Recently, collaborators came together for an event, an author made a school visit to showcase a bug-tastic new book, young writers in New York were honored, an awards ceremony highlighted Jewish creators, an author showcased her new book on environmental justice, and an author spoke with a political figure about his new book.
Taking Flight
Matthew Burgess (r.) and Caldecott Medalist Doug Salati (l.) celebrated the launch of their new poetry collection, Words with Wings and Magic Things (Tundra), at the Smith Street location of Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, on March 18. In a conversation with their editor Tara Walker, VP and publisher at Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers, the duo spoke about their closely interwoven creative process and the freeing joy of poetry, and shared selections from the anthology. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a cake baked by one of Burgess’s poetry students, with a design inspired by imagery from the book. Here, Burgess and Salati are joined by Walker (second from r.), and their agent Erica Rand Silverman (second from l.) of Stimola Literary Studio, who introduced the creators, setting in motion their collaboration.
Big Day for Bibsy
Liz Garton Scanlon stopped by West End Elementary School in Lynbrook, N.Y. on March 7 to present the most recent installment in her Bibsy Cross series, Bibsy Cross and the Creepy-Crawlies. The series centers on the titular Bibsy as she navigates school, family, and friendship. Scanlon’s visit coincided with the school’s Pick a Reading Partner week, which was bug-themed in honor of her new book. Each student received a copy of a Bibsy Cross book of their choice, and Scanlon held a q&a with students. Here, Scanlon admires the welcome sign that students made for her visit.
Rising Stars
The 2025 New York City Regional Scholastic Awards Ceremony took place on March 7 at Scholastic HQ in New York City. The annual ceremony honors young rising New York City talent, whose work earned regional recognition in this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Artist and SVA instructor Sophia Victor gave keynote remarks and each teen received their award onstage. Here, the winners of the Gold and Silver Keys, which honor creators in grades seven through 12, gather onstage after the awards presentation.
Mazel Tov!
The Jewish Book Council hosted the 74th annual National Jewish Book Awards ceremony at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan on March 12, bringing together this year’s winners. Here, the recipients of the children’s and YA prizes congratulate one another: (From l.) A.R. Vishny, author of the paranormal romance Night Owls (HarperCollins); Joshua S. Levy, author of the middle grade comedy adventure Finn and Ezra’s Bar Mitzvah Time Loop (Quill Tree); and Danielle Sharkan and Selina Alko, author and illustrator of the picture book Sharing Shalom (Holiday House), about fighting intolerance with inclusion.
Save the Fish!
Brook M. Thompson celebrated the release of her debut nonfiction picture book, I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience (Heyday), with a tour across bookstores in northern California. Her book, illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska, showcases the Native-led movement to protect the Klamath River and its fish in northern California. Here, Thompson visits Casa Grande High School, the last stop on her tour, home of the fish hatchery program United Anglers of Casa Grande High School. (From l.): student Summer Cole, biologist Ellie Slick, author Thompson, student Lucy James, and teacher and director of the United Anglers of Casa Grande Dan Hubacker.
A President’s Passover
On March 9, Richard Michelson visited the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass., to share his picture book Next Year in The White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder (Crown). The story, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, highlights the first seder to take place in the White House, hosted by Obama. Pictured here: Eric Lesser (l.), former Massachusetts State Senator, on stage with Richard Michelson (r.).
