Young adult has come a long way. But there will always be those who like to remind YA writers that we musn’t try and sit at the grown-ups table. After all we “only” write for kids. Why haven’t they figured out that this dismissive attitude only fuels our fire? I think the mere existence of [ Read the full article… ]

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… ]

With two picture books and a chapter book series in the works, I’ve had an extremely busy workload. But I’m not complaining. In this scary economy, having any work at all is a good thing. It does make me sad, however, that I haven’t been able to dedicate much time here at the Brown Bookshelf. [ Read the full article… ]

Click to see the video here.

WALKING HOME TO ROSIE LEE written by A. LaFaye illustrated by Keith D. Shepherd published by Cinco Puntos Press    The Civil War was fought and slaves were free. And now young Gabe wants to find his mother, Rosie Lee, sold away long ago. But finding her won’t be easy. On the road, Gabe meets [ Read the full article… ]

Chronicle Books children’s fall/winter 2011 catalog features wonderful artwork by Vanessa Brantley Newton. The artwork is for the upcoming picture book adapted by Cedella Marley, One Love. It is based on the Bob Marley song. Don’t ‘cha love this cover, too?

As summer nears, so does vacation season. That may mean trips to the beach or amusement parks or time visiting out-of-state family and friends. I gained new appreciation for that freedom to travel and find places to stop, eat and sleep when I read Ruth & the Green Book, a poignant picture book written by playwright and debut children’s book author [ Read the full article… ]

OK, this is an oldie, but a goodie. In Praise of Our Fathers and Mothers: A Black Family Treasury by Outstanding Authors and Artists, is a lovely collection of stories, written and illustrated by some of the best-known authors and illustrators of our time. The stories are complied by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson, [ Read the full article… ]