Launch of an Imprint & Launch of a Book – Good News for Kidlitland

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Hello everyone! Today’s post is filled with GOOD NEWS!

First of all, a dear friend of our kidlit community, the incredible Callie Metler-Smith of Clear Fork Publishing, is announcing the launch of a new imprint and a limited-time ABOVE THE SLUSH opportunity for readers of this blog.

&mg

TAKE IT AWAY, CALLIE!

We are accepting submissions for our Spork Children’s Imprint and for our new imprint &MG.
&MG will feature Middle Grade books and we are asking for submissions right now that deal with some of the tough issues that kids ages 9-14 are dealing with. 
Submissions can be made by going to http://bit.ly/2NZN7pp or by emailing the submissions directly to callie@clearfork.media. Please put Above the Slush somewhere in the header of the query letter.

Oh my gosh…what an opportunity! If you’ve got a polished manuscript you think would fit the Spork vision or you’ve been holding on to that MG work, wondering who you should send it to…here is your chance!

A big thank you to Callie for this generous offer!

So, the title of this post was Launch of an Imprint and Launch of a Book. We’ve revealed the Imprint launch…and now for the Book Launch.

Are you ready to sing a big Happy Book Birthday to…

MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD: THE INSPIRING FRIENDSHIP OF
ELLA FITZGERALD AND MARILYN MONROE
ella and marilyn

Launching January 28, 2020

Illustrated by Alleanna Harris
Published by Little Bee Books

Here’s what the reviewers are saying:


Kirkus Reviews:
This warm story emphasizes Ella’s role in her  (Marilyn’s) success, thus avoiding the trap of the white-savior narrative. Many white artists have benefited from imitating black ones; this is the rare narrative to acknowledge that.
Harris’ illustrations capture the iconic looks of the two stars.
A good volume to include in a larger conversation about friendship, allyship, and social justice.(author’s note, sources) (Picture book/biography. 5-10)

School Library Journal:
The relatively simple text is supported by an author’s note and extensive sources, both primary (videos and interviews) and secondary (books and online resources). Kirkfield makes clear that both women brought deep personal feelings to their performances. Harris’s digital illustrations are varied, from vignettes to full and double-page spreads.VERDICT An inspiring story about 20th-century icons that will be unfamiliar to most young readers. Recommended for schools and public libraries. 


Booklist:
Sometimes even stars need a little help to shine.” Focusing on the friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, this picture book highlights the similarities between the two women and the ways in which they helped each other succeed.
Back matter includes an author’s note and primary and secondary sources. A solid purchase for larger collections.

I’m excited for all of the upcoming book events that will help spread the word:

Jan 29 at 7PM: Andersons Bookstore in Naperville, IL
Jan 30: School visits to Naperville and Aurora, IL
Feb 4: School visits to Skokie and Evanston, IL
March 10: Kids’ writer workshop at Amherst Town Library, Amherst NH
March ?: Author Event at Books of Wonder in NYC
March 21 at 10am: Story time at Silver Unicorn Bookshop in Acton, MA
April 4 at 11am: Story time at Toadstool Bookstore in Nashua, NH
April 18: Sustainability Fair in Wilton, NH
April 25: Children’s Festival of Stories in Denver, CO
May 18: Wilkins Elementary in Amherst, NH
June 25-30: Annual ALA in Chicago, IL
July24-27: LASCBWI Conference

Thank you, dear friends…having your support and encouragement means the world to me.

And thank you, dear Callie, for providing this fabulous submission opportunity to my blog followers.

29 thoughts on “Launch of an Imprint & Launch of a Book – Good News for Kidlitland”

  7. Now I seriously cannot sing “Happy Birthday” as well as either Marilyn Monroe or Ella Fitzgerald, but I can still belt it out!! Congratulations Vivian on another successful book launch!!

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