Celebrating and Supporting New Picture Books
Reflecting on the Cybils Awards.
Last year, I had the privilege of serving as a judge on the Cybils Award panel for the Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction category. I knew the quality of nonfiction books today are the best they’ve ever been, but being immersed in so many incredible titles was humbling. The pure talent of the authors and illustrators behind these stories left a lasting impression.
When I first heard the Cybils Awards were going on hiatus this year, I was surprised. Now, more than ever, children’s literature needs strong platforms and passionate voices. But the decision began to make sense when I realized how many new releases were missing from the shelves. How can we champion and judge new releases if access is so limited?
Thankfully, many past Cybils judges are stepping up to shine a light on new books they believe in. A few have been featured in KidLit Grove newsletters, including:
Fireworks by Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien
If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe by Cynthia Mackey and Vikki Zhang
And more titles are on the way:
Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite by Suhasini Gupta and Devika Oza
Stuck! The Story of the La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow and Valerya Milovanova
How You Can Help New & Upcoming Titles (For Free!)
Here are a few easy, but powerful ways, to support new releases and the creators behind them:
Leave a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble (it can be as simple as, “Loved this!”).
Share your favorites on social media, or tell friends and family.
Request books at your library (librarians often order based on patron requests).
Books are the backbone of my curriculum, and often the heart of big conversations at home with my own kiddos. When you leave a review, you’re sending a quiet but meaningful “keep doing what you’re doing” to the creators of these stories.
Check out these blogs that are also highlighting award-worthy new releases:
Joyce P. Uglow Storied Ink Substack
Sandy Brehl’s Unpacking the POWER of Picture Books
I’ll continue updating this list as I hear of more Cybils alumni and children’s book lovers doing this important work. Do you know of any blogs that should be added? Please let me know!
Coming Soon: Our Next KidLit Grove Series for Parents and Caregivers
Children will explore several means of communication. Through storytelling, art, pretend play, and a little bit of camping, we’ll take a closer look at how young children can find and share their voices with confidence.
Educators: Mark Your Calendars!
August 1st: I’m excited to tap into my experience as an early childhood director at Great Lakes Aquarium for this PreK-K center-based unit on Animal Communication, inspired by Starlight Symphony by Buffy Silverman
September 1st: So much culture and innovation involved in this K-5 curriculum, inspired by Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite by Suhasini Gupta and Devika Oza
October 1st: I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to this elementary curriculum with hints of earth science, paleontology, and earth history, inspired by Stuck! The Story of the La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow and Valerya Milovanova (just in time for National Fossil Day on October 15th!)
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be grateful if you tapped the heart, left a comment, or shared it with someone who might appreciate it. Your engagement helps Substack share my work with more readers. Thank you for reading and for being part of a community that lifts up the stories and creators that kids need most.