May 10, 2024, day 5517

Our kids buyer Jen is always on the lookout for the next hit picture book as well as hidden illustrated gems with which to stock our shelves. Here are three great new picture books that come with the Jen Steele seal of approval, plus one bonus recommendation from kids bookseller Tim.

Jen's first pick is outta this world. Dalmartian: A Mars Rover's Story is the latest book from bestselling creator of Stumpkin and Vampenguin Lucy Ruth Cummins. Here's Jen's note: "Dalmartian is a completely adorable and fun read aloud picture book about a boy and his dog… from outer space!"

Jen stays in the stars with The Spaceman, a picture book authored and illustrated by Randy Cecil. Jen says: "The Spaceman is a sweet and whimsical picture book about a spaceman arriving to a new planet and seeing the beauty in the ordinary. I really enjoyed the musings of the tiny spaceman, and I hope you do too!"

Jen's last picture book pick is The Bicycle: How an Act of Kindness Changed a Young Refugee's Life, written by Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar, illustrated by Yas Imamura. Here's Jen's take: "The Bicycle is based on the true story of a young girl and her family fleeing their country and finding a new and safe home. With each new move, the girl feels smaller and smaller and grows shy and hesitant in her new surroundings. It takes one small act of kindness from a neighbor to change everything for her. A heartwarming picture book and a lovely reminder that it is not hard to be kind to others."

We've got one more picture book rec for this newsletter - this one comes from childrens bookseller Tim McCarthy, who recommends Chloe and Maude by beloved kids book creator Sandra Boynton. Tim says: "I sometimes wonder what my life would be like without Sandra Boynton's irrepressible creatures. I'm thrilled that I don't have to find out. With her calendar on my wall and her books everywhere, life is just brighter. These two cat friends named Chloe and Maude are my latest discovery, and I welcome them to my world! The three stories in this book about their challenging and creative adventures made me gasp, grin, and giggle with gratitude. Boynton is the best!"

A Letter from Baptiste Paul on the Inspiration for his New Picture Book

Wisconsin picture book author Baptiste Paul will visit Boswell with his latest, Dear You, Dream Big! on Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 pm. This week, Paul shared with us a letter for the kids he wrote the book for about the inspirations for this new book. Here are a few excerpts from it:

"Stay hopeful, stay positive and keep on dreaming. This story is written for every Black and Brown child. I know you are capable of greatness regardless of the many obstacles and challenges you face.

"One of my earliest recollections was when a teacher told me I was 'dumb and stupid and unable to comprehend a reading passage.' That moment has stuck with me throughout my life. Those words made me question my abilities. Those words still sting. Your experiences may be similar to mine or completely different. I used my lowest moment as a motivator. Although words and actions hurt, remember you have the power to redefine your life. You have that power, no one else in the world possesses that power over you.  

"While writing, Dear, You Dream Big, my lowest point became my most powerful moment - the pain I felt that day, became a motivator. I did not want to be silenced anymore. I know you don’t want to be silenced either. Just remember the opening words to Dear You, Dream Big:

Even though there are those 

who wish to silence you…

Stand Tall!

Stand Proud!

Reach for the heavens.

Anything and everything is possible."

Click here to visit baptistepaulmke.eventbrite.com and register now to see Baptiste Paul with his inspiring new book at Boswell on Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 pm central.

New Releases for Kids of All Ages

Here are a selection of new releases for all kinds of kids, from those just starting to read chapter books on their own to YA fans of all ages.

Beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo has a new book out that's the first in a warm and funny new early-reader trilogy about a misanthropic rat, a naive owl, and the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Orris and Timble: The Beginning is full of humor and tenderness. It's a celebration of unlikely friendship and the power of sharing stories and doing the right thing - a soon-to-be classic brought to expressive life by the full-color illustrations of Carmen Mok. Suggested for ages 5 and up.

The Wolf Effect: A Wilderness Revival Story is a new nonfiction picture book from author Rosanne Parry and illustrator Jennifer Thermes. The book explores the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park and the trophic cascade effect they caused in an informative, timely, and reader-friendly manner. Accessible and rewarding, this picture book will appeal to parents, librarians, environmental activists, and animal lovers. Suggested for ages 4 and up.

Stones and Bones: Fossils and the Stories They Tell by author Rob Wilshaw and illustrator Sophie Williams. This highly-illustrated, large format book looks at all the incredible things that scientists have learned from the fossil record; the ways in which continents have drifted, merged and fragmented again; the life forms that have evolved and the great extinction events that wiped them out. From bacteria to sponges to fish to tetrapods to reptiles to dinosaurs to mammals and finally to humans, Stones and Bones excavates the fascinating story of life on Earth. Suggested for ages 6 and up.

Hoop Queens 2 is a new collection of poetry from Coretta Scott King Honoree Charles R Smith Jr in which he brings his high-energy verse to praise a new generation of WNBA basketball stars. Each ode is paired with dynamic photos of the players in action. This book features verse highlighting players such as A'Ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, Jonquel Jones, and others.  Smith’s indomitable wordplay revels in the superb talents of thirteen of the best female players in basketball. These upbeat poems capture the elite agility and skills the professionals bring to the game. Suggested for ages 8 and up.

Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan is a middle grade novel inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II. Hiba Noor Khan weaves a breathtaking tale of suspense, compassion, and courage, starring an unforgettable young heroine. Newberry Honoree Linda Sue Park says: "With vital relevance for today's readers, Safiyyah’s War is truly the whole package: action, suspense, danger, family, and friendships. An endearing character, an indelible setting, an unputdownable story based on fascinating real - and overlooked - history. I want to grab everyone I know and say, 'You HAVE to read this book!'" Suggested for ages 8 and up.

The Secret Library by National Book Award Finalist Kekla Magoon is a page-turning fantasy adventure about family secrets and finding the courage to plot your own life story. When her Grandpa dies, Dally finds a map that leads straight to an ancient vault and a library of secrets where each book is a portal to a precise moment in time. From the starred Publishers Weekly review: "Magoon champions self-determination while examining race and gender constructs in this high-spirited, South Carolina–set fantasy... Whimsical worldbuilding, swashbuckling action, and buoyant third-person narration complement Magoon’s vibrant character portraits and twisty, nuanced plot." Suggested for ages 8 and up.

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran is an atmospheric YA horror novel about a broken family living in a house with a terrifying appetite. And it's perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic. Angeline Boulley, author of Firekeeper's Daughter, says: "A riveting debut from a remarkable new voice! Trang Thanh Tran weaves an impressive gothic mystery in which Jade's father is determined to restore a decrepit home to its former glory and Jade is the only person who feels the soul-crushing devastation of colonialism lingering within its walls." Suggested for ages 13 and up.

Tracy Wolff's Sweet Nightmare is out now in a Deluxe Limited Edition, and we have a limited number of copies of it. It's the first book in Wolff's new Calder Academy series (set in the same universe as the Crave series) about the scariest school on earth, which is just about to be introduced to what real fear truly is. Calder Academy is where the rogue paranormals go. The ones who break the rules or lose control. And when that happens for vamps, werewolves, witches, and dark fae? It gets pretty scary. Suggested for ages 14 and up.

Powerful is a new YA novel from Lauren Roberts set in the world of Powerless. Fan favorite Adena gets a story all her own in this captivating novella as she attempts to survive on the streets of Loot and falls for a mysterious and dangerous Elite. Together, they will embark upon a quest that will test their loyalty, their love, and their lives. Suggested for ages 14 and up.

Boswell Book Company School Event and Outreach Coordinator Jenny Chou Recaps the Spring Semester

From Jenny: "We started our second semester of school visits with a January snow day! We had set up three school visits for Newbery Honor author Lisa Yee and National Book Award Winner author and illustrator Dan Santat to celebrate the release of their middle grade novel, The Misfits. Luckily, we rescheduled one visit, and three hundred Elmbrook kids got to meet Lisa and Dan the following morning. On the actual snow day, our authors sat down for an impromptu and hilarious chat with each other, which we recorded for our schools that missed out on hosting them in person. You can watch the recording of Lisa and Dan talking about their new book right here.

"The weather cooperated much better in early March for our day of school visits with author Adam Gidwitz. We started early in Waukesha with middle school students and fifth graders from the elementary school next door. Adam’s fun and interactive presentation got students excited to read his new WWII thriller Max in the House of Spies. The following day, a teacher wrote to us with these words: "The sweetest student came to me . . . and thanked me for organizing. He said he enjoyed it so much! That warmed my heart." Our hearts were warmed too! 

"Our April school visits got off to a terrific start with author Lindsay Currie, who visited three schools. Lindsay’s presentation focused on her day-to-day life as an author, plus writing tips and techniques and fun behind-the-scenes publishing facts. She showed screenshots of her own research, drafting, and editing phase so that students could see how similar their writing processes are to hers. The most exciting part? Lindsay's escape-room mystery, The Mystery of Locked Rooms, became a New York Times bestseller the week after she visited! 

"Later in April, we visited MPS school Siefert Elementary with author and illustrator Vashti Harrison. Her book Big won the 2024 Caldecott Medal, a Coretta Scott King honor, and was nominated for the National Book Award. Big invites readers to remember that we all, and Black girls in particular, have the right to take up space. Vashti’s presentation focused on the power of words to both hurt and to heal, and she gave a drawing demonstration, which the kids loved. (Picture cleared for social media by the school principal.) We have signed copies of Big in the store. 

"This past school year, we visited over forty local schools in person! Do you know a school that would like to host an author during the 2024-2025 school year? Please click here to get in touch with our School Outreach Coordinator via email. Our school author visits are free to schools. We provide an order form to send home with students to give families an opportunity to order books, which the author will sign and personalize. School author visits are memorable experiences for kids that encourage reluctant readers to pick up a book and inspire all students to think creatively. We hope our visits spark a life-long, passionate love of the written word."

Pavonis Giron Storytime at Lion's Tooth, Sunday, May 26, 2 pm

Our friends of Lion's Tooth in Bay View (2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave) present a Sunday afternoon storytime with Milwaukee artist and illustrator Pavonis Giron and their debut picture book, A Rainbow in Brown. No registration required.

Giron's picture book is an illuminating story of self-love through color theory featuring stunning artistry. Jo wants to paint all the wonderful things she loves. With a palette of red, yellow, and blue, Jo knows she can mix any colors together to create new ones. Her imagination takes flight as she explores painting with primary colors and mixing her own secondary colors. Each picture is as beautiful as the last. But through her exploration of the colors of the rainbow, Jo finds that her favorite is a combination of them all: brown.

As always, thank you for your patronage and apologies for the typos,

Daniel Goldin with Alex, Amie, Chris, Conrad, Gao, Greta, Idalis, Ingrid, Jane, Jason, Jen, Jenny, Kathy, Kay, Keith, Kim, Madi, Oli, Rachel C, Rachel R, and Tim