Willow and Bunny: Book Launch!

September 26, 2023 Anitra Rowe Schulte

Hello, and happy fall, all! Have you moved those sweaters and jackets out of the shadows of your closet? I’m on the verge of doing so… haven’t just yet. But our fall wheels are in motion in other ways! October brings the book birthday of my second picture book, WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise. Publication day is Oct. 10 - and author copies are here!

Reviews are coming in, and they have been so kind and moving. It’s a wild feeling, when you learn that something that’s lived in your imagination has reached and touched others. Here’s one of my favorite reviews from Booklist (America Library Association):

Starting Oct. 10, WILLOW AND BUNNY will be out of boxes and onto shelves. And I’m super excited to share that this title is going on tour! I absolutely cannot wait to share the book of my heart with you in book events and in-store signings, near and far. If you happen to be somewhere along the book tour path, I hope you can make it!

Below, you’ll find details for each book event. You’ll notice that some events have happened, while others are still coming into focus. As additional info becomes available, I’ll be sure to update the post. But for now, here are post-event pics and all the details I presently have!

Book Tour

Oct. 2 - AISLE Conference, Champaign IL

On a gorgeous fall Monday, I traveled south to Champaign, IL, for the AISLE Conference at iHotel and Conference Center. I spent the morning and lunch among Illinois school library educators, I got the opportunity to share about DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, as well as WILLOW AND BUNNY. I loved hearing what elements of the stories school educators thought would most resonate with their students, and how they imagine that the text and art might come alongside their students (… and children and grandchildren!) in their futures. It was my first time getting to talk about characters Willow and Bunny in extended conversations, and now I’m even more excited than ever for the events planned for the coming weeks and months! For more information about AISLE, click HERE!

Saturday, Oct. 14 - Harvey's Tales, Geneva IL

Rainy weather brought us inside for the coziest most heart-topping book launch event ever at Harvey’s Tales bookstore in Geneva, IL. So many Willows in one room! My parents, husband, my sister, my very best friends, plus babysitters who have come alongside us when we’ve needed big-time support. It was an incredible day - and one that this Bunny will never, ever forget. Thank you Harvey’s Tales hosting this special day for your friendship all these years. Just love you!

Sunday, Oct. 22 - The Bookworm, Omaha NE

Sending a huge thank you to The Bookworm in Omaha for hosting a Sunday afternoon story time of WILLOW AND BUNNY! It was lovely spending time with Nebraska readers - from dear family and friends, to a fellow author and Metamorphosis Literary Agency sister Heather Dawn Torres. I also had the pleasure of meeting a young writer with more than 30 manuscripts under her belt. (I can’t wait to read your books one day, Agnes!) PS: The Bookworm’s children’s room is magic. My girls each picked out a book to bring home - our fall reads are good to go! Hope many are able to support them and shop local this holiday season!

Saturday, Nov. 4 - Main Street Books, St. Charles MO

On a cobblestone street, within a row of historic buildings, is the most enchanting bookstore: Main Street Books of St. Charles, MO. If you’ve never been to Main Street, you absolutely must. (I can only image how magical it is during the holiday season!) Sharing a book of my heart in such a picturesque, charming and cozy shop was truly author-dream-come true material. Thank you, Main Street Books, for hosting such a beautiful afternoon signing. And many thanks to our friends from Mizzou and Rolla for making time on a busy fall Saturday to come see me and my family and support the book!

Saturday, Nov. 11 - Greenlight Bookstore, Brooklyn NY

This sunny Saturday morning, I had the honor of reading WILLOW AND BUNNY at a story time in Brooklyn at Greenlight Bookstore. Bringing our book all the way to the East Coast to this exciting and beloved neighborhood was very special. Absolutely a pinch-me moment. Thank you to those who visited, snuggled up to our story, and brought a copy home to love!

Friday, Dec. 8 - Logan Square Branch of Chicago Public Library, Chicago IL

Wowza, what a room! The energy was through the roof in these two back-to-back morning story time presentations at the Logan Square Branch of the Chicago Public Library. My partner for the morning? The utterly fantastic Astrid Kamalyan, author of the new critically acclaimed and celebrated picture book BABO: A TALE OF ARMENIAN RUG-WASHING DAY. (It is seriously amazing, please check it out.). This event had it all - folk songs, jingle bells, bubbles. PS: It is hard to follow bubbles! I learned a lot, on the fly, about how incorporating gestures for Willow’s actions can spark the imagination and participation of the very youngest of readers!

Saturday, Jan. 20 - The Literary, Champaign IL

3:30 p.m. story time, followed by signing line.
The Literary, 122 N. Neil St., Champaign IL
Pre-order (if possible!) by emailing The Literary at hello@literarybookbar.com or calling 217-954-1500.
If picking up a signed copy at the Jan. 20 event, please note this in your message to the booksellers.

You may have noticed a recurrent reminder and heartfelt plea: If you are able to order WILLOW AND BUNNY from these stores, or the bookstore nearest you, please do! Local bookstores need our support to survive and thrive, and they will order a copy of any book we want or need, at anytime… if we just ask!

Want to learn a bit more about how this book came to be? Or would you like to read about creative process and book making?

Some fabulous book bloggers and new book friends will kindly be featuring WILLOW AND BUNNY on their blogs in the coming weeks and months! As they publish, I’ll share the links below:

Blog Tour

Oct. 3 - Writer-Reader-Teacher

Read the interview HERE!

Oct. 18 - The Backstory

Read the interview HERE!

Oct. 27 - Picture Book Builders

Read the interview HERE!

Dec. 1 - First Draft Friday

Read the interview HERE!

Dec. 4 - Simply 7

Read the interview HERE!

Upcoming blog post…

Feb. 24: Writers’ Rumpus

WILLOW AND BUNNY has been coming for sooooo long! Thank you for asking about it and reading about the different moments in the journey, along the way! I hope it finds its way into your local libraries and hearts - and perhaps into the home libraries of the littles in your life this upcoming holiday season!

Wishing you well and so hoping to see you at one of this fall’s book launch events. If you have any questions about them, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Summer 2023 Book Fun!

June 30, 2023 Anitra Rowe Schulte

This summer has delivered some super fun author experiences, which I’d love to share with you! In June, I had the opportunity to share DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, with the patrons of Batavia Public Library in a cool hybrid event.

After I chatted a bit about story inspiration and read DANCING WITH DADDY, the families present and I talked about recognizing and honoring all forms of communication. Then Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club took the stage, shaking paws and winning hearts, followed by a representative from Project Mobility, who shared about their mission, which is to make sure that everyone who wants to ride a bike has the equipment to do so.

It was awesome and serendipitous to see and hear from Project Mobility because our family had JUST participated in their annual fundraiser Everybody Rides in St. Charles, Ill. We are big fans of the org, as they built a trike for our oldest daughter, which she uses all the time. (Here we are, after our rainy ride!)

After the hybrid community event, I lingered to have some fun with the fabulous librarians of Batavia Public Library. They have a must-follow TikTok account and let me sneak into a few videos! In one TikTok, I went into the stacks to find DANCING WITH DADDY and sign the library’s copy. And in another, the librarians interviewed me about DANCING WITH DADDY, as well as my next picture book WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise. It pubs Oct. 10 of this year and is available for pre-order… yay!

Speaking of WILLOW AND BUNNY!

June also brought a trip into Chicago for a signing of WILLOW AND BUNNY at the 2023 ALA (American Library Association) Conference. Imagine thousands of books, hundreds of librarians, and dozens of authors and illustrators. As an author who has watched ALA through social media posts over the years, it was an absolute dream come true to be invited to be in the room and host a signing.

Thank you, Two Lions!

ALA was at McCormick Place this year - just a train ride away - and filled with lots of firsts, including a delicious family dinner with editors and authors of Two Lions (the publisher of DANCING WITH DADDY and WILLOW AND BUNNY). At dinner, I got to chat with one of my absolute favorite illustrators, Raissa Figueroa - an incredible storyteller, who burst onto the publishing scene a few years ago and is 100 percent as delightful as her luminous, vibrant work!

Then the very next day, I had my first ALA book signing! I got a lil bit fancy (Thank you, Hyatt Regency, for the curling iron!!), then headed down to the floor - such an exciting feeling!

Our midday signing was attended by libraries from around the country - Texas, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, to name a few. Alhough I urged Christopher to please sign first and take up as much room as possible (his art in WILLOW AND BUNNY is deserving of every inch of signing space!), he encouraged a 50/50 split, and I’m still not sure that feels quite right!

I am so deeply honored to have shared this gorgeous book, signing table and ALA moment with such a singular artist and human. Huge congratulations to Christopher, who just a few hours after our signing accepted his Caldecott Honor for KNIGHT OWL in the kidlit version of the Oscars!

Here are a few more signing pics, to convince myself I didn’t dream this moment - there are photos to prove it was real. Yellow nail polish was required :o)

At ALA, I also got to hang with my longtime critique partner Clothilde Ewing, who was there for her signing of STELLA AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING TOOTH at the Simon & Schuster booth, and give a hug to my dear friend Chaz Baechler, who was there to attend breakout sessions on behalf of Geneva Public Library.

And, while on the floor - and right before my signing - I had to sneak away to enter the orbit of picture book legend Marla Frazee, if but for just a few moments! Absolutely every book she makes is magic and her latest, IN EVERY LIFE, is no exception.

Thanks for reading!! It was a surreal weekend, and this scrapbook of moments truly helps me process it - I'm so grateful for every second spent in the company of these friends - brand new and beloved, both. I think 2023 is going to be a very special year and can’t wait to share more soon!

Cover Reveal: WILLOW AND BUNNY

April 20, 2023 Anitra Rowe Schulte

One day, while driving around in our van, the news of the world was so heavy on my heart. Two horrible events had recently happened - a force of nature, and an act of terrible violence - and the details were unbearable.

How, if my children should ask, could I possibly explain it? How could I even explain it to myself? That in a world so beautiful, so full of gifts, there can be such unfathomable darkness? And once you’ve experienced the full gravity of that hurt and loss, what is on the other side?

I pulled over. In a parking lot, on the backside of a long receipt, I tried to put words to those questions. Not answers, so much as a pathway through. Seeking, searching, scribbling, I tried to find a way — to acknowledge in truth the unexpected and scary things that swirl in shadow, to honor the empathy and intimacy that bind us to one another, and to reach a hope that exists, far, far in the distance.

With quiet and care, I nurtured the idea until it fully arrived: WILLOW AND BUNNY, a woodland story of friendship, trust, bravery and love. When I read it back, I could sense that there was something there. It brought me to tears but also lifted my soul. So I decided to share it.

In events that can only be described as picture book magic, Kelsey Skea of Two Lions (the amazing editor of DANCING WITH DADDY, my debut picture book, illustrated by Ziyue Chen) believed in the manuscript. Then she confirmed that Christopher Denise (one of my very favorite illustrators and creator of Caldecott Honor winning and New York Times bestselling picture book KNIGHT OWL) would bring the story to life.

Magic over magic. Months of collaboration followed, resulting in a book that today, with deep gratitude, I get to share with you!

But before that… and just a bit before… I wanted to share the tree that was with me as I wrote and dreamed of this story — the willow on the edge of our neighborhood. Arching over blankets of snow in the winter…

Waiting with patience through the wet, chilly spring…

Cascading with warmth and fullness in the summer and fall.

Willow. Our Willow.

Then, I met a new Willow: Bunny’s Willow, as imagined by Christopher Denise. And my heart tumbled out of my chest. For she was broader, safer, stronger than even my imagination could conceive. Now it’s my pleasure to introduce you to this beautiful anchor tree, and sweet Bunny, too.

Meet WILLOW AND BUNNY…

Achingly perfect. A vision and a dream. Tender, gentle and powerful. The cover of WILLOW AND BUNNY gorgeously captures the book’s main characters and their relationship - a protectiveness reciprocated with loyalty, grace and love.

Within the pages of WILLOW AND BUNNY, I have no less than a hundred favorite moments. Bunny’s darling demeanor… The masterful balance of shadow and light…

The glow of the wood… The safety of Willow’s canopy…

The gripping depiction of fear and worry… Palpable longing for safety and light…

It is such an emotional picture book experience. Here’s a summary of our tale:

Bunny needs a new home. After a long journey, he meets Willow and knows he will be safe beneath her branches. Every day is theirs to share. Just Bunny and Willow, Willow and Bunny. Then one evening, an angry spiral whips through the wood. Every creature in the forest runs to Willow for shelter. As the storm rages, Willow shields and protects them with all her might. But when the calm returns, Willow’s beautiful branches are tattered, twisted, and forever changed. Bunny and the other creatures know it is their turn to help. This beautifully told tale by a Christopher Award–winning author and a Caldecott Honor artist offers messages of friendship, community, and hope after a difficult experience.

It won’t be long until we can share our book with you: WILLOW AND BUNNY publishes Oct. 10 — soon! We would be so delighted if you added this tale to your home or classroom library. And you can take a hop-and-a-swish in that direction this spring. Today, in fact… because WILLOW AND BUNNY is officially available for pre-order!

Here are a few ways to find and order a copy:

Harvey’s Tales in Geneva IL for signed books: (630) 232-2991 or harveystales@gmail.com
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop
Amazon

I'm so honored to have collaborated with Christopher and the Two Lions team to bring WILLOW AND BUNNY into the world. It’s a story I will share with my daughters on my lap and by my side, and with young readers in schools and libraries, as far and wide as I can. I hope and pray that it will be a comfort and a safe place for readers of all ages to reflect and feel.

If you can think of a friend who might like to learn about WILLOW AND BUNNY, or add it to their bookshelf, you can share this blog post, Christopher’s Instagram cover reveal, or my posts on Instagram and Twitter. (Shares help so, so much.) Thank you for your support!

New chapter book series: STARLIN!

January 15, 2023 Anitra Rowe Schulte

A few years ago, as my daughters began voraciously reading chapter books, I fell in love with the genre… all over again. It had been a while (30 years) since I’d consistently read chapter books. But when I was my girls’ age, I devoured Nancy Drew and The Baby-Sitters Club. Without a doubt, chapter books were the titles that built my identity as a reader.

As a student and forever-fan of picture books, I have found exploring today’s chapter books to be such an exciting and fun journey of discovery! The adventures, the friendships, the family dynamics. The humor, tone, personality. From Dory Fantasmagory and Jada Jones, to Yasmin and Ivy and Bean, each series and title has its own vibe, vibrancy and vocabulary.

Then one summer day, while traveling in the family van, a brand new character arrived in my mind and world: An imaginative, theatrical, disabled girl, and her family and school day stories. Letter by letter, word by word, she emerged in a Word doc on my laptop. Gosh, I loved hanging out with this cool girl.

It’s with great joy that this week, we can at last announce that the first of these tales will be releasing next year — with two books in Fall 2024, and a third to follow in Spring 2025. So, soon you too can meet… STARLIN!

As reported in this week’s Publishers Weekly Rights Report, the books were sold by my agent Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency to Andrea Hall of Beaming Books, an editor I had the pleasure of meeting in person at Geneva Commons in 2021, when she visited to support author and friend Norene Paulson, who was in town for Kids Day Story Time during Swedish Days.

I’d also seen Andrea in a panel on disability in kidlit in 2022. She has a great passion for disability representation in children’s literature, and her conceptualization of the Starlin series has given me the space to make each chapter more robust and detailed. I’m absolutely thrilled to be partnering with her and the Beaming team to bring Starlin to life!

Another tremendous joy of this project has been teaming with the brilliant illustrator Katie Crumpton. I love Katie’s fresh palettes and sparkly characters and their charming lifestyle accouterments, and her compositions are so colorful and energetic —the absolute perfect match for Starlin! I am very honored to partner with fellow Aquarius, thunderstorm fan and hula hooper Katie, whose work you can check out on her illustrator website www.katiecrumptonart.com and on Instagram at @katie_crumpton.

We are currently working intensively on book one, which I can’t wait to tell you more about! The first manuscript will soon be reviewed by sensitivity readers for each disability experience in the book. For anyone unfamiliar with this process: Starlin is a wheelchair user. So the story will be reviewed by an editor who also is a wheelchair user. Starlin also is a multimodal communicator, who uses a communication device and also speaks aloud. So an editor who is a multimodal communicator will read and edit the story, as well. Sensitivity editors will also review the manuscript for the experiences of scoliosis and hearing loss. I’m so grateful for their efforts and partnership!

The coming months will bring more news about STARLIN book #1, as well as details about my next picture book, WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise, which is due later this year or early next.

PS: If you don’t yet have Christopher’s new picture book KNIGHT OWL… grab it! Critics and readers alike have hailed and embraced this adorable tale — a Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2022, which was recently back on the New York Times Best Seller list and is now getting much-deserved Caldecott buzz. Huge congratulations, Christopher!

Soooo much fun stuff in store in 2023 - I’ll share more soon. Until then, happy winter reading to you and yours!

2022 Picture Book Picks

December 17, 2022 Anitra Rowe Schulte

It’s my great pleasure to share the 2022 Picture Book Picks list!

Friends, it is soooooo good.

The annual Picture Book Picks end-of-year roundup is curated by picture book creators — authors and illustrators, who read broadly within the genre. I’m lucky to call all of the 2022 curators friends! Each person who has selected a favorite book here is a children’s book creator I partnered with this past year for special projects: Members of PB Troupe 2021 and PB Tales 2022, my critique partners, and the founder of PB Chat and my 2022 PB Chat mentee. Thank you all so much for adding your favorites to the list!

We hope that within the 5th annual Picture Book Picks roundup, you’ll find something new to add to your collection or borrow from your local library.

Want to know what books topped the curators’ lists?

Let’s find out…

2022 Picture Book Picks

Anne Appert (@Anne_Appert), author and illustrator of 2021 release BLOB and upcoming 2023 release WHAT IF YOU WISH? recommends PAYDEN’S PRONOUN PARTY written by Blue Jaryn, illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo (Page Street Kids): Payden’s Pronoun Party is a colorfully illustrated and directly written approach to pronoun and gender exploration for readers of all ages. With author Blue Jaryn’s clear storytelling and illustrator Xochitl Cornejo’s energetic illustrations, this party invites everyone to discover the pronouns and expression that truly feel much more them.

Kira Bigwood (@kbigwood), author of 2021 release SECRET, SECRET AGENT GUY, recommends I WAS BORN A BABY written by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Brandon James Scott (HarperCollins): I WAS BORN A BABY isn’t your grandma’s baby animal book. Aww-inducing illustrations pair with the catchiest refrain ever, for a bouncy, perfect read-aloud that delivers a fresh take on this classic picture book category. Fleming’s text plays with the reader’s expectations in a way that will charm, teach, and have kiddos begging to read it again and again. A guaranteed good-time book!

Justin Colón (@JustinRColon), author of forthcoming 2024 titles IMPOSSIBLE POSSUMS (Disney-Hyperion) and THE QUACKEN (Simon & Schuster), recommends: A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR (WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN), written by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Korwin Biggs (Roaring Brook Press): A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR (WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN) both entertains and educates during what is sure to be a laughter-induced learning experience. Hannah Holt has taken some of the most interesting and important facts about the history of our undergarments and weaved them together in a most intriguing, humorous tale. Korwin Biggs’ hilarious illustrations are clucking with kid appeal — chickens modeling undergarments while appearing as hunters and gatherers, ancient Egyptians, English kings and queens —you can't beat that! If you could read this book a dozen times, I'm sure you could find something new in the illustrations with each read. Oh, and for the pun lovers out there, the puns in this book are top-notch.This book may have flown under the radar, but it's sure to be a hit in your house, classroom, or wherever you may read it!

Viviane Elbee (@VivianeElbee), author of TEACH YOUR GIRAFFE TO SKI and 2022 title I WANT MY BOOK BACK, recommends NOT SO GHOUL written by Karen Yin, illustrated by Bonnie Lui (Page Street Kids): I read so many wonderful new releases this year, but one that I really loved was NOT SO GHOUL by Karen Yin. It's got ghosts, a haunting school, friendship, cultural traditions, and lots of fun wordplay! This adorable Chinese-American ghost who is torn between fitting in with her American classmates and honoring her Chinese ancestors' traditions is one of my favorite new characters of the year!

Clothilde Ewing (@clo_ewing), author of STELLA KEEPS THE SUN UP and the forthcoming 2023 title STELLA AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING TOOTH recommends FLY written by Brittany Thurman, illustrated by Anna Cunha (Athenum Books for Young Readers / Simon & Schuster): I will start by saying I am a sucker for picture books and feel like there is a picture book that can help you tackle just about any topic. In FLY, I found a lyrical story in Africa and her quest to become a champion in something she had never tried before. (“Africa feels certain she can double Dutch until her shoes are in fast-forward, until her feet forget the ground, until she flies like the birds in the sky.”) The unknown can be intimidating and though she wasn’t masterful her first go at it, she was open to the windy journey to get there. In the end, she won, thanks to her own attitude and her friends who helped her along the way.

Margaret Chiu Greanias (@MargaretGreania), author of 2022 title AMAH FARAWAY and upcoming 2023 releases HOOKED ON BOOKS and HOW THIS BOOK GOT RED, recommends SOMETIMES I GRUMBLESQUINCH written by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Hyewon Yum (Orchard Books): I loved Sometimes I Grumblesquinch, a companion book to Sometimes I'm a Bombaloo (which I haven't read yet), by Rachel Vail and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. It's about a girl named Katie Honors, a really nice, well-behaved kid, who feels the pressure to be perfect all the time. There is so much to love about this book. Rachel Vail does such a good job building Katie Honor's character and showing how she strives to be the perfect kid even as she unravels bit by bit as her little brother Chuck gets on her nerves. There's humor, a spot-on kid voice, so much heart, and the most adorable illustrations you can imagine. Highly recommend.

Neesha Hudson (@NeeshaHudson), author/illustrator of 2021 title TURTLE IN A TREE and upcoming 2023 release THE BEST FLOWER EVER! recommends THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen (Orchard Books): I always love when these two pair up to make books. In this retelling of the classic tale, the troll is once again thwarted by the craftiness of the goats, and eventually bites off a bit more then it can chew. Klassen’s limited palette, striking images, and hilarious characters once again pair perfectly with Barnett’s whimsical and humorous storytelling. It’s silly and fun and everything a picture book should be.

Philip Hoelzel (@CotopaxiPhil), author of upcoming release PLANTING HOPE: A Portrait of Photograher Sebastião Salgado, recommends ALL STAR: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball, written by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman (Clarion Books): This uplifting story covers baseball, dreams come true and the realities and pace of societal change. It is a great choice for baseball fans wanting to learn more about the history of the game.

Leah Hong (@leahhongdraws), author and illustrator of HAPPY DREAMS, LITTLE BUNNY, and illustrator of the upcoming 2024 releases WHEN YOU HAVE TO WAIT and A MOUSE FAMILY CHRISTMAS, recommends NIGEL AND THE MOON written by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Gracey Zhang (Katherine Tegen Books): Nigel entrusts the moon to keep his big dreams safe in this wonderfully uplifting story of hope, courage and acceptance within. I knew I had to get my hands on a copy when I first saw the breathtaking cover with Gracey Zhang’s, loose, sweeping brushwork. When I opened the book, Antwan Eady’s words did not disappoint. From the opening line to the last sentence I was lockstep with Nigel as he rides the pendulum between dreaming and doubting, until at last he finds the courage to share his deeply personal aspirations with the world. I love everything about this book.

Katey Howes (@Kateywrites), author of picture books including RISSY NO KISSIES, new release A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU, and upcoming 2023 release WOVEN OF THE WORLD, recommends THE GARDENER OF ALCATRAZ, written by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Jen Ely (Charlesbridge): Unexpectedly touching, surprising, and poignant, THE GARDENER OF ALCATRAZ is a tour de force of a picture book biography. Stunningly atmospheric illustrations draw the reader in deep as they learn about Elliott Michener, a criminal locked away in one of the most secure prisons in the United States for counterfeiting. Michener starts off planning his escape, but instead becomes more and more involved in restoring nature and beauty to the island - and a sense of dignity and worth to himself.

Jenna Elyse Johnson (@kidlit_jennaj), PB Chat mentee and 2023 intern at The Writing Barn, recommends MENDING THE MOON written by Emma Pearl, illustrated by Sara Ugolotti (Page Street Kids): I’ve always loved the moon and distinctly remember being jealous of my brother in the 3rd grade when he got to do a report on the moon and I got stuck with Uranus. (You can imagine the parents giggling through my presentation as I tried to pronounce Uranus.) So, when I saw MENDING THE MOON, I knew I had to own it. The title alone, along with the stunning cover, grabbed my heart and never let go. It’s a book I wish I had written and that I can’t wait to share with my students. The illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful. I think this is the most gorgeous book that I own and I could just stare at it for hours. (Maybe Sara can illustrate one of my books some day…) I also love the folktale feel of the story. While still contemporary, it gives the vibes of a fable or myth. The word choices are pristine. This book is perfect for a class that I teach (all about fables and folklore), and I can’t wait to challenge my students to come up with their own stories about smudges or “faces” on the moon. I love that the story follows a girl (Luna) and her Poppa, (got to love intergenerational relationships!) and that the animals in the forest all have roles to play too. Everything just comes together so nicely. MENDING THE MOON feels like an instant classic.

Sarah Kurpiel (@SarahKurpiel), author/illustrator of 2022 title ELEPHANT'S BIG SOLO and forthcoming 2023 title SNAKE'S BIG MISTAKE, recommends RICK THE ROCK OF ROOM 214 written by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Ruth Chan (Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers): Rick is a rock. An utterly endearing rock. A rock itching for adventure. He can’t wait to do all the exciting rock things he’s seen in books (like explode from a volcano and other cool stuff like that). But will life outside the classroom meet his expectations? You’ll have to check out this delightful book to find out! RICK THE ROCK OF ROOM 214 is one of the funniest and sweetest picture books I read this year. Ruth Chan’s illustrations are hilarious, adorable, and full of personality. (Just wait until you see the outdoor rocks!) Perfect for read-alouds, RICK THE ROCK OF ROOM 214 is a book sure to make kids smile.

Anna Lazowski (@anna_lazowski), author of the 2021 title T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES, and the upcoming 2023 release DARK CLOUD, recommends BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK written by April Genevieve Tucholke, illustrated by Khoa Le (Algonquin Young Readers): BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK shares the story of two sisters who find creative ways to overcome their very different differences. With lovely lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations, it's an excellent read for kids who want to sink into a beautifully imagined world and celebrate what makes them unique.

Alison Marcotte (@akmarcotte), author of the 2022 title SEEKING BEST FRIEND, recommends DIGESTION! THE MUSICAL written by Adam Rex and illustrated by Laura Park (Chronicle Books): This book is so funny and educational from start to finish. (It begins with a great dedication; Adam's dedication is "For my gastroenterologist, Dr. Bortuzzo." And the story ends with an Appendix. So many puns!) Not only does it teach readers about digestion in a hilarious, memorable way, but it also includes a clever storyline about the main star, a piece of candy. The pink gumball-shaped candy is excited to go on her digestion journey, but is vilified by the teeth, gallbladder, kidneys, and appendix for being junk food (thankfully she becomes friends with Gum in this stomach). But wait till Act 3 -- you'll have a change of heart about Candy when she goes on her final transformation in the stomach. Laura's illustrations are so fun, colorful, and informative, and the cast members' (who are food, organs, household items like the toilet paper rolls, etc.) expressions are priceless. If you tend to avoid books with potty humor, you won't have to worry about this one. A book on digestion indeed needs some info about going to the bathroom, but it doesn't play a huge role in the musical, and also is very funny. This book definitely involved a lot of research, and is an impressive picture book. Highly recommend it!

James McGowan (@jmcgowanbks), author of 2021 release GOOD NIGHT, OPPY!, recommends DOES BULLDOZER HAVE A BUTT? written by Derick Wilder, illustrated by K-Fai Steele (Chronicle Books): I’ve read lots of picture books this year but one of the few that stuck with me most is DOES A BULLDOZER HAVE A BUTT? By Derick Wilder and K-Fai Steele. It was silly in all the best ways, capturing a hilarious line of questioning that feels all too real for kids to ask, and Steele’s illustrations are the perfect complement. They’re whimsical, and hide butts in all the funniest places.

Rosie J. Pova (@RosiePOV), author of SUNDAY RAIN and 2022 release THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, recommends POLAR BEAR ISLAND written by Lindsay Bonilla, illustrated by Cinta Villalobos (Union Square Kids): I loved the humor in this story - it made me smile throughout - and I appreciated the subtle message of inclusivity and the fun art! It's kid-relatable plus a great read-aloud that can sustain many rereads, and it's also an easy entry point to start a conversation with young kids about immigration, diversity, and inclusivity. A well-rounded book that stands out!

Sana Rafi (@srafibooks), author of LITTLE SEEDS OF PROMISE and 2022 release A MERMAID GIRL, recommends HOW WE SAY I LOVE YOU written by Nicole Chen, illustrated by Lenny Wen (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers): In this picture book, many immigrant children will be able to relate to growing up in a household where words of affirmation like "I love you" are not directly spoken. Instead, they're shown in so many different ways--food, effort to do better, patience, respect. This book is adorable, necessary and so sweet. A must-have and a must-read!

Debra Kempf Shumaker (@ShumakerDebra), author of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, TELL SOMEONE, and 2022 release PECULIAR PRIMATES, recommends MUSHROOM RAIN written by Laura K. Zimmerman, illustrated by Jamie Green (Sleeping Bear Press): My favorite picture book of 2022 is Mushroom Rain. I absolutely LOVE this book! Zimmermann's opening lines pull you right in and her lyrical and lively text keeps you there as she shares the unique, bizarre, and strange features of mushrooms. Green's exquisite art slows you down to savor each page. I learned so much about mushrooms. A masterpiece!

Brittany J. Thurman (@janeebrittany), author of new release FLY and upcoming 2024 title FOREVER AND ALWAYS, recommends MY PAATI’S SARI written by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Art Twink (Kokila): I fell I love with the verse in My Paati’s Sari. The poetic language pairs perfect with the vivid imagery. This book is an invitation for one young child to realize who he is and who he will become. My Paati’s Sari reminds me so much of the relationship I have with my own grandmother, and how as a child, I looked up to my Gran-Gran, the clothing she put on, and the actions she took. I hope My Paati’s Sari becomes part of home and library collections. It is a reminder that there is much joy and possibility in what we often think of as ordinary.

And I’d love to share my favorite book, too!

Anitra Rowe Schulte (@anitraschulte), author of DANCING WITH DADDY and upcoming 2023 title WILLOW AND BUNNY recommends SEE YOU SOMEDAY SOON, written by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Suzy Lee (Roaring Brook Press): This surprising picture book beautifully chronicles the everyday-ness of missing someone you dearly love. Tender, sparse text hones in on the most central emotions and wishes one feels and makes during days apart. And the artwork is sooooo delightful. Perfectly placed cut-outs move unpredictably across the pages to spotlight important details, while loose, emotive sketches allow readers to poignantly see their own feelings of loss. And that yellow cover, dotted with bright conversation bubbles - divine! "See You Someday Soon" is a piece of art that's both cathartic and exploratory, a picture book that never looses the light of hope for a reunion… someday soon.

Thanks so much for reading! I hope your TBR is all set for the coming weeks and months. And don’t forget to add the curators’ books to your list, while you’re at it! If you’d like to take a look at the past four years’ Picture Book Picks lists, for even more great recos, you’ll find those below:

2018 picture book Picks, here
2019 Picture Book Picks, here
2020 Picture Book Picks, here
2021 Picture Book Picks, here

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Anitra

Dancing with Daddy's 1st Book Birthday!

December 1, 2022 Anitra Rowe Schulte

It's DANCING WITH DADDY's 1st book birthday! Oh my goodness, are we here???? Baaaah, we are! What an adventure! I'm so incredibly grateful for each and every facet of the past year. It was so much more than I EVER could have dreamed, imagined or predicted. DANCING WITH DADDY’s journey has been a huge success, and that was 110 percent because of you!!!

Every bookstore and library event attended

Every book purchased and gifted (I’m looking at you, holiday elves!)

Every library request and book borrow

Every post, story, boost, comment and share on social media

Every school principal and librarian introduction

Every book review, interview, story and podcast

Every kind word and warm wish

An especially big thank you to illustrator Ziyue Chen, who created a girl that readers everywhere just fell in love with. THANK YOU, ZIYUE! The fan art I’ve received and the favorite scenes that readers have shared have been the best gifts to unwrap. I mean, the BEST!

It’s hard to believe that I ever felt nervous presenting in front of crowds (and oh, I used to be VERY afraid). But I had so many opportunities to talk in front of audiences this year that it’s truthfully become a distant memory! If I haven't presented at your school, or the school of someone you love, please reach out! I LOVE doing school visits! Young readers see themselves as writers, just as I see myself. They are my people. Talking about creativity and inspiration with students fills me up to the brim - it’s so energizing! I’d love to do even more of it in 2023 and beyond.

Among the year’s surprises were unexpected accolades: a feature in The TODAY Show’s holiday gift guide, a starred review from Kirkus, inclusion in Kirkus Reviews and Bank Street’s Best Picture Book of the Year lists, Dolly Gray and Christopher awards, recognition as an SCBWI Crystal Kite finalist… I was just completely, utterly blown away! In fact, I still am.

How did my oldest, wildest, biggest dream come true?

I’m from a small town - shout out, Bethany! There are 1,300 people in the place where I grew up, and one thing I am certain I carry with me to this day is how deeply connected we are all - sometimes in ways we don’t even recognize, respect, accept or appreciate.

Each generous, loving, supportive rock that you tossed into the waters of your world for DANCING WITH DADDY rippled out and out and out—creating waves that carried our book to places I never imagined. Thank you doesn’t cut it, but it’s all I have. My deepest and most sincere thanks, to each and every one of you. I love you all!

To celebrate, I’m going to get a delicious coffee today, from my favorite coffee shop, LOL! And… I'm also hosting a Twitter contest, for those of you who are active there. Visit my pinned tweet HERE to enter. I’m giving away a signed copy of DANCING WITH DADDY, plus a Zoom visit. To enter: Follow, RT or QT, and tag a friend by EOD 12/7!

What will 2023 bring? Oh my… a lot. I’d be so honored if you’d join me again on the wild, winding rollercoaster of book creation. Until then, Happy Holidays and lots of love to you and your crews! And if there’s a little one in your life who you’d like to give a copy of DANCING WITH DADDY to this holiday season, I’d be so happy to send you a signed bookplate and bookmark to go with the gift. Just LMK!

Kidlit Spotlight: BUS STOP

November 21, 2022 Anitra Rowe Schulte

My daughter’s school bus is almost always early. We peek out the door and there it idles, beacon-bright — a signal that home time has come to an end, and a new school day is about to begin. Now that winter weather has arrived in Chicagoland, blanketing the ground in white, it glows even more so…

As fresh powder came down last week, my kids went straight to the winter bins in the upstairs closet. Out came quilted, puffy, fuzzy gear. On went mittens, hats and boots. Then off they ventured, into air electric with new-season energy.

But what if the bus had never arrived? What to do then, with all that joy and anticipation? A beautiful new picture book imagines what might transpire, should unexpected flakes prompt a break from school-day routine. Meet BUS STOP!

BUS STOP - by author Angela H. Dale, illustrated by Lala Watkins (Cameron Kids) - is a celebratory, rhythmic story that highlights a neighborhood’s journey from sleepy-morning peace to rollicking play. An adorable cast of characters, depicted with vibrancy and individuality, provides the heartbeat and through line of this action-filled A-to-Z adventure. Here are three things that I love about BUS STOP…

A Jubilant Winter Wonderland

BUS STOP is a charmer all the way through, and my ardor with this new title began with its magnetic cover - an impactful color-block composition. Youthful jubilance bounces in each each artistic gesture. The title is stamped in soft, rounded, all-caps letters, reminiscent of a frosty imprint on a window pane, and all about the frame, oversized snowflakes dance, reflecting the big impact made on our hearts by these magical, delicate bits of precipitation.

Just inside the cover, color-washed endpaper give way to a bright white title-page spread — a clever foreshadowing of the snow to come. Then one-by-one, readers meet 26 children, each with their own unique spirit and sense of wonder. Their personalities are extended by distinctive clothing, hairstyles, accessories and mobility aids.

Energetic Alphabetic Introductions

BUS STOP begins in a quiet neighborhood, where not a car or kid are in sight: Sleepy street. Still. Gray. Empty bus stop. School day. Then slowly, the street awakes. Students emerge from their homes. First Antoine. Followed by Beatrice, Carlos and Divya. As each new character is introduced, it becomes clear that a pattern is a play — an alphabet-guided array.

Kinetic verbs bring new names to the page: Hannah stomps. Isaiah romps. Joelle waltzes. Kartik wonders. Author Angela H. Dale employs rhyme and alliteration with each debut, creating lively lead-ins that encourage readers to find each new friend featured in illustrator Lala Watkins’s darling compositions.

A Satisfying Circular Route

Where’s the bus? the children continue to wonder. But as snow continues to mount, so builds their excitement. Waiting is no hardship in these circumstances. As more kids gather and the snow deepens, Dale’s text goes farther into the alphabet, and playful abandon overtakes the spirit of the amassing friends: Lyric leaps. Mahmoud laughs, until at last Little Riya reports: NOOOO SCHOOOL! At this, the neighborhood officially becomes a playground, with the story taking a most-satisfying circular route as it concludes.

So many children will see themselves in the pages of BUS STOP. As a reader who seeks out books that nestle into activities and experiences that everyone enjoys, it’s a delight to discover a new title that delivers exactly this. Fans of THE SNOWY DAY and A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS will love BUS STOP, a beautiful ensemble-cast picture book that spotlights winter merriment in a classic, enchanting way.

The Creators

Angela H. Dale writes picture books for children and for the grownups who read to them. Her debut BUS STOP (Cameron Kids), illustrated by Lala Watkins, published in October, and she has another unannounced project scheduled for publication in 2024. She lives in Maryland with her family and Harry the cat. Visit Angela online at www.angelahdale.weebly.com.

Lala Watkins is a kidlit author and illustrator, who enjoys adding more goodness and playful vibes in the world. Lala has worked in the consumer goods world as a product designer, product developer, product developer, illustrator, and graphic designer at big brands like Sanrio, Inc., Paper Culture, and Cartoon Network, and as an author and/or illustrator for Tiger Tales, Scholastic, Cameron Kids, and Union Square Kids. Visit Lala online at www.acaseoflala.com.

One lucky reader will win

BUS STOP

signed by Angela H. Dale!

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my contest tweet by 11/25/22

GOOD LUCK!

BUS STOP is available now through your local indie or bookseller of your choice, and signed copies are available at Books of Wonder, NYC.

What a great holiday gift! Grab a copy for a reader in your “neighborhood” today.

Holiday Book Drive - Year Six!

October 1, 2022 Anitra Rowe Schulte

Holiday Book Drive Chi is back for year six!

I am thrilled and honored to be partnering with Pastor Michael Neal of Leading with Literacy again this fall and winter to deliver book joy to young readers!

In 2021, literacy supporters across the country donated more books than ever before - 828 titles! - which brought us over the 3,000 mark for total books collected since the start of the drive:

2017: 408 books
2018: 433 books
2019: 623 books
2020: 728 books
2021: 828 books

That’s 3,020 books in all!

What will this year bring? Can we reach 1,000 titles in 2022?

Pastor Neal and I would LOVE to deliver as many beautiful books into Bronzeville schools and home libraries as possible this season —

— and we are off to an extraordinary start, thanks to the help of author Pat Zietlow Miller! Pat, a longtime friend of #HolidayBookDriveChi, has sent not one… but TWO full class donations of two of her 2022 releases! What an incredible kick-off for Holiday Book Drive Chi year six!

Friends, you’ve been incredible. The best. Can we do it again?

Holiday Book Drive Chi is officially open for donations!

Below, you’ll find how you can be a part of this year’s effort. If you’d like to collaborate, EMAIL ME via my Contact page. We so hope you will join us!

Books, Please! We are excited to receive any book written for children. We do ask that the books are new, not used. Picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade and young adult titles - are all welcome, and very appreciated!
The Magic Number: Any single book donation is celebrated. But if you have the ability to join forces with a friend (or friends) and donate 30 copies of the same book, you’ll be able to give an entire classroom the SAME book, which is a truly amazing gift.
Pssst! Authors… If you think your publisher might be able to provide a complete classroom donation of 30 books, please let me know!
Shouting It Out! I celebrate all book donations as I receive them, on social media and on my website, too. Sharing these special deliveries is one of my favorite things to do!
Special Collections: If you are planning a local giving initiative this holiday season, consider asking friends and family to donate a book for a Bronzeville scholar. If you’re interested in organizing something like this, let me know and we can chat logistics.
Title Ideas: I’m happy to share book recommendations at any time, if you’re not sure which book or books to give. (Diverse books are always greatly appreciated by Leading with Literacy.)
Or… If You’d Rather: Financial donations are most welcome, too! I combine financial gifts and place orders for full-class donations through Scholastic. Great deals to be had there!
Follow Along: Want to know what’s going on with the drive? Visit Twitter and search the hashtag #HolidayBookDriveChi for the latest!

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 1, 2022. On Delivery Day - set for Dec. 15 - we will bring your donations to schools all over Bronzeville and other nearby Chicago neighborhoods to share the gift of literacy. Thank you for your friendship and partnership. Let’s make this a holiday full of JOY again in 2022!

Below, you’ll find all of the books donated for Holiday Book Drive 2022, so far:

Thank you Pat Zietlow Miller for kicking off the drive with an entire classroom donation of…

IN OUR GARDEN

(By Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Melissa Crowton, G. P. Putnam’s Sons)

Thank you Pat Zietlow Miller for also sharing an entire classroom donation of…

SEE YOU SOMEDAY SOON

(By Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Suzy Lee, Roaring Brook Press)

Thank you Debra Kempf Shumaker and Running Press Kids for sharing an entire classroom donation of…

PECULIAR PRIMATES

(By Debra Kempf Shumaker, Illustrated by Claire Powell, Running Press Kids)

Thank you Bradley family for sharing an entire classroom donation of…

HARBOR ME

(By Jacqueline Woodson, Puffin)

Thank you Lenert family for sharing an entire classroom donation of…

DRAGONS IN A BAG

(By Zetta Elliott, Random House Kids)

Thank you Campbell, Yarnell and Rowe families for sharing an entire classroom donation of…

TY’S TRAVELS: ALL ABOARD!

(By Kelly Starling Lyons, Illustrated by Nina Mata, HarperCollins)

Thank you Conway family for sharing an entire classroom donation of…

DAISY COMES HOME

(By Jan Brett, Puffin)

Thank you Jenna Johnson for sharing an entire classroom donation of…

IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD AND I’M IN MY BATHING SUIT

(By Justin A. Reynolds, Scholastic)

Thank you Beth Anderson for sharing an entire classroom donation of your picture book…

FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE

(By Beth Anderson, Illustrated by Caroline Hamel, Kids Can Press)

Thank you Two Lions for donating two full-class donations of your books…

A CHRISTMAS TOO BIG

(By Colleen Madden)

ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT

(By Lauren H. Kerstein, Illustrated by Nate Wragg)

I AM ABLE TO SHINE

(By Korey Watari, Illustrated by Mike Wu)

ANNI DREAMS OF BIRYANI

(By Namita Moolani Mehra, Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat)

THE BEST GIFT FOR BEAR

(By Jennifer A. Bell)

And…

DANCING WITH DADDY

(By Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen)

I AM YOU: A BOOK ABOUT UBUNTU

(By Refiloe Moahloli, Illustrated by Zinelda McDonald)

PRUETT AND SOO

(By Nancy Viau, Illustrated by Jorge Lacera)

Thank you Katey Howes and The Innovation Press for sharing an entire classroom donation of…

A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU

(By Katey Howes, Illustrated by Heather Brockton Lee, The Innovation Press)

Thank you Annelouise Mahoney for sharing an entire classroom donation of your book…

JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE NIGHT

(By Annelouise Mahoney, Two Lions)

Thank you Becky Scharnhorst and family for sharing an entire classroom donation of your book…

MY SCHOOL STINKS!

(By Becky Scharnhorst, Illustrated by Julia Patton, Philomel)

Thank you Rosie J. Pova and Yeehoo Press for sharing an entire classroom donation of your book…

THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE

(By Rosie J. Pova, Illustrated by Monika Filipina, Yeehoo Press)