Latest news, reviews, and honors:

School Library Journal awards Pamela F. Kirby's What Bluebirds Do with a starred review in its May 2009 issue:

"Brilliantly sharp, close-up photos portray one season in the life of a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and their babies. The striking cover of a male in midair bringing a worm to his mate is irresistible, and the inside photos are equally engaging. ... Kirby, photographing from a blind in her own backyard, has done for the Bluebird what Nic Bishop did for The Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic, 1999). Pair the two to inspire young naturalists and photographers."

In its May 1, 2009 issue, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books features a review of Asma Mobin-Uddin's A Party in Ramadan:

"The story itself is a carefully constructed and sweetly iced literary confection, but there’s plenty of information for non-Muslims embedded in the text, illustrations, and author’s note, and plenty of encouragement and comfort in the message for children celebrating Ramadan among those of other (or no) faiths."

Booklist, in the May 1, 2009 issue, writes the following about Suzanne Bloom's A Mighty Fine Time Machine:

"Children who have ever created anything out of a box will identify with the trio’s ingenuity. The colored pencil-and-gouache illustrations add warmth and humor to the story. Bloom’s whimsical word choice will further draw children into the story and have them rooting for the friends’ success."

Kirkus Reviews, in the March 15, 2009 issue, writes the following about Pamela F. Kirby's What Bluebirds Do:

“This welcome introduction to the habits of eastern bluebirds features crisp photographs of a mated pair's courtship, nesting and rearing of five babies to fledging and beyond. ... Both enlightening and invigorating.”

Lorianne Siomades' Katy Did It! was reviewed in the March 1, 2009 issue of School Library Journal:

"Digitally created jewel-tone illustrations are airy and uncluttered against a pure white background. Shadows on the white space as [Katy] makes her highest hop above the anthill give a spread a wonderfully three-dimensional appearance. Sound effects mimic Katy’s hops, ever advancing the story, and the insect’s simplified face with round, googly eyes is especially expressive. This bright, bouncy story will be a favorite with youngsters."

Here's what School Library Journal says about Suzanne Bloom's A Mighty Fine Time Machine in its March 1, 2009 issue:

“Any child who has ever built a blanket fort or played inside a box should be able to relate to these anthropomorphic animals. ... [T]his is a fun selection.”

The March 15, 2009 issue of Booklist features a review of Asma Mobin-Uddin's A Party in Ramadan:

“With lively pastel-and-pencil artwork, this warm picture book shows and tells the observance and meaning of Ramadan through the viewpoint of a Muslim child in a diverse neighborhood. ... The blend of the upbeat and challenging moments will spark discussion, and a final note fills in more about the holy month and what it means.”