Good News!

BOOK RELEASE: Peter’s short story, “To the Top,” appears in the middle grade anthology, Rubber Ring (September 2023, Buzgaga Books), illustrated by Alessia Gilli. Jonah conquers his fear and makes it to the top of Big Mike, a towering pine, only to realize he must come down. Available on Amazon Books.

AWARD: Nora’s picture book, TOO EARLY, illustrated by Elly MacKay, received four starred reviews and a NY Times review. It was also named an ALA Notable Book, a Bank Street College and CBC Best Book of the Year, an Amazon Editor’s Pick, and a Margaret Wise Brown Honor Book award.

MAGAZINE FEATURE: Melissa has two articles in the latest issue of MUSE SCIENCE MAGAZINE FOR KIDS—a feature titled "Down Syndrome Makes a Brain Beautifully Different" and a profile of Abigail "the Advocate" Adams, the first woman with Down syndrome to complete a sanctioned sprint triathlon.

BOOK DEAL: Melissa’s NF middle grade novel, DOWN SYNDROME OUT LOUD: 20+ TRUE STORIES TO CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT DISABILITY, will be published by Sourcebooks in 2025, and illustrated by Maria Perera. Melissa grew up with a brother who has Down syndrome. The book features profiles of Ironman triathlete Chris Nikic, fashion designer Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, “Born This Way” actor John Tucker, and “Peanut Butter Falcon Star” Zack Gottsagen, among others.

AWARD: Melissa’s middle grade novel, DAISY WOODWORM CHANGES THE WORLD, won two silver medals—one from the Independent Publisher Book Awards and another from the 2023 Moonbeam Book Awards.

FINALIST: Julie’s YA novel, VASILISA, has been named a finalist in the YA fiction category of the 2023 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest.

COVER REVEAL: Ana did a cover reveal for their picture book, THE THREE LITTLE GUINEA PIGS AND THE ANDEAN FOX, releasing August 2024 from Page Street Publishing. Set in Andean South America, this fresh, lighthearted twist on a classic tale invites readers to challenge assumptions, embrace community, and trust in teamwork.

ART SHOW FEATURE: David’s two picture books he illustrated (THE RIVER THAT WOLVES MOVED, NANA THE GREAT GOES CAMPING) were accepted into the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, which opened November 9th in NYC.

AWARDS: David’s picture book, THE RIVER THAT WOLVES MOVED, written by Mary Kay Carson, received a gold medal from the Will Rogers Medallion Award. Also, his other picture book, THE FLYING MAN, written by Mike Downs, was long listed for the 2024 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books.

BOOK RELEASE: Brenda recently self-published their middle grade biography, SHE FORGOT HER MANNERS AND GOT THE VOTE, about local heroine Abigail Scott Duniway, an Oregon Trail pioneer and suffragist who was instrumental in getting Oregon women the vote in 1912.

BOOK DEAL: Bonni‘s debut picture book, DOÑA GRACIA SAVED WORLDS, illustrated by Alida Massari, will be published by Kar-Ben on December 5, 2024. Bonni’s book is the first picture book introducing Gracia, a 16th-century secret Jew who defied kings, organized others’ escape to safety, and helped rebuild Judaism. A timeless tale of identity, community, and courage.

BOOK RELEASE: Brian’s middle grade novel, THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE WAY, illustrated by Tom Burchell, releases January 8, 2024, from Brandylane Publishers. This novel is a contemporary retelling of the American Revolution with kid characters who represent members of the founding era, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others.

BOOK RELEASE: Gabi’s picture book, TODAY, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, releases on January 30, 2024, from S&S/Paula Wiseman Books. This picture book reminds us to look for the wonder in every day.

BOOK LAUNCH: J.W. launched and sold 110 copies of her book, EBBY THE MAGNIFICENT: TAILS OF AN ELUSIVE BABY BUNNY, on July 7, 2023, in Vancouver, WA. Since then, they have sold over 600 copies. There is a paperback version available now.

BOOK RELEASE: Cate published their debut chapter book, MORGAN THE MOTORHOME MOUSE AND THE ANDERSONS: STONEHENGE UNDERGROUND, on August 26, 2023. Morgan, a talented magical mouse, joins the Anderson family, and together they fly in their supersonic motorhome to Stonehenge. Along the way they have adventures with magical beings, learn ancient history, explore feelings and truths, and choose friendship and love over fear.

BOOK AWARD: Allison’s picture book, LEARNING ABOUT MY FRIEND'S ADOPTION, illustrated by Darlee Urbiztondo was named a #1 Amazon New Release and #1 Amazon Best Seller. When a curious young boy learns that his friend has been adopted, he embarks on a quest to uncover the meaning of adoption. A heartwarming tale of friendship and understanding.

AWARD: Leslie’s picture book, A STONE IS A STORY, illustrated by Marc Martin, won an Outstanding Science Trade Book award for students grades K-12 from The National Science Teaching Association.

AWARD: Kathleen’s illustrated middle grade novel, KATELYN’S CROW, written by Mary Beth Laufer, received a Kirkus starred review and a bronze medal in the Moonbeam's Best First Novel category.

JOURNAL FEATURE: Brian’s poem, “Scanning for Love,” is featured in the online journal EMBER: A JOURNAL OF LUMINOUS THINGS, and has another poem, “Recognition,” featured in the magazine SCIENCE WRITE NOW.

AWARD: Zoey’s picture book, PIG AND HORSE AND THE SOMETHING SCARY, received a 2022 Oregon Spirit Book Award for picture books by the Oregon Council of Teachers of English.

AWARD: Carrie’s picture book, COUNTING TO BANANAS, illustrated by Estrela Lourenço, was named a 2022 Oregon Spirit Book Award Honor Book for picture books by the Oregon Council of Teachers of English.

AWARD: Trudy’s picture book, BRAVE EVERY DAY, illustrated by Patrice Barton, was named a 2022 Oregon Spirit Award Honor Book for picture books by the Oregon Council of Teachers of English.

BOOK RELEASE: Leslie’s debut picture book, A STONE IS A STORY, illustrated by Marc Martin, releases with Simon & Schuster/McElderry on October 3, 2023. Follow a stone’s journey through time as it faces ice, water, wind, and scorching heat in this beautiful nonfiction picture book that is SEEDS MOVE! meets A STONE SAT STILL.

BOOK RELEASE: Cassi’s picture book, VOLCANO GIRL, was released on September 11, 2023, with all proceeds going toward Lahaina fire relief efforts. Halle loves all things volcano. When she fears there might be an eruption, no one listens—to her or the signs. Can she convince others to believe her in time? Volcano Girl is an exciting story about volcanoes, perseverance and even includes a smidge of magic.

FINALIST: David’s YA novel, THE MAP OF ORBIS TERRARUM, is a finalist in the Arizona Authors Association’s 2023 Literary Contest. The awards ceremony will be held in Phoenix, Arizona on November 4th.

BOOK RELEASE: Jone’s poem, “Visiting,” is featured in WHAT IS HOPE?, a poetry anthology published by Pomelo Books on August 18, 2023. Share hope with children with these 40 ekphrastic poems that explore the many places where hope pops up in our lives. This book is a Children's Book Council "Hot Off the Press" Selection for August 2023.

BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: A.A. announced their rhyming picture book, GRIZELDA GREEN HATES HALLOWEEN, on September 14, 2023, which is set to release in summer 2025 from Flamingo Books.

STARRED REVIEW: Deborah received a Publisher’s Weekly starred review for her middle grade novel, THE PLOT TO KILL A QUEEN, releasing October 17, 2023, from Scholastic. Publisher’s Weekly called Deborah’s middle grade historical fiction novel set in Elizabethan England "a bustling theatrical romp worthy of a standing ovation."

BOOK RELEASE: Dane’s new picture book, LAOLAO'S DUMPLINGS, illustrated by ShinYeon Moon, releases on December 5, 2023. Full of humor, heart, and wholly original illustrations, this story is a timeless celebration of family, food, and the different ways we share love.

BOOK LAUNCH: Dane’s book launch and signing event for their new picture book, LAOLAO'S DUMPLINGS, is on December 3, 2023, at Green Bean Books in Portland.

AWARD: Dane won the 2023 Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature for her debut picture book, FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS, FOREVER, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield, on April 3, 2023.

BOOK RELEASE: Anne’s new picture book, I'M GONNA PAINT: RALPH FASANELLA, ARTIST OF THE PEOPLE, illustrated by Victor Tentler-Krylov, releases on November 7, 2023.

STARRED REVIEW: Anne’s new picture book, I’M GONNA PAINT: RALPH FASANELLA, ARTIST OF THE PEOPLE, illustrated by Victor Tentler-Krylov, received three starred reviews from Kirkus, Horn Book, and Publisher’s Weekly.