| We had great fun celebrating the launch of Jacqueline Wilson's latest novel, Baby Love in London this month. Many thanks to the folk at Puffin for treating us to an evening at Brunswick House and to Jacqueline for regaling us with your wonderful tales over dinner. We also (gasp!) met the lovely Rachael for the very first time, so it was a fantastic and emotional night! Baby Love is a compelling and heart-wrenching story for older readers about teen pregnancy, family trouble and unlikely friendships. It is the second title Rachael has illustrated for Jacqueline and this striking 1960’s inspired jacket is a sight to behold. |  |
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Paola's eye-catching cover for The Mapmakers, the follow up to last years The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant, is out now with Puffin.
Last month also saw the publication of picture book Beauty Woke by NoNieqa Ramos (Versify), a joyful celebration of culture, community and family and has been receiving some wonderful reviews:Booklist writes “Escobar… uses influences from graffiti and mural art in this book’s illustrations, a perfect nod to the story’s urban landscape. Her use of color taps into the story’s emotions, and the Puerto Rican flag is woven throughout much of the artwork. An authentic and affirming celebration of culture, community, and self-acceptance.”
From @kirkus_reviews “Ramos’ poetic ode to identity and validation winds itself through evocative imagery in both English and Spanish, connecting the strength of community with self-acceptance….Escobar’s powerful panorama of diversity is a blazing exclamation point to Beauty’s triumphant journey.”
Last month also saw the publication of picture book Beauty Woke by NoNieqa Ramos (Versify), a joyful celebration of culture, community and family and has been receiving some wonderful reviews:Booklist writes “Escobar… uses influences from graffiti and mural art in this book’s illustrations, a perfect nod to the story’s urban landscape. Her use of color taps into the story’s emotions, and the Puerto Rican flag is woven throughout much of the artwork. An authentic and affirming celebration of culture, community, and self-acceptance.”
From @kirkus_reviews “Ramos’ poetic ode to identity and validation winds itself through evocative imagery in both English and Spanish, connecting the strength of community with self-acceptance….Escobar’s powerful panorama of diversity is a blazing exclamation point to Beauty’s triumphant journey.”
| Laurie’s happy, vibrant artwork has breathed new life into 10 well-known nursery rhymes in this large-tabbed board book complete with illustrated actions. Children will have great fun joining in with the steps whilst singing along. Out now with Ladybird books. |  |
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Wobbling weathervanes, Laura’s bestselling second book in the Rainbow Grey trilogy, Rainbow Grey: Eye of the Storm (Farshore) soared onto shelves this World Book Day. With the fate of the Weatherlands at risk from a hidden danger, Ray and her friends must summon their magic to find the missing cloud companions. This magical author-illustrated series continues to enchant readers, with 2,260 copies sold (TCM) in the first week in the UK alone.