Subscriber exclusive: Enter to win our back-to-school books
We have a bevy of book birthdays this month!
New in paperback is Patricia Newman's EAVESDROPPING ON ELEPHANTS, which School Library Journal called, "A great pick for middle school nonfiction collections."
Vicky Fang's THE BOO CREW NEEDS YOU!, illus. by Saoirse Lou is a "high-energy, rhyming interactive romp." (Kirkus Reviews)
A joyful, rhyming celebration of music and community, BING, BOP, BAM TIME TO JAM is the latest from author Valerie Bolling and illustrator Sabrena Khadija.
YOUR ONE AND ONLY HEART: A lyrical introduction to the many wonders of the human heart, from award-winning author and practicing doctor, Dr. Rajani LaRocca, illus. Lauren Paige Conrad.
TOGETHER WE SWIM by Valerie Bolling, illus. Kaylani Juanita, is a joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son’s relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first swimming lessons.
THE SECRET OF THE DRAGON GEMS by Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron: Booklist says, "The absorbing adventure is cleverly told through a series of varying media forms. . . There are codes to be broken and puzzles aplenty, and the slowly revealed sci-fi elements add real suspense to the proceedings. A modern-day mystery brimming with deep familial bonds, cross-country connections, and lots of magic."
Soaring 20's Newsletter Subscriber GIVEAWAY!
Enter this month’s book giveaway, and win two back-to-school picture books!
HURRY, LITTLE TORTOISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL!
By Carrie Finison
It's the first day of school and Little Tortoise has big plans to be FAST! She hurries as quickly as she can, but soon Cheetah, Llama, and even a snail on a scooter overtake her. Just when she's sure she'll be the last one, the reassurance of Mr. Sloth, her new teacher, changes everything.
Subscribe to Carrie’s author newsletter for book news and giveaways! _______
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
By Melanie Ellsworth
In Josh's bedroom, tension mounts as his books battle over which will be chosen for tonight’s bedtime story. It's every book for itself - until Pirate Book needs rescuing, and the books must use their unique talents to save him.
Follow Melanie on Twitter (@melanieells) or Instagram (@melaniebellsworth)!
Click here to enter the giveaway for both books!
Congrats to recent winners Becky Falkum and Kacy Paterson. Please check your email for instructions on how to receive your books.
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s something in writing or illustration that you would like to try but haven’t done yet (a medium, category, genre, etc.)?
Darshana Khiani
“I’ve wanted to write a novel for years. I love the idea of your characters talking to you or subtext. I tried writing a YA historical novel years ago but it fizzled out at ~3k words when I realized I was in over my head and needed to do a lot more research. I started working on an MG novel this summer but it’s going really slow.”
– Darshana Khiani, author of BUILDING A DREAM, illus. Dow Phumiruk (Eerdmans, 2023)
Read more from our authors and illustrators here.
Cover Reveals
Mark your calendars...
Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.
Aug 26 2-4 p.m. Pacific in Millbrae, CA: Join Margaret Greanias for Storytime at Ponyo Store for Hooked on Books and Amah Faraway.
Aug 27 from 1-3:30 p.m. Eastern (online): Join Dr. Jen Malia for "Writing for Children" through the Muse Writing Center. Register here.
Sep 6 in Boston, MA: Dr. Rajani LaRocca will sign YOUR ONE AND ONLY HEART at Beacon Hill Books.
Sep 9 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern in Bath, ME: Bath Book Bash featuring Angela Burke Kunkel, Melanie Ellsworth, Anna Crowley Redding,Valerie Bolling, and Rajani LaRocca.
Sep 10 - Please join the SCBWI SF/SOUTH regional team for the in-person, bi-annual Illustrator Day featuring our amazing faculty - illustrator Benson Shum, agent Christie Megill, and art director Sophie Erb - as they discuss creating and telling stories through one's unique voice. This year we will also feature a bonus VIRTUAL pre-event featuring local illustrators Isabella Kung and Diana Toledo. Find out more here.
Sep 16 @ 11:15 a.m. Pacific in Menlo Park, CA: Joy Culture Foundation Bi-Lingual Children's Storytime for HOOKED ON BOOKS with Margaret Greanias.