The Weekly 411 (9/20/24)

© Milanka Reardon


 Sept. 20, 2024 vol. 38

The Weekly 411 gathers all the links added to Kidlit411 each week. To receive this post by email, sign up for our email updatesAre you on Facebook? Join our Kidlit411 group for conversations and camaraderie. This week's illustration is by Milanka Reardon.



Middle Grade Giveaway

We are pleased to host a giveaway of the middle grade novel, Valor Wings, by Sam Subity (Scholastic Press) out now. Enter to win a copy via the Rafflecopter below!

 

art by Antonio Javier Caparo/ design by Christopher Stengel


About the Book: A thrilling WWII adventure that reimagines the evacuation of Dunkirk...with dragons!

 

Everyone in Iris's small English village avoids the dragon in the woods. Everyone, that is, except for Iris. She knows Galahad would never hurt her--she's been caring for the dragon since he lost his mother when he was a baby. When Galahad is accused of stealing military rations, Iris strikes a bargain that will spare Galahad's life... but send him off to the war brewing in Europe. Soon after, she receives news that her brother is among the troops trapped in France by the advancing German troops. Refusing to give up hope, Iris devises a desperate plan that will either save both her brother and her best friend--or end in disaster.

 

Meanwhile in Belgium, Max's school day is abruptly interrupted by some terrifying news: The Germans have invaded his country. He and his grandmother are forced to flee for their lives west toward France where they hope to find safety. But when they are separated after a German attack, Max must continue the treacherous journey on his own.

 

Across hundreds of miles, the stories of Iris and Max steadily converge toward an explosive conclusion that will change them both forever. Along the way, they each must find the inner strength and resolve--the valor--to do the impossible. Author Sam Subity blends history and fantasy to tell a story like no other--an exhilarating adventure about the power of friendship, hope, and courage.

 

About the Author: Sam Subity loves writing stories that explore the magic and wonder of being a kid. He’s still a little stunned every time he sees one of his books on a shelf in a bookstore or library waiting for a reader to discover. When he’s not writing, you might find him running the trails of northern California where the endless, winding miles past fog and ocean inspire tales of adventure and mystery.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 Picture Book Giveaway 


 We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Henna Is. . . by  Marzieh Abbas, illustrated by Anu Chouhan (Feiwel & Friends/ Macmillan), out now. Enter to win a copy via the Rafflecopter below.


 

About the Book: A lyrical picture book celebrating henna, a traditional plant-based form of temporary tattooing in South Asian, North African and Middle Eastern cultures. 

 

Henna is nature—seeds sprouted into shrubs, leaves kissed by tropical rain.

 

Henna is color—the orange of juicy mangoes, sun-kissed brown, or black as the feathers of crows.

 

Henna is fragrance—earthy and nutty, lemony and clove-y.

 

About the Author: Marzieh Abbas is a baker turned award-winning author. She loves adding magic to her creations– whether that’s a seven-layered rainbow cake or the books she writes for children all over the world. Her work is inspired by her Pakistani culture and Muslim heritage. She is the author of the popular chapter book series: Nadia & Nadir. Her debut picture book in the traditional American Market, titled A Dupatta Is… released from Macmillan Publishers, U.S.A. in 2023. Marzieh is a member of Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and a graduate of the Lyrical Language Lab and Children’s Book Academy. She occasionally writes under the name: Marzieh A. Ali. 

 

About the Illustrator: Anu Chouhan is a Punjabi-Canadian author, illustrator and art director. A trained animator with a background in video game development, Anu often combines her love of her cultural heritage into her art, as well as drawing inspiration from anime, nature, and fashion. She is the author and illustrator of Hair Oil Magic, and illustrator of both A Dupatta Is... and Henna Is...


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


 Picture Book Giveaway 



We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone! by Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon, illustrated by Jennifer Davison out now. Enter to win a copy via the Rafflecopter below.




About the Book: Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone! is a story that explores the challenges girls face as they grow into leaders. The authors, Rob and Amy Dixon, are passionate about encouraging girls (and boys!) to use their unique God-given gifts. 


About the Authors:  Amy Dixon is the author of three picture books―Maurice the Unbeastly, Sophie's Animal Parade, and Marathon Mouse―as well as a middle-grade novel. When she's not writing, she is editing and marketing other people's books. She writes from her home in Clovis, California, where she lives on a steady diet of popcorn and coffee.


Rob Dixon is the author of Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships. In addition to serving on InterVarsity staff for more than twenty-six years, Rob teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary and Fresno Pacific University. In his free time, Rob enjoys pickleball, long runs, and cheering for the LA Dodgers.


About the Illustrator: Jennifer Davison is a renowned artist who has illustrated over fifty picture books that have been translated into eighteen different languages! She spends most of her time illustrating faith-based books and stories from the Bible, including the Very Best Bible Stories series and God's Big Promises Bible Storybook. You can find out more about Jennifer and her work at www.jensketches.com.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Writing Courses


Sept. 24, 4 p.m. CST/ 5 p.m. PICTURE THIS! What Makes a Picture Book GreatEST Workshop with Literary Agent Stephen Fraser of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency Plus Exclusive Submission Opportunity, hosted by award-winning author Rosie J. Nova.

    

Join Stephen as he takes a fascinating look at picture books, both past and present, and dives deep into the essential elements that make a picture book truly stand out.

In this workshop, you'll discover:

✔ What makes a picture book captivating for readers of all ages

✔ Common pitfalls to avoid when writing for young audiences

✔ Insight into current trends and the evolving picture book market


PLUS, an exclusive above-the-slush-pile submission opportunity to each registrant (and feedback provided by Stephen if it’s a pass)!



Picture Books

























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