The Weekly 411 (9/20/24)
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| © Milanka Reardon |
Sept. 20, 2024 vol. 38
The Weekly 411 gathers all the links added to Kidlit411 each week. To receive this post by email, sign up for our email updates. Are you on Facebook? Join our Kidlit411 group for conversations and camaraderie. This week's illustration is by Milanka Reardon.
Kid Lit News
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| art by Antonio Javier Caparo/ design by Christopher Stengel |
About the Book: A thrilling WWII adventure that reimagines the evacuation of Dunkirk...with dragons!
Everyone in Iris's small English village avoids the dragon in the woods. Everyone, that is, except for Iris. She knows Galahad would never hurt her--she's been caring for the dragon since he lost his mother when he was a baby. When Galahad is accused of stealing military rations, Iris strikes a bargain that will spare Galahad's life... but send him off to the war brewing in Europe. Soon after, she receives news that her brother is among the troops trapped in France by the advancing German troops. Refusing to give up hope, Iris devises a desperate plan that will either save both her brother and her best friend--or end in disaster.
Meanwhile in Belgium, Max's school day is abruptly interrupted by some terrifying news: The Germans have invaded his country. He and his grandmother are forced to flee for their lives west toward France where they hope to find safety. But when they are separated after a German attack, Max must continue the treacherous journey on his own.
Across hundreds of miles, the stories of Iris and Max steadily converge toward an explosive conclusion that will change them both forever. Along the way, they each must find the inner strength and resolve--the valor--to do the impossible. Author Sam Subity blends history and fantasy to tell a story like no other--an exhilarating adventure about the power of friendship, hope, and courage.
About the Author: Sam Subity loves writing stories that explore the magic and wonder of being a kid. He’s still a little stunned every time he sees one of his books on a shelf in a bookstore or library waiting for a reader to discover. When he’s not writing, you might find him running the trails of northern California where the endless, winding miles past fog and ocean inspire tales of adventure and mystery.
Picture Book Giveaway
About the Book: A lyrical picture book celebrating henna, a traditional plant-based form of temporary tattooing in South Asian, North African and Middle Eastern cultures.
Henna is nature—seeds sprouted into shrubs, leaves kissed by tropical rain.
Henna is color—the orange of juicy mangoes, sun-kissed brown, or black as the feathers of crows.
Henna is fragrance—earthy and nutty, lemony and clove-y.
About the Author: Marzieh Abbas is a baker turned award-winning author. She loves adding magic to her creations– whether that’s a seven-layered rainbow cake or the books she writes for children all over the world. Her work is inspired by her Pakistani culture and Muslim heritage. She is the author of the popular chapter book series: Nadia & Nadir. Her debut picture book in the traditional American Market, titled A Dupatta Is… released from Macmillan Publishers, U.S.A. in 2023. Marzieh is a member of Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and a graduate of the Lyrical Language Lab and Children’s Book Academy. She occasionally writes under the name: Marzieh A. Ali.
About the Illustrator: Anu Chouhan is a Punjabi-Canadian author, illustrator and art director. A trained animator with a background in video game development, Anu often combines her love of her cultural heritage into her art, as well as drawing inspiration from anime, nature, and fashion. She is the author and illustrator of Hair Oil Magic, and illustrator of both A Dupatta Is... and Henna Is...
Picture Book Giveaway
About the Authors: Amy Dixon is the author of three picture books―Maurice the Unbeastly, Sophie's Animal Parade, and Marathon Mouse―as well as a middle-grade novel. When she's not writing, she is editing and marketing other people's books. She writes from her home in Clovis, California, where she lives on a steady diet of popcorn and coffee.
Rob Dixon is the author of Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships. In addition to serving on InterVarsity staff for more than twenty-six years, Rob teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary and Fresno Pacific University. In his free time, Rob enjoys pickleball, long runs, and cheering for the LA Dodgers.
About the Illustrator: Jennifer Davison is a renowned artist who has illustrated over fifty picture books that have been translated into eighteen different languages! She spends most of her time illustrating faith-based books and stories from the Bible, including the Very Best Bible Stories series and God's Big Promises Bible Storybook. You can find out more about Jennifer and her work at www.jensketches.com.
Sept. 24, 4 p.m. CST/ 5 p.m. PICTURE THIS! What Makes a Picture Book Great. EST Workshop with Literary Agent Stephen Fraser of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency Plus Exclusive Submission Opportunity, hosted by award-winning author Rosie J. Nova.
Join Stephen as he takes a fascinating look at picture books, both past and present, and dives deep into the essential elements that make a picture book truly stand out.
In this workshop, you'll discover:
✔ What makes a picture book captivating for readers of all ages
✔ Common pitfalls to avoid when writing for young audiences
✔ Insight into current trends and the evolving picture book market
PLUS, an exclusive above-the-slush-pile submission opportunity to each registrant (and feedback provided by Stephen if it’s a pass)!
Valor Wings is a must read for me. These two picture books will be fun to read to nieces and nephews.
ReplyDeleteHenna is so fascinating for kids - can't wait to read the book!
ReplyDeleteGreat links. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm a faith-based writer for kids and would love to win the Penny Preaches! I would like to see more faith-base books for kids.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your beautiful books!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity to check out these beautiful books.
ReplyDeleteValor Wings would be a hit with my school's 4th and 5th grade readers. We had a henna artist at our international night last year and lots of kids were fascinated by the art, so I know they'd be interested in a book featuring henna art, too.
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of mehendi / henna, I'm so looking forward to reading HENNA IS...! Congrats to all the books and authors featured this week!
ReplyDeleteWhile the dropping sales for middle grade readers are unsettling, I'm hoping that this is just another cycle. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to receive one of these books! Middle grade is an area I especially want to learn more about.
ReplyDelete