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ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

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          In this book promotion, the centralized theme is children's books with amazing illustrations. The titles selected are geared towards grades K - 5, but are really for anyone who enjoys great artwork. I've worked as a children's librarian and bookseller for many years, and I've seen so many great illustrations cross my desk. When making the selections for featured titles, I thought back on books I was already very familiar with, like The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, and Daniel Egneus's Little Red Riding Hood. I then went to search through more recent titles that I've discovered and kept tabs of, like "How to Read a Book" and "We are Water Protectors". The art included in all of the selections is highly acclaimed, often award winning, and a variety of styles and contexts. There are numerous ways for these books and illustrations to reach the audience. In this promotion, the covers are featured, as well as information about the books, illustrations are provided for viewing, some of them have videos of storytime's featuring the books, as well as links to author websites! This incorporates multiple modalities of learning, such as visual, auditory, verbal, and solitary learning strategies. I also made each of the pages featuring the book titles into color-matching, visually appealing, displays, to help tie in the interest based concepts of art and color appeal.

      By Kwame Alexander, art by Melissa Sweet 

A beautiful book that teachers, librarians, aunties and uncles, and those with kids need to check out for the young readers in their lives, especially reluctant readers. Perusing through the absolutely breathtaking illustrations is quite the experience for anyone, but the delightful prose asks readers to think about reading in a different and intriguing way! The illustrations in this book are truly works of art.

Alexander, K. & Sweet, M. (2019). How to read a book. Harper Collins.

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      Written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales

In Dreamers, Yuyi Morales provides a celebration of strength and resilience. It is actually a memoir and reflection on what immigrants leave behind and what they bring with them. Yuyi's illustrations are soft, bright, and absolutely stunning. They seem to reach out and encompass the viewers. 

Morales, Y. (2018). Dreamers. Neal Porter Books.

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       By Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by

       Michaela Goade​

Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal, this important picture book dives into the world of Indigenous Nations and their quest to protect water sources in North America. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the colors and movement incorporate a watery, flowing, feel throughout the book. Truly an important work, this award winning picture book is both about and by Indigenous peoples. 

Lindstrom, C. & Goade, M. (2020). We are water protectors. Roaring Brook Press. 

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      Written and illustrated by Jessica

      Love

This beautifully illustrated story uses minimal words, and tells the story of Julian, his imagination, and fascination with mermaids, as well as the kindness and acceptance of those around him. The illustrations in this book encompasses the whole page, embrace gender fluidity and acceptance, and are truly breathtaking and highly inclusive. 

Love, J. (2018). Julian is a mermaid. Candlewick Press.

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      By Aaron Becker

Journey is a story told through illustration, without words. It is an excellent way to allow children to understand that pictures tell a story, and to develop imagination and storytelling skills. The visuals in the book are detailed, glowing, and full-page. The characters are kept fairly bare-bones in these lush backgrounds, which helps them become more relatable to different groups of peoples.

Becker, A. (2013). Journey. Candlewick.

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      Written and illustrated by Julia

      Sarcone-Roach

An adventure story, this book presents the tale of how a bear ate your sandwich, and the accidental journey they embark upon. The illustrations in the book are some of the best. They are bright, soft, and detailed. The Black Bear encompasses many colors in their coat, and the characters are given endearing qualities through their large and expressive eyes. 

Sarcone-Roach, J. (2015). The bear ate your sandwich. Knopf Books for Young Readers.

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      Written and illustrated by Jon Klassen

A fun and whimsical book, it tells the story of a small fish who has indeed stolen a hat. We watch as their confidence in the caper grows, and a bigger fish catches up. The illustrations in the book are simple and fun, using cut-out techniques and dark background. Its a great way for kids to experience differing artistic styles. 

Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Candlewick.

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      Written and Illustrated by Kate

      Beaton

Princess Pinecone is tired of being the smallest, coziest, warrior in her community. She wishes for a giant, noble, fast, steed to carry her into fierce battles. When she receives an unusually round pony with a gas problem, hilarity ensures. The illustrations are very lively, fun, inclusive, and endearing. Giving the viewer plenty to look at, this book is definitely one for the favorites shelf. 

Beaton, K. (2015). The princess and the pony. Arthur A. Levine Books.

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      By Derrick Barnes, illustrated by

      Gordon C. James​

Racking up the awards, this book hits the mark on all levels. The rhythmic storytelling, the representation, the cultural awareness and embracing of just how self-confident a fresh cut can make a child feel: this book excels at it all. The illustrations are some the best and most beautiful and honest portrayals of joy found within the lives of People of Color.

Barnes, D., & James, G. C. (2017). Crown: An ode to the fresh cut. Agate Bolden.

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      By Matt de la Peña and illustrated by

      Christian Robinson​

A grandmother and her grandson take a bus ride through their city, recognizing and embracing all the many different types of people they encounter on the way, as well as the city itself. The illustrations do a fantastic job of conveying atmosphere, tone, and joy through a cut-out style that uses lots of bright colors.

de la Peña, M. & Robinson, C. (2015). Last stop on Market Street. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.

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      By GuoJing (郭婧

Embracing the world of fairytales in a new and original story, this stunningly illustrated book conveys the tale of girl who wanders into the forest alone following an elusive stag. Telling the story through illustrations and without words, these soft, rounded, charcoal and pencil drawings often rotate from slightly melancholy to filled with absolute joy. An excellent medium and demonstrating of storytelling, these pictures and the tale they tell will stick with kids for years to come.

Guojing. (2015). The only child. Schwartz & Wade.

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      By Ursula Jones, Illustrated by Sarah

      Gibb

A woman who lives simply and enjoys her life the way it is, collects a court jester along the way and the two of them continue on with their lives together. A delightful antidote to the traditional fairytale, this story is woman-powered. The illustrations employ absolutely delightful techniques, such as large dark silhouettes against pale gradient color scheme backgrounds, and are broken up by extensive details and bright pops of color. They have an absolutely original and eye catching style. 

Jones, U. & Gibb, S. (2014). The princess who had no kingdom. Albert Whitman & Company.

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      By The Brothers Grimm, illustrated

      by Daniel Egneus

Telling the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood, the illustration style of this edition lends the entire story a new feel. Daniel Egneus invented the “Quotidiano-Straordinario” style of illustrating, which is seen here. It incorporates water color, high contrast background, typography blended into the illustrations while telling the story, and a deliciously ominous tone. Truly a joy to read and examine, this book is an excellent example of how illustrations can lend tone and meaning to a story.

Grimm, T.B. & Egneus, D. (2011). Little Red Riding Hood. Harper Design.  

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      By Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd,

      illustrated by Jim Kay

Very familiar with monsters, grief, and loss, the story's protagonist, Connor, is surprised to encounter a new monster, who wants something from him. This story deals largely with grief and a lack of control over events in ones life. The illustration style mirrors that tone and message, and is an excellent outlet for kids who need to understand grief and more negative emotions on an intrinsic level.

Ness, P., Dowd, S. & Kay, J. (2013). A monster calls. Candlewick.

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      By Catherynne Valente, illustrated by

      Ana Juan​

Spirited away by The Green Wind, a charming spirit riding a leopard, September (the protagonist) learns all about the magical realm of fairyland and how it can be so very different, yet so very similar, to her own world. The illustrations at every chapter header through this book don't steal the show by any means, but they add a layer of depth and expectation to the story, enhancing the readers experience of the world in the story. These are fantastic examples of how illustrations can serve different purposes, and don't need to be all-encompassing while still being enjoyable 

Valente, C. & Juan, A. (2011). The girl who circumnavigated fairyland in a ship of her own making. Feiwel & Friends.

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