Discover the Best Spring Picture Books of 2022

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Technical Details
3. Slide Presentation and Title List
4. Downloading the Presentation and Title List
5. Audience Interaction
6. Closed Captioning
7. Introduction of Panelists
8. Michelle Leo: Vice President and Director of Education and Library Marketing at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
9. Donna Spurlock: Marketing Director at Charles Bridge Publishing
10. Colette Perry: Marketing Associate at Charles Bridge Publishing
11. Mary Van Aiken: Director of School and Library Marketing at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
12. Angela Joy: Author of "Choosing Brave"
13. Janelle Washington: Illustrator of "Choosing Brave"
14. Sarah Merritt: Senior Director of Marketing at Zonderkids
15. Allison McLaughlin: Marketing Manager at Owlkids
16. Book Highlights:
    • "This Farm as a Family" by Dan McKernan
    • "A Prayer for Our Country" by Barry Black
    • "Pink is for Everybody" by Ella Russell
    • "Whirl" by Debra Kerbel
    • "While We Wait" by Judy Ann Sadler
    • "Dinosaur Dance-Off" by Jordan Foss
    • "Free" by Beru
    • "My Delicious Garden" by Anne Marie Fortin
    • "Busy Baby Animals" by Susie Esterhaz
17. Resources and Events

Introduction

Welcome to the webinar on spring picture books. In this webinar, we will be hearing from several esteemed panelists in the children's publishing industry who will be discussing their latest picture book releases. The panelists will provide insights into their respective books, including the inspiration behind them and their intended audience. They will also share highlights and key themes from each book, as well as any additional resources or events related to the books. This webinar aims to provide librarians, educators, and parents with valuable information about the latest picture books and their potential impact on young readers.

Technical Details

To ensure that You have access to all the necessary materials for this webinar, please make sure to download the slide presentation and title list. The links to these resources were included in the reminder email sent one hour before the start of the webinar. If you are unable to locate the email, you can also copy the provided URLs into your web browser to access the slides and title list.

Slide Presentation and Title List

The slide presentation and title list contain valuable information about the books discussed in this webinar. The slide presentation provides an overview of each book, including the author, illustrator, and a brief summary. It also includes images and illustrations from the books, giving you a visual representation of the content. The title list provides a comprehensive list of all the books discussed in the webinar, along with their corresponding authors and illustrators. This list serves as a handy reference for your convenience.

Downloading the Presentation and Title List

To download the slide presentation and title list, please open the email reminder you received from Zoom one hour before the webinar. Scroll to the bottom of the email, where you will find the links to the presentation and title list. Click on the links to initiate the download process. Alternatively, you can copy the provided URLs and paste them into your web browser's address bar to access the files. Once downloaded, you can save the files to your preferred location for easy reference during and after the webinar.

Audience Interaction

During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to Interact with the panelists. While the audience is in listen-only mode, you can submit questions or requests for technical assistance using the Q&A section of the toolbar at the bottom of your screen. Simply click on the Q&A button and Type your message into the box that appears. The panelists will do their best to respond to all tech-related questions in real time. Any other questions will be passed along to the panelists for follow-up after the webinar. Your engagement and participation are highly encouraged.

Closed Captioning

Booklist offers closed captioning on all webinars to ensure accessibility for all participants. To enable or disable Captions on your screen, look for and click the live transcript icon on the toolbar Mentioned earlier. From there, you can select "Show" or "hide" subtitles from the menu that appears. If you choose to enable subtitles, you can adjust the size of the captions at any time by selecting "subtitle settings." Booklist values inclusivity and aims to provide a seamless experience for all attendees.

Introduction of Panelists

In this section, we will introduce the panelists participating in today's webinar. Each panelist brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the children's publishing industry, contributing to the diverse range of perspectives represented in this discussion. The panelists will provide insights into their respective books and share their passion for creating engaging and impactful literature for young readers.

1. Michelle Leo: Michelle is the Vice President and Director of Education and Library Marketing at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. With over 23 years of experience at Simon & Schuster, Michelle brings a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to promoting literacy and education through high-quality books for young readers.

2. Donna Spurlock: Donna is the Marketing Director at Charles Bridge Publishing. She has a passion for fiction and is particularly excited about Charles Bridge's non-fiction picture books, which uncover fascinating true stories and inspire young minds.

3. Colette Perry: Colette is a Marketing Associate at Charles Bridge Publishing. She was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Music from Simmons University. Colette's love for children's literature and her commitment to promoting diverse voices shine through her work at Charles Bridge.

4. Mary Van Aiken: Mary is the Director of School and Library Marketing at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. With her extensive experience in marketing and her deep knowledge of the school and library market, Mary is dedicated to connecting great books with young readers.

5. Angela Joy: Angela is the author of "Choosing Brave," a picture book that tells the story of Mamie Till Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, and her courageous fight for justice following her son's tragic death. Angela draws inspiration from real-life figures who have made a significant impact on civil rights.

6. Janelle Washington: Janelle is the illustrator of "Choosing Brave." Through her art, she captures the strength and resilience of Mamie Till Mobley and the important role she played in the civil rights movement. Janelle's illustrations bring history to life and engage young readers in important conversations.

7. Sarah Merritt: Sarah is the Senior Director of Marketing at Zonderkids, the children's division of Zondervan and Blink, publishing companies that prioritize the creation of patron-friendly books. Sarah enjoys working alongside authors and finding innovative ways to reach young readers.

8. Allison McLaughlin: Allison is the Marketing Manager at Owlkids, an independent publisher known for their award-winning books. With a focus on children's books and picture books, Allison is passionate about spreading the word about great literature and inspiring a love for reading in young minds.

Each panelist brings a unique perspective and valuable insights to the discussion, ensuring that the webinar covers a wide range of topics and appeals to a diverse audience.

Michelle Leo: Vice President and Director of Education and Library Marketing at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Michelle Leo, our first panelist, is the Vice President and Director of Education and Library Marketing at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. With over 23 years of experience at Simon & Schuster, Michelle brings a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to promoting literacy and education through high-quality books for young readers. Michelle will be sharing insights into Simon & Schuster's latest picture book releases and discussing the impact of these books on young readers. Her expertise in the field and passion for children's literature make her a valuable contributor to this discussion.

Donna Spurlock: Marketing Director at Charles Bridge Publishing

Donna Spurlock, our Second panelist, is the Marketing Director at Charles Bridge Publishing. With a passion for fiction, Donna is particularly excited about Charles Bridge's non-fiction picture books, which uncover fascinating true stories and inspire young minds. Donna will be sharing highlights from Charles Bridge's latest releases and discussing the importance of non-fiction literature in engaging young readers. Her knowledge of the publishing industry and dedication to promoting diverse voices make her a valuable asset to this discussion.

Colette Perry: Marketing Associate at Charles Bridge Publishing

Colette Perry, our third panelist, is a Marketing Associate at Charles Bridge Publishing. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Colette holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Music from Simmons University. Her love for children's literature and commitment to promoting diverse voices shine through her work at Charles Bridge. Colette will be discussing Charles Bridge's latest picture book releases and sharing insights into the value of diverse storytelling in engaging young readers. Her unique perspective and enthusiasm for children's literature make her a valuable contributor to this discussion.

Mary Van Aiken: Director of School and Library Marketing at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Mary Van Aiken, our fourth panelist, is the Director of School and Library Marketing at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. With her extensive experience in marketing and her deep knowledge of the school and library market, Mary is dedicated to connecting great books with young readers. Mary will be sharing insights into Macmillan's latest picture book releases and discussing the importance of fostering a love for reading in young minds. Her expertise in marketing and passion for children's literature make her a valuable contributor to this discussion.

Angela Joy: Author of "Choosing Brave"

Angela Joy, our fifth panelist, is the author of "Choosing Brave," a picture book that tells the story of Mamie Till Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, and her courageous fight for justice following her son's tragic death. Angela draws inspiration from real-life figures who have made a significant impact on civil rights. Angela will be sharing the inspiration behind "Choosing Brave" and discussing the power of storytelling in educating and inspiring young readers. Her commitment to highlighting important historical figures and their contributions makes her an invaluable contributor to this discussion.

Janelle Washington: Illustrator of "Choosing Brave"

Janelle Washington, our sixth panelist, is the illustrator of "Choosing Brave." Through her art, she captures the strength and resilience of Mamie Till Mobley and the important role she played in the civil rights movement. Janelle's illustrations bring history to life and engage young readers in important conversations. Janelle will be discussing her creative process and the significance of visual storytelling in conveying powerful narratives. Her artistic talent and dedication to representing historical figures make her an invaluable contributor to this discussion.

Sarah Merritt: Senior Director of Marketing at Zonderkids

Sarah Merritt, our seventh panelist, is the Senior Director of Marketing at Zonderkids, the children's division of Zondervan and Blink. Sarah enjoys working alongside authors and finding innovative ways to reach young readers. Sarah will be sharing highlights from Zonderkids' latest picture book releases and discussing the role of faith-Based literature in engaging young minds. Her expertise in marketing and passion for children's literature make her an invaluable contributor to this discussion.

Allison McLaughlin: Marketing Manager at Owlkids

Allison McLaughlin, our final panelist, is the Marketing Manager at Owlkids, an independent publisher known for their award-winning books. Allison is passionate about spreading the word about great literature and inspiring a love for reading in young minds. She will be sharing insights into Owlkids' latest picture book releases and discussing the impact of children's literature on early literacy development. Allison's dedication to promoting a love for reading and her knowledge of the publishing industry make her an invaluable contributor to this discussion.

The diverse perspectives and expertise of these panelists promise to provide a rich and engaging discussion about the latest picture books and their impact on young readers. Their dedication to creating high-quality literature and promoting a love for reading is evident in their work, making them a valuable source of information and inspiration.

Book Highlights

In this section, we will Delve into the highlights of each book discussed by the panelists. These books cover a wide range of topics and themes, ensuring that there is something for every young reader. Whether you are looking for stories that promote inclusivity and diversity, celebrate the beauty of nature, or explore the power of imagination, this list of book highlights has got you covered.

1. "This Farm as a Family" by Dan McKernan

"This Farm as a Family" is a heartwarming picture book by Dan McKernan that tells the story of a farm sanctuary called Barn Sanctuary. The book follows the Journey of a young boy as he welcomes a new rescue animal, Buttercup, to the farm. Through beautiful illustrations and a touching narrative, the book celebrates the bond between animals and humans and emphasizes the values of love, compassion, and family.

2. "A Prayer for Our Country" by Barry Black

"A Prayer for Our Country" is a powerful picture book by Barry Black that offers a prayer for unity and healing in times of division and hardship. Through heartfelt text and striking illustrations, the book encourages readers to come together and embrace empathy, understanding, and love. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and spirituality in navigating challenging times.

3. "Pink is for Everybody" by Ella Russell

"Pink is for Everybody" is an inclusive picture book by Ella Russell that challenges traditional gender stereotypes by celebrating the color pink. Through vibrant illustrations and a joyful narrative, the book encourages young readers to embrace their individuality and express themselves without limitations. It sends a powerful message of acceptance and self-confidence, promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity.

4. "Whirl" by Debra Kerbel

"Whirl" is a captivating wordless picture book by Debra Kerbel that takes readers on a journey with a stray maple key as it floats on the wind. Through stunning illustrations, the book explores the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. It encourages readers to appreciate the wonders of the natural world and fosters a Sense of Curiosity and exploration.

5. "While We Wait" by Judy Ann Sadler

"While We Wait" is a heartwarming picture book by Judy Ann Sadler that explores the theme of patience. Through gentle text and charming illustrations, the book follows a boy and his grandmother as they wait for something special to happen. It highlights the importance of embracing moments of waiting and finding joy in the present. It also celebrates the bond between generations and the power of love and connection.

6. "Dinosaur Dance-Off" by Jordan Foss

"Dinosaur Dance-Off" is a fun-filled picture book by Jordan Foss that invites readers to join Darwin, a dancing dinosaur, on an adventure of rhythmic moves. With lively illustrations and engaging text, the book celebrates self-expression, creative exploration, and the joy of dancing. It encourages young readers to embrace their unique talents and enjoy the freedom of movement.

7. "Free" by Beru

"Free" is a thought-provoking picture book by Beru that explores the concepts of freedom and individuality. Through captivating illustrations, the book encourages readers to think outside the box and question societal norms. It celebrates the power of imagination and self-expression, inspiring young minds to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions.

8. "My Delicious Garden" by Anne Marie Fortin

"My Delicious Garden" is an enchanting picture book by Anne Marie Fortin that takes readers on a journey through the seasons as a young girl tends to her garden. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, the book explores the joys of gardening, the importance of patience and hard work, and the satisfaction of sharing the fruits of one's labor with loved ones. It promotes an appreciation for nature and encourages young readers to connect with the environment.

9. "Busy Baby Animals" by Susie Esterhaz

"Busy Baby Animals" is an adorable board book by Susie Esterhaz that introduces young readers to a variety of baby animals and their everyday activities. With captivating photographs and simple text, the book engages young minds and encourages early literacy development. It celebrates the beauty and diversity of the animal Kingdom and fosters a love for wildlife.

These book highlights cover a wide range of themes and engage young readers in Meaningful and entertaining ways. From celebrating love and diversity to fostering a connection with nature and promoting self-expression, these books provide valuable lessons and inspire young minds.

Resources and Events

In addition to the wonderful books discussed in this webinar, the panelists and publishers have provided additional resources and upcoming events to enhance the reading experience and engage young readers. These resources include activity kits, discussion guides, teaching guides, and more. By utilizing these resources, librarians, educators, and parents can further promote literacy, encourage interactive learning, and foster a love for reading in young minds.

Additionally, there are upcoming events hosted by the publishers, including virtual discussions with illustrators and authors. These events provide an opportunity to hear directly from the Creators of these books, gain further insights into their inspirations and creative processes, and engage in discussions about important themes and topics in children's literature. Attendees are encouraged to check the respective publisher's Website and social media platforms for more information on these events.

By utilizing these resources and attending these events, you can further enhance your engagement with the books discussed in this webinar and provide young readers with a rich and immersive reading experience.

FAQ

Q: Are the books discussed in this webinar appropriate for all age groups?

A: While the books discussed in this webinar cover a wide range of age groups, it is important to consider the intended audience for each book. Some books may be more suitable for younger readers, while others may target older children or even young adults. We encourage librarians, educators, and parents to review the summaries and themes of each book to determine their appropriateness for specific age groups.