Jennieke Cohen’s MY FINE FELLOW won the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award Silver Honor Book
Kirkus Reviews called LALI’S FLIP FLOPS by Farhana Zia a “visually and textually engaging tale”
Linda Lodding’s PAINTING PEPETTE was chosen for Elephant Books subscription program with a profile in the post
Linda Lodding’s FLIPFLOPI received an excellent Booklist review:
“ Batang Flipflopi is an account of many things: inspiration, collaboration, and ingenuity, as well as the dire need for humans (particularly those who use the most plastic) to reduce the harm we do to the environment when we throw plastic away. A useful and timely supplement to a social studies or science curriculum.”
Emily France’s DAUGHTER DALLOWAY is a readnook pick & got a great review from order isotretinoin online forum The Historical Novels Review:
“Woolf would appreciate France’s novel because it, like Mrs. Dalloway, explores the same existential question: how should we live our life? [France] leavens her novel with a mystery that the reader will find satisfying.”
Dr. Dana Dorfman had an article published in Newsweek and was interviewed in Westchester Family for WHEN WORRY WORKS
Sue Fliess’s BEATRICE BLY’S RULES FOR SPIES 2 was longlisted for MPIBA’s Reading the West Award.
Sally Engelfried’s LEARNING TO FALL received a lovely SLJ review:
“An authentic and hopeful look at a young girl with a passion for skateboarding who is struggling to understand and forgive an alcoholic parent with the support of family and friends.”
Dr. Dana Dorfman was interviewed by Authority Magazine for WHEN WORRY WORKS
Melissa Bond’s BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT is included in Canadian retailer Kobo’s Best Biographies and Memoirs of 2022 and Hudson’s Best Books of 2022, and was also chosen as one of the best audiobooks of 2022 by both Zibby Mag and the New York Times
Manhattan Book Review featured Melissa Hart’s DAISY WOODWORM CHANGES THE WORLD on their front page with a great review:
“Hart’s experience of having a brother with Down syndrome and her own lisp brings authenticity. The writing is lively, the dialogue genuine, and the story and characters believable and complex.” —Manhattan Book Review
Sally Engelfried’s LEARNING TO FALL has been selected as a Middle Grade finalist in CALIBA’s 2022 Golden Poppy Book Awards
Melissa Hart’s DAISY WOODWORM CHANGES THE WORLD was named one of the best kids books of 2022 by Powell’s Books
and also got a great School Library Journal review:
“Readers will relate to Daisy’s worries and triumphs. Portrayals of teens with Down syndrome are sympathetic and realistic. . . .This realistic fiction title skillfully discusses a number of topics relevant to today’s young readers, and belongs in most collections.”
G. D. Falksen won the 2022 Connecticut Book Award for YA fiction
Hudson has selected Melissa Bond’s BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT as one of their best books of the year
Rochester CITY News did a piece about Brian Yanish and his Shark & Bot series
Melissa Hart received a lovely review from Publisher’s Weekly for DAISY WOODWORM CHANGES THE WORLD:
“Hart highlights the importance of disability representation and self-advocacy with thoughtful realism, and explores Daisy and Squirrel’s sibling bond with nuance.”
Sally Engelfried’s LEARNING TO FALL is a Common Sense Selection for Families with 5 stars
Sue Ganz Schmitt’s MONSTER ON THE BLOCK is the top award winner for Picture Book Humor, and also won the award for a Distinguished Picture Book for All Ages in the 2022 NYC Big Book Awards
Sally Engelfried’s LEARNING TO FALL received a great Booklist review:
“Most stories about alcohol addiction don’t always focus on the complexities of recovery and forgiveness like Engelfried does, and the theme of family resonates throughout as Daphne navigates the instability of an alcoholic parent and her anger and resentment towards her father.”
and was also prominently featured in #22Debuts and From the Front Porch podcast
http://gwadarcentral.com/jp/Q/baaba2ed8h7v4p1l8937y2wg89gkabi51iwndc.replume The Secret Life of Kitty Granger by G.D. Falksen is a finalist for the 2022 Connecticut Book Awards
DAISY WOODWORM SAVES THE DAY by Melissa Hart got a great Kirkus review:
“Hart, who has a lisp and a brother with Down syndrome herself, sensitively explores topics such as bullying, economic hardship, and forgiveness….An uplifting story of family, community, and friendship.”
NOW I’M A BIRD by Sue Ganz-Schmitt won the Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year Award for 2022
Sue Fliess’s KID SCIENTIST series got a great Booklist review for the two latest titles:
““The Kid Scientist series uses fictional stories to introduce how scientists employ the scientific method in their fields. While the scientists are actually racially diverse children, depicted in cheery, colorful scenes, their settings and work are realistic. While these books put forth the idea of one scientific method rather than scientific methodologies, they remain entertaining ways of showing these practices in action.”
Melissa Dassori’s J.R. SILVER WRITES HER WORLD recommended by the Washington Post and got a great review from the School Library Journal:
“Dassori combines predictable preteen angst about changing friendships and coming of age with a little bit of magic in this well-crafted text. Fans of E.L. Konigsburg’s novel will enjoy the descriptions of the Met and its many rooms. Well-paced chapters and captivating characters will keep readers entertained and may also inspire some writing.”
Melissa Bond’s BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT featured in the NY Post
The Daily Beast excerpted Shelley Sackier’s MAKE IT A DOUBLE: The Place Where I Learned How to Make a Scotsman Blush
The New York Times Book Review included BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT in an online round-up of “8 Audiobooks to Listen to Now”
Shelley Sackier’s MAKE IT A DOUBLE got a great review in Publisher’s Weekly
Rebecca Siegel’s TO FLY AMONG THE STARS is on A Mighty Girl’s 2022 Summer Reading List
Melissa Dassori’s J.R. WRITES HER WORLD received starred Booklist review:
“In Dassori’s story, the magical events triggered by J.R.’s writing are as convincing as the nuanced portrayals of J.R. and her classmates. A promising first novel.”
And a great Publisher’s Weekly review:
“Balancing realistic relationship drama with magical undertones, debut author Dassori deftly threads references to From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a bustling city-set cautionary tale.”
MOUSE WATCH by Jason Lethcoe was chosen as an Editor’s Pick by Amazon for Best Books ages 9-12
Melissa Bond’s BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT was included in Barnes & Noble Reads’s round-up titled “Our Most Anticipated New Book Releases of June 2022”, calling it “An extraordinary memoir of an accidental addiction, and what it took to recover… Propulsive and vivid.”
It was also chosen as an Editor’s pick for Amazon’s Best Biographies & Memoirs of the Month.
Melissa Hart featured on CNN in regard to book banning: ‘I refuse to surrender,’ says author fighting to keep gender identity issues in books for young adults
Shelley Sackier’s MAKE IT A DOUBLE made it on to the Richmond Times’s Hot List!
Melissa Dassori’s J.R. SILVER WRITES HER WORLD received a wonderful first review from Kirkus Reviews:
“J.R. emerges sympathetically as a quiet, thoughtful, sensitive, somewhat nerdy girl whose world is reinforced by textual references to popular middle-grade literature, especially her touchstone, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. An intriguing, credible tale of friendship and coming-of-age.”
G. D. Falksen’s THE SECRET LIFE OF KITTY GRANGER selected for the Bank Street Children’s Books Committee’s Best Books of the Year list (12-14 year-old category)
Sue Ganz-Schmitt’s NOW I’M A BIRD received its 4th award, chosen as the Story Monsters Approved book of the year!
Sue Fliess’s MARINE BIOLOGISTS ON A DIVE (Kid Scientist series) got a great review from Kirkus:
“A highly simplified but inviting overview of marine biology.”
and from Booklist:
“The instructive text is educational and entertaining, and young readers will thrill in seeing the diverse group of kids take the reins of scientific discovery. Playful illustrations capture the cool, endless depths of the ocean and the bustle of a busy lab, and discussion of the scientific method and ways to pursue an interest in marine biology round out the back matter. A charming introduction to marine biology and scientific inquiry from the Kid Scientists series.”
Melissa Bond’s BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT got a great review from Booklist:
“An eloquent cautionary tale.”
and from Kirkus:
“A harrowing memoir about a class of drugs as dangerous as opioids… Bond’s sharp critique of big pharma and the broken American health care system sounds an urgent alarm. A vivid chronicle of suffering.”
Jennieke Cohen’s MY FINE FELLOW featured and reviewed by the Jewish Book Council
Melissa Bond Starred Publishers Weekly review of BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT
Moira Donohue’s STOMPIN’ AT THE SAVOY has been selected as the silver medal winner in the 2021 Florida Book Awards Younger Children’s Literature category
Jennieke Cohen’s MY FINE FELLOW featured in BUZZFEED’s Best Books out in January
Melissa Bond’s BLOOD ORANGE NIGHT was selected for PubLunch Buzz Books panel hosted by Emma Straub and as Gallery Books’ featured title for Winter Institute
Jennieke Cohen’s MY FINE FELLOW featured in BUZZFEED’s Must Read YA Before Spring
Sue Schmitt’s MONSTER ON THE BLOCK won 3 Firebird Awards and Royal Dragonfly Book Awards
Jennieke Cohen’s MY FINE FELLOW featured in POPSUGAR’s Best YA Books of 2022
Sue Fliess’s RUMBLE AND ROAR: Sounds Around the World got a lovely Booklist:
“This satisfying picture book about sound comes from the author-illustrator team who created Flash and Gleam (2020), a book about light. This nicely complements introductory science units and will also remind readers to slow down, take a minute, and listen.”
Jennieke Cohen Starred Publishers Weekly review for MY FINE FELLOW
BOOKRIOT included MY FINE FELLOW in its Ultimate Guide to New Winter YA Books
BUSTLE included MY FINE FELLOW in its roundup of the Best YA Books out in 2022
Sue Schmitt won the Female of Fiction Award for THAT MONSTER ON THE BLOCK!
School Library Journal review of RUMBLE AND ROAR by Sue Fliess
“Readers journey around the world in this rhyming romp. This beautifully illustrated rhyming text will make a good read-aloud and can be used to spark conversations about sounds in the world.”
Kirkus review of RUMBLE AND ROAR by Sue Fliess
“The spare, rhyming text, consisting largely (but not exclusively) of onomatopoeic words, is enhanced by colorful, panoramic, scenic illustrations created with mixed media and Photoshop. A lyrical soundscape that leaves room for observation and makes space for scientific discussion.”
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE ENGINEERS by Sue Fliess made the A Mighty Girl’s 2021 Books of the Year
STARRED Kirkus review of MY FINE FELLOW by Jennieke Cohen
“A sparkling retelling of My Fair Lady set in an alternate 1830s London in which Princess Charlotte lives to become queen…Cohen seamlessly weaves historical facts about England’s Jewish communities throughout her novel, and readers will connect to both Penelope’s and Elijah’s desires to remain true to themselves in a world that would prefer them to stay on the margins. A compelling novel that showcases the diversity of 19th-century England.”
Kirkus review of THE MOUSE WATCH IN SPACE by J. J. Gilbert
“The Mouse Watch returns for more… This third entry in the series stands tall upon the shoulders of its predecessors. The characters are limber, the plotting is excellent, and the blend of humor and action provide the crisp read fans of the series have come to expect…This proves promising for future Mouse Watch titles, a series that has improved with each outing. The Saturday-morning–cartoon flavor is a tricky one to pull off, but the author has managed to turn this series into a true delight. A heck of a two-fisted action-adventure story.”
NOW I’M A BIRD by Sue Ganz Schmitt won a Gold Award from Mom’s Choice Awards
KITTY GRANGER by G. D. Falksen nominated for YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults 2022
SADIE SPROCKET BUILDS A ROCKET by Sue Fliess chosen as one of the best picture books of 2021 so far by The AV Club
Kirkus review of HAPPY DIWALI by Courtney Pippin-Mathur
“A buoyant introduction to Diwali that acknowledges the diversity of Hindu traditions.”
Kirkus review of STORY OF YOU by Lisa Ann Scott
“The rhyming stanzas make this an enjoyable read, and the unique but simple concept offers a thoughtful way to begin ongoing discussions about choices with young people.”
Starred Kirkus review for Brian Yanish’s SHARK AND BOT Volume 2: SLEEPAWAY CHAMPS
“Yanish’s second graphic novel for new-to–chapter-books readers is even more fun than the series opener. The unlikely duo of Shark and Bot (with Batty the wombat in tow) inhabits large, colorful panels full of fourth-wall–breaking humor and wombat facts. Age-appropriate, deadpan shark—er, snark at its best.”
LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY! by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue was selected for the 2021 Green Earth Book Award Long List
FLASH AND GLEAM by Sue Fliess made the Capitol Choices 2021 list of Noteworthy Books for Children’s and Teens and was selected for the 2021 Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choice’s list!
Kirkus review of MOUSE WATCH Book 2 by Jason Lethcoe
“Readers with a healthy appetite for Saturday morning cartoons will find much to engage with here, and returning readers will be pumped to see that this sequel boasts more of Bernie and Jarvis’ endearing friendship and the propulsive set pieces that made the first entry such a winner.”
Booklist review of THE SECRET LIFE OF KITTY GRANGER by G.D. Falksen
“All in all, this rip-roaring tale starring a compelling heroine will satisfy anyone looking for a fun, quirky adventure.”
Publishers Weekly review of BEATRICE BLY’S RULES FOR SPIES by Sue Fliess
Kirkus review of BEATRICE BLY’S RULES FOR SPIES by Sue Fliess
“Readers will be eager to see more of this spunky, confident, daring character.“
Kirkus review of GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE ENGINEERS by Sue Fliess
SLJ review of THE SECRET LIFE OF KITTY GRANGER by G.D. Falksen
“It is intriguing to follow Kitty, a teen on the autism spectrum, as she navigates post-war Britain. Her obliviousness and resentment of her disorder provide eye-opening insight into how a person on the autism spectrum may have viewed themselves before autism became a more understood disability. Kitty is a nuanced character—she is brash and headstrong, but brave and genuine…A fun thriller spotlighting a neurodivergent protagonist, appropriate for middle school readers.”
Kirkus review of THE SECRET LIFE OF KITTY GRANGER by G.D. Falksen
“Curiosity can kill a Kitty in this swinging ’60s spy novel…Swiftly trained and sent into the field to investigate a fascist plot, Kitty capitalizes on her attention to patterns, ear for accents, and experience with hiding her real self as she is finally allowed to embrace her quirks as assets rather than deficits…Falksen delivers a ripping read that is historically grounded, drawing a direct line from past events to current debates over diversity, immigration, and the eternal peril of fascism…Nail-biting fascism-fighting featuring an atypical heroine.”
Publishers Weekly review of SADIE SPROCKET BUILDS A ROCKET by Sue Fliess
STOMPIN’ AT THE SAVOY by Moira Rose Donohue featured on Celebrate Picture Books blog
Publishers Weekly review of STOMPIN’ AT THE SAVOY by Moira Rose Donohue “Colorfully accentuated onomatopoeia and musical notes punctuate this profile of brilliant self-taught drummer William “Chick” Webb…”
Kirkus Reviews calls Sue Fliess’s SADIE SPROCKET BUILDS A ROCKET “Inspiring, adventurous fun for aspirational kids.”
MAYFLOWER by Rebecca Siegel was chosen as a California Reading Association’s 2020 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Book Honoree
School Library Journal review of FLASH & GLEAM by Sue Fliess
“An illuminating choice for STEAM storytimes.”
MOUSE WATCH by J. J. Gilbert chosen for the Winter 2020-2021 Kids’ Indie Next List
Kirkus Review of STOMPIN’ AT THE SAVOY by Moira Rose Donohue
“Freeman’s illustrations are full of movement, musical staves and notes swirling across the spreads in visual accentuation of Webb’s swing beat… An effervescent celebration.”
The San Francisco Book Review gave LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY! by Moira Rose Donohue a 5-Star review!
“This is a gorgeously illustrated work of non-fiction. The students’ pictures are exquisitely crafted and add a rich quality to the text… Additionally, teachers of science, social studies, and language arts will find this a valuable resource for their classrooms.”
THAT MONSTER ON THE BLOCK by Sue Schmitt won the Northern Lights Book Award in the Humor Category
School Library Journal review of SHARK & BOT by Brian Yanish
“Wackadoo humor… Accessible and energetic…. Shove Shark and Bot into the bottomless pit that is the elementary schooler’s appetite for funny graphic novel chapter books.”
School Library Journal review of RARE & BLUE by Constance Van Hoven
“Filled with dreamy watercolor images of nature and bite-sized information to encourage thoughtful reflection, this title is a solid purchase for elementary nonfiction collections, especially where nature and life science texts are popular.”
Kirkus review of RARE & BLUE by Constance Van Hoven
School Library Journal review of LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY! by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue
Kirkus Review of THAT MONSTER ON THE BLOCK by Sue Schmitt
“This humorous, fast-paced story, narrated with clipped sentences, conveys an important, unsubtle message about the importance of accepting diversity…This entertaining tale about making new friends may also help readers conquer their fear of clowns.”
New York Times review of LALI’S FEATHER by Farhana Zia
“This circular story has the ring of an Indian folk tale. Its art strikingly contrasts the warm bright colors of silks and spices with the lush turquoise of peacock feathers.”
Kirkus Review of SHARK AND BOT by Brian Yanish
“A funny tale of awkwardness overcome in big, inviting panels.”
Roarbots Review of MOUSE WATCH by J. J. Gilbert
SLJ Review of MOUSE WATCH by J. J. Gilbert
“The gasp-worthy escapades are over the top, but Gilbert makes it work with trademark covert terminology worthy of a James Bond flick. Plus, he adds in plenty of cheese; swiss, cheddar, camembert, bleu, and brie. Embedded is a message about not stereotyping others and learning to recognize real friendship. The cute little world of mice is an odd mix with advanced spying, giving this a somewhat cinematic vibe. VERDICT: A dashing fluff adventure with appealing miniature heroes and villains.”
TO FLY AMONG THE STARS named one of Amazon’s Editor’s picks for Best Books of the Month – Nonfiction for Kids category
Starred Booklist Review of FLASH AND GLEAM by Sue Fliess
“This lovely picture book introduces young readers to the many manifestations of light in our daily lives. This has multiple STEAM applications, from poetry and creative writing to introductions to energy and light to how the sun affects human life, and doubles as a great read-aloud or a starry bedtime story (“Gleam / Bright / Say good night”).”
Booklist Review for LALI’S FEATHER by Farhana Zia
“The musicality of the prose, dotted with Hindi expressions, lends a folkloric tone to this whimsical tale. The illustrations are lush and cheerful, countering the idea that the loss of the feather is to be mourned. A surprise ending will have readers predicting the sequel to this just-for-fun story.”
Publisher’s Weekly Review of LALI’S FEATHER by Farhana Zia
“Buoyant…a prime candidate for reading aloud.”
Kirkus Review of MOUSE WATCH by J. J. Gilbert (a.k.a. Jason Lethcoe)
Kirkus Review of LALI’S FEATHER by Farhana Zia
Kirkus Review of THE PRINCESS AND THE PETRI DISH by Sue Fliess
Kirkus Review of KRIT DREAMS OF DRAGON FRUIT by Emily France and Natalie Becher
Kirkus Review of FLASH & GLEAM by Sue Fliess
Starred Booklist review of TO FLY AMONG THE STARS by Rebecca Siegel
“Individually moving, the collective accounts of the Mercury 13 women offer an eye-opening view of pervasive gender prejudice and its costs. [T]his riveting chronicle of the early years of manned space flight also presents captivating stories of women left behind.”
Booklist review of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by Jennieke Cohen
“Contemporary fans of the Austen novels and their screen adaptations will relish this rousing, late Georgian romance.”
KRIT DREAMS OF DRAGON FRUIT by Emily France featured in Pub Weekly about religious publishing for children
School Library Journal review of PEPE AND THE PARADE by Tracey Kyle
“With so many cultures introduced in this pleasant picture book with lively comic-style illustrations, readers may be inspired to explore a particular culture in depth.”
RAVE Reviews’ review of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by Jennieke Cohen
Publisher Weekly’s review of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by Jennieke Cohen
Featured in Children’s Book Council’s September Hot Off the Press reading list: PEPE AND THE PARADE by Tracey Kyle
Booklist review of ALPACA PATI by Tracey Kyle
Kirkus review of LITTLE RED RHYMING HOOD by Sue Fliess
School Library Journal review of BETTER WITH BOOKS by Melissa Hart
BETTER WITH BOOKS by Melissa Hart won an Honor Award from Skipping Stones Magazine
READING THE WEST award from Mountains & Plains Independent Book Sellers: ZEN AND GONE by Emily France
Bank Street College’s list of Best Books of the Year: MRS. CLAUS by Sue Fliess
Booklist Review of BETTER WITH BOOKS by Melissa Hart
“High school libraries will be well served by this youth-focused resource, whether for collection development or reader’s advisory.”
School Library Journal Review of NINJA CAMP by Sue Fliess
“A recommended purchase for any library, this book will have kids asking when they can enroll in Ninja Camp!”
Publisher’s Weekly Review of THE EARTH GIVES MORE by Sue Fliess
“Genuine celebration of nature.”
Booklist Review of NINJA CAMP by Sue Fliess
“The coloring is full of wonderfully saturated rusts and blues, and the
triumphant story is satisfying.”
Booklist Review of A PAINTBRUSH FOR PACO by Tracey Kyle
“A bright, engaging story about a boy who finds something that’s worth paying attention to.”
USA Today included MRS. CLAUS TAKES THE REINS by Sue Fliess in a roundup on holiday picture books!
“This extremely cute exercise in feminist heroics delivers a subtle message through clever rhymes and good-natured humor.” — papistically USA Today
Kirkus Review of THE ANTIDOTE by Shelley Sackier
Kirkus Review of NIXIE MAKES WAVES by Lisa Ann Scott
A mention of The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution by Mary DeMocker in a New York Times article and a glowing review in Sierra magazine online
MRS. CLAUS by Sue Fliess is featured in the Hot Off the Press September listing from the Children’s Book Council
Washington Post Review of ZEN AND GONE by Emily France
Kirkus Review of AN UNLIKELY BALLERINA by Krystyna Poray Goddu
Kirkus Review of FOOD FIGHT FIESTA: A Tale About La Tomatina by Tracey Kyle
Starred Publishers Weekly review of ZEN AND GONE by Emily France
Kirkus Review of THE BLACK COATS by Colleen Oakes
Kirkus Review of PIRATE CHICKEN: ALL HENS ON DECK by Brian Yanish