Tamisha Anthony – illustratör

Meet Sparrow-a curious young birder eager to explore her neighborhood's surroundings-in this STEM picture book written by a professional wildlife ornithologist.Sparrow sets out for a day of birding, where she watches, listens, and identifies the many types of birds around her through their color (red-a cardinal), song ("Cheer up! Cheer up!"-a robin), and movement (flitting backward, forward, and even upside down-a hummingbird). Using her notebook and markers, Sparrow records all the birds she sees on her walk.This interactive STEM offering is a welcome primer for young children interested in birding close to home. The back matter features an author's note, birding tips for kids to get started, and a primer birding field guide.

"Amid recent efforts to diversify bird-watching, this inviting work is especially welcome. Certain to cultivate a love of nature in all who pick it up." -Kirkus ReviewsMeet Sparrow-a curious young birder eager to explore her neighborhood's surroundings-in this STEM picture book written by a professional wildlife ornithologist.Sparrow sets out for a day of birding, where she watches, listens, and identifies the many types of birds around her through their color (red-a cardinal), song ("Cheer up! Cheer up!"-a robin), and movement (flitting backward, forward, and even upside down-a hummingbird). Using her notebook and markers, Sparrow records all the birds she sees on her walk.This interactive STEM offering is a welcome primer for young children interested in birding close to home. The back matter features an author's note, birding tips for kids to get started, and a primer birding field guide.And don't miss the second book in the Sparrow Loves Animals series: Sparrow Loves Reptiles!

Join Sparrow, a curious young scientist inspired by the natural world around her, as she explores her neighborhood park with her father in this STEM picture book featuring turtles, snakes, lizards, and more. Sparrow is always curious. She loves to go outside and search for animals, drawing her findings in her sketchbook. Today, she's looking for reptiles that slither, creep, and crawl. But these camouflaged animals are not always easy to spot as they blend into their surroundings. Luckily, Sparrow is patient as well as eager to learn more about the lizards, turtles, and snakes that inhabit the park in her neighborhood. Interactive and instructive, this companion title to Sparrow Loves Birds discusses the colors, patterns, shapes, and home locations of various reptiles. It's a rich STEM offering perfect for classroom and at-home use. It also contains a young reader's guide to the reptiles spotlighted in the story.

It’s Gram’s birthday, and the grandkids can’t wait to celebrate with her. There’s just one thing missing: a gift! So on their way to the party, the search is on. They spot lots of interesting things—a scritchy-scratchy pine cone, three jingly-jangly quarters, some clicky-clacky stones—but are any of them good enough for Gram?Fortunately, there’s no quashing the enthusiasm and creativity of these siblings, who have a marvelous time scouting and singing as they shimmy over to Gram’s, making the journey its own celebration. Their combined discoveries will make this a very special day indeed!This dynamic story shows the big impact a thoughtful gift from the heart can have, no matter how small it might be.

Jazmyn Simon's debut is a moving love letter to children struggling to accept themselves inside and out—exactly as they are. This gorgeous picture book was inspired by a conversation between the author and her daughter.I was shown all the smiles in the entire world. I looked at all of the many bright smiles until I found my favorite: your smile.After comparing herself to other little girls, Irie confides in her mama that she feels something is wrong with her, that she’s not perfect as she is. And so Irie’s mama tells the magical story of how Irie was intentionally and wonderfully made. In fact, Irie is made up of all her mother's favorite things: sparkling eyes, a bright smile, and a kind heart.Actor and activist Jazmyn Simon's tender picture book emphasizes the unique beauty and strength of all children, encouraging them to love their most perfect selves.

A joyous celebration of drums, heartbeats, and the bond between mother and child, by acclaimed African American musician Randy PrestonBass drum, steel pan, snare . . . is there any kind of drum this little boy’s mom can’t play? For as long as he can remember, drums have been a big part of their life together. And whether in the living room, the park, or the concert hall, he loves grooving with her. There’s something so soothing and special in the beat of each and every drum, which makes him wonder, what was the very first drum he heard?With rhythmic language mimicking the sounds of drumbeats and joyful illustrations illuminating the feeling of connection they create, this is a unique celebration of music—and motherhood—that families will treasure.

Gladys’s mind swirls with numbers and shapes as the world enters the high-tech space age. This is the lyrical true story of a groundbreaking Black mathematician whose inventions led to the creation of GPS.Little Gladys is a farm girl who loves math. But as a Black kid growing up in Virginia in the mid-twentieth century, she sees life around her as less than or greater than but never equal. When a teacher calls her “college material,” Gladys knows she can achieve her dreams—and goes on to get a higher education and land a job calculating trajectories and orbits at a naval base with only four Black employees. To help space rockets land safely, Gladys uses satellites to create a better model of Earth, which looks more like a lumpy potato from Gladys’s childhood than a perfect sphere! Gladys’s amazing work eventually leads to the creation of GPS, which now lets people everywhere navigate our uneven planet. Effervescent illustrations enhance the true story of this remarkable woman who paved the way for future thinkers and innovators. Back matter includes a biography, timeline, author’s note, references, and even a section on lumpy potato science!

There's No Place Like Hope shows the joys of childhood, from blossoming friendship to sticky-fingered summer days, and the imaginative, messy playtimes in between. With sensitivity, it also explores overcoming tough moments and paying kindness forward. The message is this: When you need a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, or a hug to make it all better, look to the people in your life.Hope is a gift that encourages us to be ourselves and live a life without limits. Hope makes us feel brave.This sweet, rhythmic text is a gentle yet powerful reminder of how hope makes us loving, courageous, and connected to one another. It's a heartening story to be read again and again, especially when the going gets rough.