illustoria: the outside-in issue

Magazines connect us to writers and illustrators in ways that picture books can't—be it through hearing about an author's background in an interview with them or seeing a different kind of visual storytelling from an illustrator.  In the newest issue of Illustoria, writers and artists were asked "what comes to mind for them when they think 'outside-in."

Also just in time for #WomensHistoryMonth, we love how the current issue features many amazing women writers and artists—Lisa Brown, Nina Chakrabarti, Amy Novesky, Elizabeth Haidle, Ruth Kneass, Britt Browne, Yuliya Gwilym, to name but a few.  The latest installment of Literary Giants As Kids is all about Beatrix Potter's childhood.  In her words, "There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story.  You never quite know where they'll take you."

We also get to hear Amy Novesky's thoughts on writing, her creative process, inspirations, current projects and how she was "bookish and daydreamy" as a kid.  Avery hasn't read the wordless comics yet, but I know she'll be intrigued by their narrative.  Lots of quirk, lots of surprises, but most of all, so much inspiration to soak up, for me and my kids.

Cover art by Lisa Brown.

little lit book series: women's history month

We’ve been looking forward to March for some time now.  It’s Women's History Month and we’re sharing books about extraordinary women today on #littlelitbookseries.

"Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first?"  Jane Austen needs no introduction.  She "had a gift for social observation and a sharp eye for human folly."  Her significant contributions shaped the literary landscape of her time—and beyond—and she paved the way for other women writers.  This absolutely lovely illustrated biography about her gives us details about her life and the world she lived in.

Be sure to seek out the other books in this series about other women with exceptional talents in their fields: Virginia Woolf, Coco Chanel and Frida Kahlo.  Library of Luminaries: Jane Austen: An Illustrated Biography was written by Zena Alkayat, illustrated by Nina Cosford and published by Chronicle Books.

Stop by @littlelitbookseries for more books about extraordinary women throughout the month and see what everyone else is sharing today on Instagram by searching the hashtag #littlelitbookseries.

hooray for amanda and her alligator!

Happy Read Across America Day, all!

Today we're reading "6 1/2 surprising stories about 2 surprising friends."  Amanda and her stuffed alligator have the best of times together as best friends usually do.  But as we know, change is always upon us and frankly, it's sometimes hard.  Alligator's not keen on the new panda that Amanda brings home until his eyes open to the joy of new friendship.

Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator! was written and illustrated by Mo Willems and published by Balzer + Bray.

What's everyone reading today??

life on mars

A young astronaut travels to Mars in search of life, bearing gifts (chocolate cupcakes) for whomever or whatever he meets.  Hopeful at first, he eventually becomes disheartened after traversing Mars' beautiful but barren landscape and coming up empty-handed.  Once readers discover the surprise hidden among the illustrations, they’ll be eager to follow it until the amusing ending.  Subtle and clever humor that we’ve come to know and love from one of our favorite picture book makers Jon Agee.

Life on Mars was published by Dial Books for Young Readers.