picture book authors and illustrators: N to Z

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“Young readers will enjoy the dilemma and recognize the anxiety of choosing just what to do each day. This gently humorous story would be a good addition to libraries needing animal and friendship stories.” (School Library Journal)

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“In this subtle, emotionally gratifying debut, Papa emerges as a distinctive personality whose preparations make it clear that his granddaughter’s happiness is just as important as his own.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

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“This book is reassuring and respectful, and the art is terrific, with an ever-changing array of painted teacups as we go through the pages.” (The New York Times)

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NPR Best Book of 2020; Powell’s Best Children’s Book of 2020; Pacific Northwest Indie Bestseller; National Indie Bestseller

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“A quiet yet masterfully rendered reminder that decency is always worth the hassle.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) • “A marvelous English-language debut in an emotionally urgent story … a moving work about a small, essential act of kindness.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

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“Celebrating the uniqueness of each boy and the “thousands of ways to be,” this colorful title breaks conventions and presents all kinds of possibilities. … Highly recommended.” (School Library Journal)

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“A gentle tale and a rare personal glimpse into a tumultuous period of Korean history.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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“sparkles with the promise of imagination and friendship” (Booklist)

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This funny story of a child’s journey to discover what it really means to be a big girl explores the traditions of Korean Lunar New Year and the value of family and helpfulness.

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“Bursts with so much heart and community.” (Booklist, starred review) • “A deeply humane exploration of gratitude, connection, and moral imagination [and] an exceptional read-aloud.” (School Library Journal)

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“A deeply personal note reveals the author-illustrator’s direct connections to Yumi’s experience and solidifies this emotional journey as an authentic and empathetic representation of chronic illness and disability for any childhood collection.” (Booklist, starred review)

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Winner, Little Brown New Voices, New World Multicultural Fiction Contest; Smithsonian Notable Book; Notable Children’s Trade Book in Social Studies; Horn Book Magazine Best Holiday Book

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“In her grief, a child finds new meaning in a cherished activity … The illustrators deftly layer shadows and blur boundaries between colors, evoking the feeling of a warm memory … A tender tale of loss and love.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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“The poetry is able to convey succinctly the extensive accomplishments of both subjects and the hurdles they faced together and individually, imbuing it with a tone of hope throughout. … An exceptional choice for libraries that cherish the stories of unsung, exceptional American people.” (School Library Journal, starred review)

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Parents Choice Gold Award; “This is an important story, full of drama and emotion and it is here given its proper recognition and tribute in both words and glorious art. Perhaps it will encourage other grandparents to share their family history as well. Masterful.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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“Wang has crafted a lyrical gem of a story. Adopting a child’s perspective, the author manages to make topics such as warfare and loss of one’s home comprehensible to a young audience, while Cha’s bold strokes and splashes of color convey movement and enhance the emotional weight of the subject.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review); Freeman Book Award winner, Jane Addams Book Award finalist, The Horn Book starred review, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection; 2024 Best Lists: School Library Journal, The Horn Book, Junior Library Guild, National Public Radio’s LAist, and Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature

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Two-List Thanksgiving celebrates the beauty of blending traditions of all family backgrounds to create a truly multicultural holiday celebration. “A must-have for libraries serving Korean American communities, and a heartfelt addition to any library seeking to broaden its Thanksgiving collection.” (School Library Journal)

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A mixture of dandy doodles and drawings, fun facts, quirky questions, and 150+ poems that will get your kids giggling and guffawing while they learn about language arts, science, math, research skills, writing techniques, and more.

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“Each celebration has its own spread, with soft pencil drawings. The art, while following one family as they celebrate throughout the year, depicts characters of many races and skin tones.” (School Library Journal)

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“A pleasingly uncomplicated introduction to yoga that can also simply be read as an invitation to play. A celebration of the ways that even young children can experience the wide world through their bodies as well as their minds.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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Spotlights Korean customs while celebrating great courage—to stupendous effect.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

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“Crisp illustrations that capture a genuinely loving heart … a strong if whimsical choice for those separated from loved ones” (Kirkus Reviews)

photo by
Roxyanne Young

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“Yoon’s dreamy, lulling text is matched by Weber’s textural, otherworldly art; readers will feel Gwendolyn’s sorrows and triumphs right alongside her. A superior experience for nap or bedtime.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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Boston Globe Horn Book Honor • “Ode to a Bad Day is wholly relatable and highly engaging, with lively, rolling poetry and rich, charming illustrations. No matter what kind of day it has been, don’t be surprised if young readers want to read this book over and over.” (Book Page)

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