last updated Jan 2024
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor 2024
Sibert Honor 2024
Kirkus Best Book of 2023
New York Public Library Best Book of 2023
* “An effervescent tribute.” ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “An outstanding picture book biography.” ― School Library Journal, starred review
* ”Bright, informative, and inviting.” ― Booklist, starred review
“Rich illustrations offer well-timed guffaws and silliness. Bravery at its best.” — Kirkus Reviews
“We love this book! I pre ordered it from Instagram and it came in last night. My two year old and I have already read it at least 10 times!” — Ashley, Amazon customer review
"A simple tale of friendship that's as sweet as pie." ― Kirkus Reviews
A "winsome tale [with] sweet, lively, Calvin and Hobbes-like exuberance." ― Publisher's Weekly
“I just love the warm, fuzzy feeling I get after reading all of Benson Shum’s books. You just know you’re going to end the story on a positive note, and the sweet friendship of Cindy and Panda is no exception.” ― Brooke Mueller, Amazon customer review
“An expressive, endearing little chunk of well-meaning evil.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“A terrifically clever and funny read with a darling (…and extremely naughty!) cat as its star.” ― Fab Book Reviews
Caldecott Honor 2024
Kirkus Best Book of 2023
NPR Best Book of 2023
* “Graceful . . . deft . . . mesmerizing. . . . Bravery and determination prevail in this inspiring tale.” ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “Gorgeous…hits the perfect balance of lively and lyrical . . . outstanding.” ― School Library Journal, starred review
* “Exquisite prose. . . . stunning spreads.” ― BookPage, starred review
New York Public Library Best Book of 2022
NPR Best Book of 2022
A Junior Library Guild selection
* “Katstaller’s ode to the etherealness and camaraderie of skateboarding pops and snaps from page to page.” ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Katstaller’s ‘steezy’ illustrations are both child-friendly and sophisticated, conveying emotion and intensity." —Horn Book, starred review
* “Her bumpy path to skating prowess lends this hip story a moving authenticity.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Expressive art flies off the pages in this celebration of courage and community, and Katstaller's energetic prose nails the fears, tears and pure joy of the sport. Whether you're a skater or not, you'll cheer Cielo on again, and again, and again." — NPR
“Spot the Dog had better make room on the shelf for Can-do Corgi.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“This is one of the most adorable books ever!” ― Lili Yang, Amazon customer review
“Striking illustrations . . . in this heartfelt story of parental absence.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“This is a beautiful book that I wish I had had as a child!” ― Larissa, GoodReads review
“10/5 DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!! Such an amazing heart warming book. . . . I read this to the kids I babysit and they love to point out the details on every page. Great read and AMAZING illustrations for kids & adults.” ― Amazon customer review
Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award 2022
NPR Best Book of 2022
A Junior Library Guild selection
“A verdant tale of leaves, language, and most importantly, love.”― Molly Idle
“Much like an encouraging word, Gracey’s vibrant pictures will lift you up.” ― Christian Robinson
“Gracey’s art recalls children’s books masters . . . Ludwig Bemelmans, Roger Duvoisin, David Small. Yet it is fresh and lovely and hasn’t been seen before." ― LeUyen Pham
“Lala’s Words is really about magic; a special kind of magic called kindness. Like the sunlight and falling rain, kindness nourishes the world around us. This book, with its lovely art and whimsical story, will also nourish the reader.” ― The Fan Brothers
“A household staple.” ― Cracking the Cover
Let’s Talk Picture Books interview
Always with a Book Interview: THE LOVELY & TALENTED ESTELI MEZA on natural disasters, homelessness, rebuilding; how children need to process feelings & be supported by loving, caring friends/adults + her artistic process
Eureka Silver Medal
“This encouraging free verse poetry collection written by Salazar and illustrated by 13 artists—all of whom are “first- and second-generation immigrants of color”—profiles as many people of color who have emigrated to America. The spreads present each figure in a distinctive, varied style as Salazar gamely shares their challenges and successes.” ― Publishers Weekly
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection
"Children will giggle over this spirited tale filled with comical banter that proves a smart, brave, levelheaded individual can outwit a bully." — Kirkus Reviews
"A very funny and satisfying treat." — Horn Book Magazine
"Slater’s words put a new spin on Aesop." — School Library Journal
"A wickedly funny picture book. Clever dialogue, mounting suspense and humor combine to create a picture book that’s sure to leave young listeners on the edge of their seat . . . . one rabbit hole readers won’t mind falling down over and over again." — BookPage
“A zany take on competitiveness, with subtle lessons in sequencing cleverly embedded.” — Booklist
“[This] story successfully underscores the importance of being thoughtful and treating your friends as equals.” — Kirkus Reviews
Let’s Talk Picture Books interview
“Both timely and ageless.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“Dalvand indicates that he’s eager to share his creative power—sometimes, he hints, books and grown-ups don’t have all the answers.” ― Publishers Weekly
A Junior Library Guild selection
* “With fittingly bold, whimsical, flowing illustrations [that] exude energy and power. This [is a] stirring tribute to the ‘first woman, first Iraqi, first Muslim, and youngest person ever’ to win the Pritzker Prize, architecture’s highest award.” ― Horn Book, starred review
“Wonderfully Whimsical Art & Excellent Twist on the Emperor’s New Clothes: Every page is gorgeous, and there are so many delightful little details that you can pick up each time you read through! It diverges from the original emperor’s new clothes’ focus on foolishness and arrogance. Prince Sacha offers instead an uplifting message about recognizing your own fabulousness that exists apart from any finery you might decide to dress yourself in. I’m getting a copy for all of my friends with small children!!! And honestly probably might just get copies even for friends without kids because the art is so lovely :)” ― S. Co, Amazon customer review
IN THE WORKS
AUNTY EDITOR
Publishing can be a game of musical chairs—editors may leave a publisher to pursue a promotion, raise, different boss/work environment…or to fulfill a sudden calling to become a farmer. When this happens, their books are assigned to another editor to see through to publication. I call this position Aunty Editor, and these are some of the wonderful books I got to champion, aquired by my talented colleagues!
assistant editor
The editorial track starts a bit like an apprenticeship. As editorial assistant, assistant editor, and associate editor, you work with one (or two or three) editors on their list, performing a myriad of tasks, including writing jacket copy, meeting with authors and illustrators, and drafting editorial letters.
PROOFREADER
A proofreader reviews the final pass of a typeset manuscript and marks any errors. As a freelancer I’ve proofread over 50 titles—here are a few!
