New Releases: The March for Hope by Valerie Bolling and Plenty of Pancakes by Carrie Finison
Plus cover reveals, new book deals, and events across the country
Cover Reveals
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)
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.