vicky Fang’s Layla and the Bots Book 2, BUILT FOR SPEED, is out now. Vicky guest blogged for 12x12 (as the featured author), Scholastic, and Patricia Newman’s LitLinks. Don’t miss these posts.
Jen Malia was interviewed about here autism advocacy and Too Sticky! on the Language During Mealtime podcast. You can download it here. Vera the Tutu Teacher reviewed Too Sticky! on her Diverse Reads Instagram account. And Too Sticky! was included in Baby Librarians’ “17 Children’s Books with Disabled Characters” on Instagram.
Kirsten Larson held a virtual forum about Lilian Todd, the subject of WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane, for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Oshkosh Airshow. Catch the replay before it expires 8/22. She was interviewed on Carol Baldwin’s blog and shared "Top Five Things I’ve Learned Coordinating a Book Marketing Group" on 24 Carrot Writing.
Isabella Kung held an Animal Crossing virtual launch party for NO FUZZBALL! Learn more here. She was featured on Book Joy Live with Mr. Schu. Watch the episode. Finally, she’s had three blog interviews: Simply 7 (Jena Benton), Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, and Bridget and the Books.
