Kelly Starling Lyons and Don Tate celebrate the publication of Hope’s Gift

Today Brown Bookshelf members Kelly Starling Lyons and Don Tate celebrate the publication of their new book, Hope’s Gift (Putnam Juvenile, December 27, 2012). Kelly writes a poignant story that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Don Tate illustrates this significant moment in American history. Kirkus describes: “A warm story about the love of [ Read the full article… ]

A look at 2012 Best-Of lists. Considering, celebrating diversity

[Updated Dec. 28, 2012] It’s Best-of season! It’s that time of year when review journals, newspapers, and book lovers of all kinds choose the best children’s books in a given year. I love it. Reminds me of Academy Award season in the movie business. Everyone talks about the best movie, actor/actress, director. And then everyone rushes [ Read the full article… ]

International Reading Association, 2012

Last week, Kelly Starling Lyons and I took the Brown Bookshelf on the road. We presented a program at the International Reading Association conference, Windows to the Past: Using Nonfiction and Historical Fiction Picture Books to Teach Black History. It was a bit hit. Kelly discussed her books and what inspires her stories. And she offered great tips for using picture [ Read the full article… ]

New Voices Award for writers of color

LEE & LOW BOOKS, award-winning publisher of children’s books, is pleased to announce the twelfth annual NEW VOICES AWARD. The Award will be given for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color. The Award winner receives a cash grant of $1000 and our standard publication contract, including our basic advance and royalties for a first time [ Read the full article… ]