It’s been a while, but it’s time for another Author Spotlight. Today I am chatting with the very talented Jeanne Walker Harvey about her latest picture book biography, Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head.

Jeanne Walker Harvey has had many jobs, ranging from working as a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney for high-tech companies to a writer of magazine articles to a teacher of Language Arts and writing workshops at a public middle school. She has also been a longtime docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines and My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey. Jeanne studied literature and psychology at Stanford University. She lives in Northern California. Visit her online at JeanneHarvey.com and on Twitter @JeanneWHarvey.

Jeanne, Welcome to Mutually Inclusive! I’m so excited to have you here today! I’m a big fan of your picture book biographies. In fact, I recently used Ablaze With Color as a mentor text in my own writing. But before I start rambling on about how amazing picture book biographies are, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m really excited to be here too! I’m a big fan of your blog and look forward to reading your reviews of inclusive children’s books which are so important to highlight. And thanks ever so much for your kind words! I’m flattered that you used our Ablaze with Color book as a mentor text in your own writing.

As you said, I’m an author primarily of picture book biographies of creative people. I’ve worn many job hats ranging from roller coaster operator to software licensing attorney to middle school language arts teacher. But my favorite job is the one I’ve always dreamed to be and get to do now – a children’s book author.

I’m always fascinated by the way different subjects speak to different authors, especially when it comes to picture book biographies. What was it about Edith Head that made you want to write Dressing Up The Stars?

When I was growing up in Southern California, my mom and I always watched the Academy Awards presentation on TV and vied to see who could spot Edith Head first. She was so distinctive with her blunt haircut, dark round glasses and always a gorgeous dress that she had designed for herself. I’ve always been drawn to the wonderful costumes in those fabulous Hollywood movies. And often Edith Head’s name would be on the credits. When I began researching her, I was even more amazed to learn that she won eight Academy Awards, more than any other woman including actresses. And she was nominated for Oscars thirty-five times!  Not only was she talented and creative, but she was also quite the role model as she was the first woman to head a major Hollywood costume department at Paramount Studios.

Title: Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head
Author: Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrator: Diana Toledano
Published: September 20, 2022
Publisher: Beach Lane (Simon & Schuster)
Format: Picture Book

I’d love to hear about the research process! How long did your research take? Did it take you to any fun or unexpected locations? Did you get to see any of Edith’s designs in person?

What great questions! I think I would compare my research process to diving into the deep end of a pool full of whatever I can find about the person. I tend to splash around a lot not knowing yet how the story will call to me. As you know, the goal of writing a picture book biography is not to be an encyclopedia recap of their life. Instead, I’m always looking for that throughline, that essence of the person and their challenges and inspirations. I tend to circle back to my drafts over the years. And I actually did work on this book for quite a long time which was a pleasure because it meant I had to watch more of the classic movies. I loved reading Edith Head’s first person account in her autobiography, the Dress Doctor, and learning about her early years growing up in the desert near mining camps where her stepfather worked. Without siblings or friends nearby, Edith used her imagination as a companion and even dressed up her pets, desert animals and cactus. I was excited to read about her childhood recollections because that conjured up such different images than the lifestyle of the famous woman entrenched in a busy Hollywood life.

And yes, I’ve been lucky to see some of Edith Head’s wonderful designs in person. I frequent as many fashion exhibits at museums as I can find. I sewed a bit in high school and so I admire the details of the costumes that one can only see up close. I just learned that the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is hosting a retrospective of Edith Head’s costume from June to September of 2024 with costumes spanning six decades of her career. I hope to visit! It’s really quite amazing that Edith Head has over 400 films to her credit! And last year, I attended the grand opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles and saw some of Edith Head’s original sketches which are amazing.

I know for me, when I’m “finished” researching a subject, I feel like I’m just swimming in facts about their life, and my first draft is always a bit encyclopedic. But, you always bring so much life and imagery to the page with your prose. How do you go from research to “paper”?

Thanks so very much for saying that I bring life and imagery to the page with my prose!  That’s really lovely. Sometimes I feel I agonize about every word choice in a picture book. I feel that every word is so valuable and I want to be sure that whatever I write is not something that will be conveyed in the illustrations. As you know, the illustrations and text of a picture book are equally important and should together lift the story higher.

That’s so funny that you also used the term “swimming in facts.” You are spot on about the volume of research. And yes, my early drafts are much too wordy and too fact heavy.  One technique that helps me to winnow down a draft is to move such fact centric wording to the right of the text, surround it with brackets, and preface it with “Illus:”.  These illustrator’s notes often don’t stay in the manuscript, but somehow it helps me to not just delete these gems of research right off the bat.

You’re a docent for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, so you know a thing or two about art. So how much do you love the wonderful illustrations by Diana Toledano?

I absolutely love Diana’s illustrations for Dressing Up the Stars! As you said, they are truly wonderful – so much whimsy and creativity. It’s amazing how perfectly Diana captures Edith Head not only as a child in the desert, but also Edith head as a young struggling, yet persistent, costume designer who overcomes numerous challenges. I just want to step inside the book and join Edith in her adventures! I also enjoy looking at all the details in Diana’s illustrations. She’s incorporated such unique patterns and designs in everything which so aptly reflects Edith’s work with cloth fabrics and designs. And I think because I am such a huge fan of modern art, I so value the incredible work of the illustrators of my books, such as Diana.

I notice you have fantastic activity kits for not just Dressing Up The Stars, but all of your books, on your website. Does your past experience as a teacher influence your choice to provide these free resources to parents and teachers?

I appreciate your bringing up the activity kits connected to my books, and I’m so glad you like them. I want to credit the creative team at Blue Slip Media that designed these activity kits. Both when I taught Language Arts and volunteered as a school docent for the San Francisco Museum of Art, I loved activities and projects tied to books and artwork. Children are so incredibly creative, and I think that the topics of the books and art resonate more with them when they make their own personal connections.

You had two picture books published in 2022, so what’s next for you? Any exciting news for 2023?

It’s been very exciting to have Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas published at the beginning of the year, and now Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head published also in 2022. I just feel incredibly fortunate! And to work with such an incredible team, beginning with my editor Andrea Welch, at Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, and everyone else on the team has been so wonderful. And yes, I’m working on another picture book biography of another female artist which I hope will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

Is there anything else you’d like Mutually Inclusive’s readers to know?

I’ve been thinking about how Edith Head sought to design costumes to help the actors transform themselves into their roles. I remember when I worked as a roller coaster operator and all of us, female and male, wore mechanics’ overalls. I loved those overalls – comfortable thick cotton, lots of pockets, roomy, and with a snazzy stripe down the side. And somehow when I slipped on those overalls, I felt confident in my role as a ride operator. I wasn’t an actor, but I still was playing a role for the amusement park public and my uniform helped me. As Edith Head said, “What a costume designer does is a cross between magic and camouflage. We create the illusion of changing the actors into what they are not.” 

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all my questions, Jeanne! I loved Dressing Up The Stars and I’m so grateful to have you on the blog.

Oh, thanks so much! I truly loved answering your thoughtful questions and having the opportunity to be part of your Mutually Inclusive blog. Thank you and good luck with your writing endeavors! I look forward to hearing more about them.

Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Diana Toledano will be officially released tomorrow, but here are a few ways to celebrate with Jeanne and Diana today!

• Don’t miss my giveaway on Instagram for your chance to win a copy of Dressing Up The Stars.
• Be sure to keep an eye on kidlit.tv today for the debut of the book trailer!
• You can preorder your copy today wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon.
• You can request copies of Dressing Up The Stars at your local library to ensure your community has access to this wonderful story.

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Today I want to share a scrumptious picture book with you all! Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra and Chaaya Prabhat is a wonderful picture book all about persistence and learning a new skill.

Title: Anni Dreams of Biryani
Author: Namita Moolani Mehra
Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
Publisher: Two Lions
Published: September 1, 2022
Format: Picture Book

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Amazon

Anni Dreams of Biryani follows a young girl named Anni who lives across the street from a cafe with the best biryani in Little India. The biryani is made by the chef and owner of the cafe, who everyone calls Uncle, and Anni and her family eat it every Friday. Anni dreams of opening her own cafe one day and making biryani as tasty as Uncle’s, so she begins to ask the grumpy chef TONS of questions about his recipe.

I don’t know about you, but I love the combination of a curmudgeon adult and a persistent child. There’s nothing more heartwarming to me than when a kid lovingly pesters the people around them. And that’s just what Anni does, until one day, Uncle tells her she should stop talking about biryani so much and just cook it.

Anni works hard, and she makes some delicious meals, but her biryani just isn’t as good as Uncle’s. When she asks Uncle to look over her recipe, he tells her he’s too busy, and Anni’s dreams are almost crushed. I don’t want to give it all away, so I will just say that Uncle has a surprise in store for Anni.

If reading about all the tasty food makes your mouth water, then Chaaya Prabhat’s beautiful illustrations certainly will too. Each page of Anni’s story is filled with bold beautiful illustrations, and of course, lots of food.

Anni Dreams of Biryani officially releases on September 1, 2022, but you can preorder your copy today wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon.

Thank you so much to Blue Slip Media and Two Lions for sharing a review copy of this wonderful book!

About The Author:

Namita Moolani Mehra is a children’s book author, cookbook author, and a food and parenting writer. She wrote the children’s cookbooks The Magic Spicebox and Superfoods for Superheroes. Anni Dreams of Biryani is her first picture book. Namita also runs a social-impact business called Indian Spicebox that helps fund hot meals for underprivileged children in India. Namita was born in a remote village in Nigeria, grew up in the UK and India, studied in Chicago, and worked in New York for over a decade. She currently lives in Singapore with her husband and two children. Learn more at http://www.namitamehra.com, and follow her on Twitter @namstwit.

About The Illustrator:

Chaaya Prabhat is an illustrator based in Chennai, India. She holds an MA in graphic design from Savannah College of Art and Design. She has illustrated several picture books, including Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers, written by Rajani LaRocca. In addition to her books, Chaaya has created illustrations for numerous clients, such as Google, Facebook, Snapchat, the Obama Foundation, the Times of India, and more. Learn more at http://www.chaayaprabhat.com, and follow her on Instagram @Chaaya23.

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Where did the summer go? I’ve been so busy this summer that it seems to have flown by! I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that it’s time for Back to School posts already, but I do have fifteen wonderful picture books for the Back to School season to share with you today!

As always, these titles will have inclusive characters (think racial and cultural diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, diverse family structures, disability representation, and more), and fall into a range of genres in both fiction and nonfiction categories.

Please Note: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission from purchases made, with no additional cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and continue bringing content to you.

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli, Illustrated by Magdalena Mora

“A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.

A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn’t sound the way she’s used to hearing it. She knows she doesn’t fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her―and not quite understanding her.

But sometimes all it takes is one friend, one connection, to bring two worlds together, and gradually the girl, her tomato, and her full name, start to feel at home with her new friends and community.”

This Is a School by John Schu, Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison

“A moving celebration of school and all it may signify: work and play, creativity and trust, and a supportive community that extends beyond walls

A school isn’t just a building; it is all the people who work and learn together. It is a place for discovery and asking questions. A place for sharing, for helping, and for community. It is a place of hope and healing, even when that community can’t be together in the same room. John Schu, a librarian and former ambassador of school libraries for Scholastic, crafts a loving letter to schools and the people that make up the communities within in a picture book debut beautifully illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison.”

That’s Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed

“A debut picture book about loving your name, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself from the critically acclaimed illustrator of Bilal Cooks Daal and I Am Perfectly Designed.

Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can’t wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Maybe then she’d be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily.

Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly–even if it takes a hundred tries.”

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

“A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown.

The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets. It sits and shines behind your head–like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day.
Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes’s empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s illustrations exude joy.”

The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

“A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten.

MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom’s special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too! Like The King of Kindergarten, this is the perfect book to reinforce back-to-school excitement and build confidence in the newest students.”

I Color Myself Different by Colin Kaepernick, Illustrated by Eric Wilkerson

“An inspiring story of identity and self-esteem from celebrated athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick.

When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.

I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin’s life that is perfect for every reader’s bookshelf. It’s a story of self-discovery, staying true to one’s self, and advocating for change… even when you’re very little!”

Sam’s Super Seats by Keah Brown, Illustrated by Sharee Miller

“A joyful picture book about a disabled girl with cerebral palsy who goes back-to-school shopping with her best friends, from #DisabledandCute creator and The Pretty One author Keah Brown.

Sam loves herself, learning, and making her family and friends laugh. She also loves comfortable seats, including a graceful couch named after Misty Copeland and Laney, the sassy backseat of Mom’s car.

After a busy morning of rest, Sam and her friends try on cute outfits at the mall and imagine what the new school year might bring. It’s not until Sam feels tired, and the new seat she meets isn’t so super, that she discovers what might be her best idea all day.

With hilarious, charming text by Keah Brown and exuberant illustrations by Sharee Miller, Sam’s Super Seats celebrates the beauty of self-love, the power of rest, and the necessity of accessible seating in public spaces. Includes narrative description of art for those with low/limited vision.”

Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome by Kat Zhang, Illustrated by Charlene Chua

“Amy Wu does her best to make her new classmate feel welcome in this warmhearted and playfully illustrated follow-up picture book to Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon.

Amy’s class has a new student from China! Amy tries hard to make Lin feel included, but she can’t draw him out of his shell. Then she sees Lin chattering happily in Chinese with his family. The gears in her head start to turn, and a plan blossoms. Step one: invite Lin to her dumpling party…

​With a little help from her grandma and a shiny new banner, can Amy give Lin the warmest welcome?”

The New Kid Welcome/Welcome the New Kid by Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Nicole Miles

“When read forward and backwards, this clever and thought-provoking flip-it story demonstrates that there’s more than one way to think about someone who might seem “different” at first glance.

It
isn’t
easy to say hi to someone new,
is
it?

Told from the perspective of a student, The New Kid Welcome (or Welcome the New Kid when flipped) presents readers with two versions of what happens when a “new kid” joins the protagonist’s school. 

In the first half of the book, the student tells us that they don’t want to be nice to the new kid or welcome them into their group simply because they seem different. In the second half, the same lines of the story are placed in reverse order. When read this way, the student encourages us to say hello to someone new, saying they will share their table and snacks.
 
With a simple flip of the story, feelings of intolerance give way to those of inclusion and kindness. Precise, thoughtful text and inclusive illustrations combine to create a perfect tool for promoting acceptance and a kinder world.”

Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

“Get ready to go back to school with this inclusive, empathetic story that will help kids new to the classroom transform from timid caterpillars into beautiful butterflies who love exactly who they are!

On Vanessa’s first day of school, her parents tell her it will be easy to make friends. Vanessa isn’t so sure. She wears her fanciest outfit so her new classmates will notice her right away. They notice, but the attention isn’t what she’d hoped for. As the day goes on, she feels more self-conscious. Her clothes are too bright, her feather boa has way too many feathers, and even her name is too hard to write.

The next day, she picks out a plain outfit, and tells her mom that her name is too long. She just wants to blend in, with a simple name like the other girls–why couldn’t her parents have named her Megan or Bella? But when her mother tells her the meaning behind her name, it gives her the confidence she needs to introduce her classmates to the real Vanessa. Perfect for readers of Alma and How She Got Her Name and The King of Kindergarten.“

All Are Neighbors by Alexandra Penfold, Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

“When a new family moves in, the whole neighborhood comes together to celebrate their diverse community in this uplifting new book from the bestselling creators of All Are Welcome!

Let’s go walking down our street.
Friends and neighbors here to greet.
There are oh so many folks to meet.
We all are neighbors here.

Moving to a new place can be hard, but when your neighbors welcome you with open arms, there are so many things to discover and celebrate. Come along with the kids from the bestsellers of All Are Welcome and Big Feelings as they introduce the new kid to a community where everyone has a place and is loved and appreciated—no matter what.”

Can Sophie Change the World? by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, Illustrated by Aura Lewis

“This is Pay It Forward meets the #BeKind movement, as seen through a Jewish principle.

It’s Grandpop’s birthday, and all he wants is one little thing: for Sophie to change the world.

He wants Sophie to do a mitzvah—something kind for others. But what exactly does that mean?

As Sophie shares, teaches, helps her friends, takes care of birds, and picks up litter, she wonders which of these acts, if any, might change the world. By performing this sequence of poignant mitzvahs with an open heart, unending empathy, and a big imagination, Sophie’s about to discover that what sounds like an impossible task just might be the best way to live life.

In this exploration of an essential part of Jewish traditional teaching, Sophie’s efforts to grant Grandpop’s wish show that the smallest acts of kindness are what truly change the world.”

Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules! by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

“When a sassy drummer starts kindergarten, the rules of school cramp her style. What’s a young rock star to do?

When Lupe Lopez struts through the doors of Hector P. Garcia Elementary in sunglasses with two taped-up Number 2 pencils—drumsticks, of course—poking from her pocket, her confidence is off the charts. All day, Lupe drums on desks, tables, and chairs while Ms. Quintanilla reminds her of school rules. Lupe has her own rules: 1) Don’t listen to anyone. 2) Make lots of noise. ¡Rataplán! 3) Have fans, not friends. But with her new teacher less than starstruck, and fans hard to come by, Lupe wonders if having friends is such a bad idea after all. Can it be that true star power means knowing when to share the spotlight? With its spirited illustrations and a simple text threaded through with Spanish words, this picture book is proof positive that being a strong girl moving to her own beat doesn’t have to mean pushing others away.”

Lunch from Home by Joshua David Stein, Illustrated by Jing Li

“What happens when a child’s favorite packed lunch is met with disparaging comments at the school lunch table?

In a classroom of sandwiches, four students stand out with their homemade, culturally-specific lunches. But before they can dig in and enjoy their favorite foods, their lunches are spoiled by scrunched noses and disgusted reactions from their sandwich-eating classmates.
 
Follow each of the four students as they learn to cope with their first “lunch box moments” in this picture book that encourages empathy and inspires all readers to stand up for their food! Inspired by the “lunch box moments” of four acclaimed chefs, Ray Garcia, Preeti Mistry, Mina Park, and Niki Russ Federman, this heartwarming story reminds us all that one’s food is a reflection of self and an authentic celebration of culture.”

School Is Wherever I Am by Ellie Peterson

“From Ellie Peterson, the author-illustrator of How to Hug A Pufferfish comes a timely new picture book about learning, exploration, and the ever-expanding definition of school.

Is school only one place?
Are there other classrooms?
Different teachers?
New Lessons?

In this charming, thoughtful picture book, author-illustrator Ellie Peterson explores learning, adventure, and the thousands of the things you can discover outside of a classroom―about the world, about your family, about yourself. Because school is truly wherever you are.”

I hope these titles bring a bit of fun to a time that can be stressful for both parents and little ones. Here’s hoping your Back to School goes smoothly, and be sure to share your favorite Back to School titles in the comments below!

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The author of And The People Stayed Home is back at it again with another picture book! The Rare, Tiny Flower by Kitty O’Meara and Quim Torres is a beautiful picture book all about perspective that can help teach young readers about valuing the experiences of others.

Title: The Rare, Tiny Flower
Author: Kitty O’Meara
Illustrator: Quim Torres
Published: June 28, 2022
Publisher: TRA Publishing
Format: Picture Book

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Amazon

The Rare, Tiny Flower begins with a forest and a bird that drops a seed. The seed grows a flower that no one can seem to agree on. Some believe it is blue, while others see red. Everyone weighs in and the issue escalates. Experts are consulted, but no one can come to an agreement. But thankfully, as tensions mount to a breaking point, a young girl thoughtfully shares the lesson of perspective with everyone.

I love the message of valuing others’ perspectives, and it seems especially necessary in today’s environment. I know the idea itself isn’t revolutionary, but with division all around, it feels like an act of resistance to genuinely listen when the people around us share their thoughts and experiences.

The illustrations are delightful, and I particularly appreciate the way the colors slowly become more and more alive with each page turn. I also love the way the end pages draw attention to this detail, but I’m always a sucker for end pages.

You can find The Rare, Tiny Flower wherever picture books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)

Thank you so much to TRA Publishing for sharing a review copy of The Rare, Tiny Flower with me!

About The Author:

Kitty O’Meara lives near Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband, Phillip Hagedorn, their five rescue dogs, two cats, gardens, and books. Formerly a middle school writing and literature teacher and hospital and hospice chaplain, she is currently a spiritual director and has been a lifelong writer and artist. She has been called “the poet laureate of the pandemic” based on her wildly popular, widely circulated, and hopeful poem about the Covid-19 pandemic. That poem is illustrated and presented in book form in the bestselling And the People Stayed Home, published by Tra Publishing.

About The Illustrator:

Quim Torres is an award-winning illustrator and author based in Barcelona. He has illustrated several children’s books, including the recent Tra Publishing titles Sweet People Are Everywhere by Alice Walker and The Rare, Tiny Flower by Kitty O’Meara (both 2021). He has studied art as healing and Gestalt psychology, and he teaches workshops in which drawing becomes a means of self-discovery. He believes that people are made of stories, and he hopes his drawings inspire others to share their tales. He feels that art is a healing force.

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The Little House of Hope by Terry Catasús Jennings and Raúl Colón brings young readers something we could all use a bit more of these days — hope. Following an immigrant family as they settle into their home, this beautiful picture book also highlights the power of community care.

Title: The Little House of Hope
Author: Terry Catasús Jennings
Illustrator: Raúl Colón
Publisher: Neal Porter Books
Published: June 14, 2022
Format: Picture Book

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Amazon

Young readers meet Esperanza and her family as they arrive in the United States from their home in Cuba. They all do their part to make their small house a home. As each family member works hard to establish their place in their new community, they also support other immigrant families by offering them space in their home. Everyone works together, sharing responsibilities as well as music, laughter, and friendship. As families come and go, Esperanza’s family’s home remains a safe space for families to call their home as they find their way in a new community.

Raúl Colón’s stunning illustrations pair perfectly with Terry Catasús Jennings’ wonderful story. You can feel the joy and hope of this community on every page.

Terry Catasús Jennings’ Author’s Note shares that this book was written in anger; her reply to a realtor who said they didn’t rent to Hispanics, citing problematic stereotypes. It is clear to anyone who reads The Little House of Hope how much love Jennings has for the country that took her family in years ago and how much hope she has for the nation.

On a personal note, The Little House of Hope reminded me about the power we have in our own communities. During times like these, when bad news only seems to be getting worse, it’s so easy to feel hopeless. It’s easy to feel like we don’t have the power to make lasting changes in our world. But when we focus on the ways we can help support one another in our communities, lifting each other up however we can, we impact the lives of those around us in the most meaningful way. Whether it’s a cot in our garage, the extra vegetables from our garden, or an offer to babysit for a neighbor, these small acts of generosity can have huge impacts on our community. We all have the power to spread hope.

Be sure to grab your copy of The Little House of Hope, available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)

Thank you so much to Terry Catasús Jennings and Neal Porter Books for sharing this beautiful book with me. But most of all thank you for helping me hold onto my hope.

About The Author:

Terry Catasús Jennings and her family emigrated from Cuba in 1961. The Little House of Hope is inspired by her own experience. She is the author of the Definitely Dominguita chapter book series, The Women’s Liberation Movement, 1960-1990, and Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist and Civil Rights Activist. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Newsday, and Ranger Rick. She is also an active member of The Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC and SCBWI. Terry lives with her husband in Northern Virginia.

About The Illustrator:

Raúl Colón is the recipient of the 2021 Eric Carle Honor. He is the award-winning illustrator of many picture books, including Draw! an ALA Notable Book and recipient of the International Latino Book Award; Jill Biden’s Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops; Imagine! an ALA Notable Book, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, and a Bookpage Best Book; Susanna Reich’s José! Born to Dance; and Angela’s Christmas by Frank McCourt. Mr. Colón lived in Puerto Rico as a young boy and now resides in New City, New York, with his family.

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The creators of The Paper Kingdom are back with another beautiful picture book! Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion tells the story of a young immigrant from South Korea who finds community and friendship in an unfamiliar place.

Title: Rosa’s Song
Author: Helena Ku Rhee
Illustrator: Pascal Campion
Publisher: Random House Studio
Published: June 14, 2021
Format: Picture Book

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Inspired by an incident from the author’s childhood as the daughter of immigrants, Rosa’s Song follows a young boy name Jae who misses his home. He doesn’t speak the language in his new home. His apartment feels empty until he makes friends with a young girl named Rosa and her colorful bird, Pollito, who she sings a song with. Rosa and Jae become fast friends as they spend the summer using their imaginations to visit Jae’s old village.

But one morning, Jae wakes up to find Pollito in his room. Rosa and her family had to move away, and Rosa left Pollito behind for Jae. Jae is understandably saddened by this turn of events, but eventually remembers Rosa fondly when Pollito sings her song. He and Pollito meet two other newly arrived kids in their building and welcome them the same way Rosa welcomed Jae.

Whether you’re looking for a window for young readers to see others’ experiences or a mirror for young readers to see their own, I highly recommend Rosa’s Song.

The illustrations are absolutely lovely. I especially appreciate the way they capture the nostalgia of childhood and the joy of spending summer with friends.

Rosa’s Song is available now wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)

Thank you so much to Random House Kids and Blue Slip Media for sharing this fantastic book with me.

About the Author:

Helena Ku Rhee grew up in Los Angeles, but has also lived in various parts of the U.S., Asia and Europe. She has a soft spot for small, stout animals and loves to travel far and wide across this beautiful planet, counting among her favorite journeys a camping trip in the Sahara Desert, a swim with elephants in Thailand and a horseback-riding tour of Easter Island. Helena works at a movie studio by day, and dreams up story ideas in her spare time. She currently lives in Los Angeles. Visit her at helenakrhee.com or follow her on Twitter @Helenarhee.

About The Illustrator:

Pascal Campion is a prolific French-American illustrator and visual development artist whose clients include: DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Pictures, Disney Feature, Disney Toons, Cartoon Network, Hulu, and PBS. Working in the animation industry for over 15 years, he has steadily posted over 3,000 images of personal work to his “Sketches of the Day” project since 2005. He lives and works in Los Angeles, CA. Follow him on Instagram (@pascalcampionart) or Twitter @pascalcampion.

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If you’re looking for an inspiring biography about an unsung hero of history, I have the perfect selection for you today! Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist & Civil Rights Activist by Rosita Stevens-Holsey and Terry Catasús Jennings is a stunning middle grade biography in verse that recounts the life of Pauli Murray, a queer civil rights and women’s rights activist who was a champion for justice.

Title: Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist & Civil Rights Activist
Author: Rosita Stevens-Holsey and Terry Catasús Jennings
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Published: January 4, 2022
Format: Middle Grade

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Written by one of Pauli’s nieces, this book gives children ages 8-12 a personal look into Pauli Murray’s remarkable life. Pauli demanded fairness and justice throughout her entire life, from her childhood in Durham, North Carolina where she was raised my her aunts, to her career as a writer, lawyer, activist, and priest. She had a brilliant mind and was responsible for conceptualizing the arguments that would win Brown vs. Board of Education in 1944, as well as arguments that won equality for women in the workplace in 1964. She was a trailblazer who doesn’t often get the credit she deserves for the work she did, and I can’t wait to see how her story inspires young readers today.

Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist & Civil Rights Activist is available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)

Thank you so much to Little Bee Books and Terry Catasús Jennings for sending me a review copy of this amazing book. I am so glad I got the opportunity to learn about such a remarkable historical figure, and I’m thrilled to share this story with everyone today.

About The Authors:

Rosita Stevens-Holsey is one of Pauli Murray’s nieces, and an ambassador for the Pauli Murray family. She feels it is an honor to be part of enhancing and promoting her aunt’s legacy, and her responsibility as a family member to do so. Rosita lives outside of Washington, D.C.

Terry Catasús Jennings came to the United States with her family after fleeing Cuba after the Bay of Pigs invasion. Today, Terry resides in Reston, Virginia with her family. She is the author of the upcoming picture book La Casita de Esperanza/The Little House of Hope and the Definitely Dominguita chapter book series.

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