Pajama Press

Meet author Michelle Kadarusman at ALA Annual in Washington D.C.!

Limited quantities of her latest novel, Girl of the Southern Sea, will be autographed and given away at ALA Annual! Find Michelle at the following times in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center:

Saturday, June 22 at 2:00pm — Publisher’s Spotlight Booth #1256
Sunday, June 23 at 11:00am — Ingram Publisher Services Booth #2213

Some reviews for Girl of the Southern Sea:

“A gripping, emotional realistic novel describing the grim realities of growing up in Indonesian poverty….VERDICT A riveting read featuring a determined and talented teenager.”—School Library Journal

“In spare and elegant prose, Kadarusman weaves a quiet tale of survival, grit, and integrity….Peppered throughout are stories that Nia crafts, based on Indonesian legends about the princess of the Southern Sea. With nuanced characters, this is a lovely gem for fans of irrepressible girls and contemporary stories set outside of the U.S.”—Booklist

“Punctuating Nia’s thoughtful, present-tense narration with her stories about Dewi, Kadarusman effectively weaves a gentle tale of love and loss and illuminates the power of storytelling. A thought-provoking peek into a culture deserving of more attention in North America.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A stark setting combines with striking characters…The novel does not offer simple solutions but instead wraps up Nia’s story in a way that demonstrates her willingness and ability to stand up for herself. Girl of the Southern Sea is an uplifting novel about hope and the power of storytelling.”—Foreword Reviews

The first review is in for Lili Macaroni, and we are very delighted to receive a ★ Starred Review ★ from Kirkus Reviews to start things off.

“Self-confidence is hard to come by when classmates make fun of the things that make Lili Macaroni herself….Boulanger’s changing perspectives and use of shadows to stand in for other kids’ teasing set the mood, Lili’s exuberant brightness changing to more somber tones with her sadness. Lili and her family are white; there is one black classmate. From Québec, a wonderfully empowering message to be yourself, with a strategy to ease heartache added for good measure.”

Click here to read the full review

Pajama Press is thrilled to announce that we have two winning books on the 15^th Annual 2019 Green Earth Book Awards list.

The Flooded Earth by Mardi McConnochie is the winner of the award in the Children’s Fiction category.

And Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night by Rob Laidlaw is the Honor Book for the Children’s Nonfiction category.

The Green Earth Book Award was founded in 2005 by the environmental non-profit group The Nature Generation. The mission of the award is “to draw attention to the authors and illustrators whose books best inspire youth to grow a deeper appreciation, respect, and responsibility for their natural environment.” Learn more at www.natgen.org/green-earth-book-awards/.

Pajama Press extends our congratulations to Mardi McConnochie and Rob Laidlaw. Our sincerest thanks go to The Nature Generation for their dedication to inspiring environmental stewardship in young people and for their support of the authors and illustrators who strive to do the same.

Before You Were Born will be hitting shelves in a few short weeks—just in time for Mother’s Day—and to celebrate, author Deborah Kerbel and illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo have created some sweet swag and limited edition art prints to give away to you, they’re first readers, as a way of saying “thank you” for your early support.

1. PRE-ORDER a copy of Before You Were Born from your book retailer of choice—online or bricks and mortar—before May 3^rd, 2019
2. Email us at publicity@pajamapress.ca with a photo or scan of your proof of purchase along with your mailing address under the subject line: Before You Were Born Pre Order Giveaway
3. The Top 24 Swag Pack entries will be randomly selected from the submitted receipts on May 3, 2019. We will announce the names of the Top 24 Swag Pack entries on May 8^th and all the gifts will be mailed out by the end of May

*And if you enjoy Before You Were Born please leave a review on your bookseller’s website or Goodreads

PLEASE NOTE: This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US only as Before You Were Born is currently only available in North America. Shipping and Handling of prizes is free to Canadian and US residents. One Swag Pack gift per pre-order.

Swag Packs:

Everyone who pre-orders a copy of Before You Were Born by May 3, 2019 will receive:

• a themed bookplate autographed by the author and illustrator
• two colouring pages based on art from the book
• a limited edition Before You Were Born ‘whales’ magnet (with envelope)

20 randomly selected entries will receive:

• everything listed above PLUS
• a Before You Were Born greeting card (one of five designs suitable for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or New Baby)

3 randomly selected entries will receive:

• everything listed above PLUS
• a limited edition signed print, 8.5 x 11 inches and suitable for framing for a bedroom or nursery

1 randomly selected GRAND SWAG PACK entry will receive:

• everything listed above PLUS
• a one-of-a-kind Before You Were Born ‘Sun/Moon’ nightlight for your child’s bedroom or nursery
• a one-of-a-kind Before You Were Born notebook
• a hand-written, personalized letter from Deborah Kerbel and Suzanne Del Rizzo

Original post

“When a young girl’s father is too sad to get out of bed, she paints him a picture and the two go on an imaginary adventure together….Author/illustrator Dufft’s watercolor illustrations skillfully combine an assured, realistic watercolor style to portray Paula and her father, with a rudimentary childlike stroke to visually highlight the imaginative adventure. Light and shadow are used to great effect to convey mood…A gentle, touching story of loss and resilience and of the beneficial role imagination plays, with visually intelligent and well-executed illustrations.”

Click here to read the full review

Resource Links

“Rating: E

Nine children’s authors and illustrators have come together to answer the question, “Are you kind?” Their illustrations show children and animals answering that question through their actions….

Every page of this book has a unique style of artwork. Realistic, cartoon, mixed media, plasticine, and pen and ink. The settings and children featured in each scene reflect a diversity of cultures….Every child (and parent) could benefit from this book.“

—Tanya Boudreau

Sal’s Fiction Addiction

“I think we can all use inspiration for kindness every day in every way. So, the people at Pajama Press have created this book to inspire kindness when talking with children….

The questions are asked of young readers, and the illustrations inspire quiet conversation about the many ways we can show kindness to others. Nine artists are included, in artwork already published or pieces specifically created for this book. They show young readers some of the many ways they can be kind and helpful.”

Click here for the full review

Foreword Reviews **Starred Review**

“Office supplies have never been more entertaining than they are in this punny tale of friendship and ingenuity. Old school and new tech go head to head when Jackson trades his longtime pal Pencil in for a shiny new Tablet. Cheerful illustrations add to the hilarity as Pencil tries a variety of toppers and innovative uses while enlisting the help of everyone from Eraser and Scissors to Sticky Notes and Flashlight in an effort to regain Jackson’s attention.”

—Pallas Gates McCorquodale

BYU Children’s Book & Media Review

“…This book is not just a fun read but is also a marvelous learning tool, as it also introduces synonyms to young children, counts up to ten, and shows many different sea creatures. Anne-Claire Delisle has the most endearing illustrations. With the bright colors and characters’ goofy smiles, Going for a Sea Bath is a visual feast. This father-daughter adventure is one that will bring giggles to little ones and deserves a permanent place in any library.”

Click here to read the full review

Library School Journal

“A strength of this title is the action verbs and rich vocabulary that is introduced….The text and illustrations also work well together….This title lends itself to discussion about friendship and being open to try new things. VERDICT A strong choice for a preschool storytime or a one-on-one sharing.”

–Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA

Click here to read the full review