London Ladd grew up loving comic books in Syracuse, New York. He started drawing in his teens and his first big break came when he was asked to illustrate the book March On! The Day my Brother Martin Changed the World (Scholastic) written by Christine King Farris, sister of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We’re… Read more »
Carmen Oliver
Under the Freedom Tree
UNDER THE FREEDOM TREE by Susan VanHecke, illustrated by London Ladd (Charlesbridge, 2014) Under the Freedom Tree tells the story of three runaway Confederate slaves who steal away under night’s blanket of protection and row their weathered skiff to the Union side. They’re seeking freedom, a chance to build a life for themselves, but if… Read more »
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
GOLDY LUCK AND THE THREE PANDAS by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Grace Zong (Charlesbridge, 2014) In this spirited retelling of the classic fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldy doesn’t go looking for bad luck on Chinese New Year. But she finds it anyway. Not only does Goldy ruin the turnip cakes she delivers… Read more »
Little Red Writing: An Interview with Joan Holub
LITTLE RED WRITING by Joan Holub, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet (Chronicle Books, 2013) In Little Red Writing, Red is tasked by Ms. 2, her teacher, to write a story. In fact, all the students in pencil school are, but what should they write about? The birthday pencil wants to write a happy story,… Read more »
A Bundle of Books: Holiday Give-away!
Here are not one but three perfect picture books that will make wonderful gifts for that special child, educator, or librarian in your life! No Monkeys, No Chocolate written by Melissa Stewart and Allen Young, illustrated by Nicole Wong (Charlesbridge, 2013) unravels the scientific mystery of where chocolate comes from in two layered levels of text… Read more »
Volcano Rising
VOLCANO RISING by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Susan Swan (Charlesbridge, 2013). Most people think volcanoes lay dormant or destroy villages with their fiery eruptions, but in this engaging story, Rusch shows readers another powerful side to volcanoes. In a simple layer of text, she reveals how volcanoes create majestic mountains and form new land masses… Read more »
A Conversation with Author Melissa Stewart, Part 2
Earlier in the week, we learned about Melissa the author and now we’re going to get to know the person. She is the author of No Monkeys, No Chocolate and more than 150 science books for children. What were your interests as a young person? And what did you like to read? Any favorite books?… Read more »
