The article previews the most anticipated children's books of 2026, featuring insights from nine authors and illustrators about their favorite upcoming titles across various age groups, highlighting diverse themes from animal stories and biographies to mysteries and fantasy.
David Walliams has been removed from the Waterstones Children's Book Festival lineup following allegations of inappropriate behavior towards young women, which he denies. HarperCollins, his publisher, cut ties with him, and he is no longer listed as a speaker at the festival. Walliams, a successful children's author, has not been informed of any allegations and is considering legal action.
Richard Osman continues to top Staffordshire libraries' most borrowed books list for the fourth consecutive year, with crime and thriller genres dominating, while Julia Donaldson leads the children's list. The list highlights popular titles in adult and children's fiction, reflecting ongoing reader preferences and the importance of libraries in communities.
Bess Kalb, a successful children's author and writer, shares her experiences and preferences in reading and watching TV shows and YouTube series with her two young sons, despite the challenges of managing screen time and the appeal of digital media.
Celebrating the 75th birthday of Beverly Cleary's beloved character Henry Huggins, the article highlights the book's impact on readers, its moral dilemmas, and discussions about its portrayal of Native American stereotypes, emphasizing its enduring influence and the importance of critical reading.
The article discusses the origins and creative process behind the classic children's book 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt,' highlighting how the original concept was different and how the illustrations and storytelling evolved, emphasizing themes of adventure, imagination, and ambiguity in children's literature. It also mentions the authors' subsequent collaboration on a new book.
A new list highlights the best children's books of 2024, offering recommendations for young readers and their parents. The selection includes a variety of genres and themes, aiming to inspire and entertain children while promoting literacy and a love for reading.
Doreen and Brian Cronin, a couple who met through Facebook, have successfully collaborated on children's books, including "Mama in the Moon," inspired by a real-life story of a baby sloth falling from a tree. Their work emphasizes themes of comfort and safety, with Brian's illustrations using dark tones and bright highlights to create a soothing bedtime experience for children.
Faith Ringgold, a pioneering Black quilt artist and author known for her vibrant and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles, and storytelling, has passed away at the age of 93. She broke down barriers for Black female artists and became a social activist, advocating for the representation of Black and female artists in American museums. Ringgold's highly personal works of art can be found in private and public collections around the country, and she also authored illustrated children's books that featured themes of self-realization and freedom. Born in Harlem in 1930, Ringgold was the daughter of a seamstress and dress designer and was a professor of art at the University of California in San Diego from 1987 until 2002.
Faith Ringgold, a renowned artist known for her story quilts depicting African-American experiences, has passed away at the age of 93. Her work encompassed paintings, sculptures, performance art, and children's books, focusing on Black and feminine life. Ringgold's art evolved from landscapes to story quilts, influenced by the civil rights movement and the Black Arts Movement. She leaves behind a legacy that has inspired and influenced a generation of artists, particularly Black artists, and her children's book "Tar Beach" continues to resonate with readers.
Faith Ringgold, a multimedia artist known for her pictorial quilts depicting the African American experience, has passed away at the age of 93. Her work explored themes of race, gender, class, family, and community through various media and later as a writer and illustrator of children's books. Ringgold was also an advocate for bringing the work of Black people and women into major American museums, and her art has been exhibited worldwide and is in the permanent collections of several prestigious institutions.
Laurent de Brunhoff, the author who continued and expanded the popular "Babar" series after his father's death, has passed away at the age of 98. He played a significant role in creating and perpetuating the fictive world of the elephant-king, Babar, and his kingdom, Celesteville. Despite the series' global success, it faced criticism for its portrayal of colonialism and racism. De Brunhoff's legacy includes millions of copies sold worldwide, television adaptations, and a lasting impact on children's literature.
Today co-anchor Hoda Kotb has released a new children's book, "Hope Is a Rainbow," aimed at teaching kids about hope and positivity. The book, inspired by her daughter Hope, emphasizes the message that "the storm will pass and you'll have a rainbow." Kotb believes that instilling a positive attitude in children is crucial, especially amid increased mental health challenges. She also shares her parenting lessons, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting boundaries while teaching her daughters about hope and resilience.
Maurice Sendak's studio in Ridgefield, Conn., remains frozen in time, preserving the whimsy, art, and books that fueled the imagination of the author of "Where the Wild Things Are." With a third posthumous book, "Ten Little Rabbits," set for release, Sendak's legacy of over 50 million copies sold and his unique ability to capture the essence of childhood in his illustrations continue to inspire future generations.
In honor of Black History Month, experts recommend using literature to educate children about Black history, with picks including "A Library" and "Bright April" recommended by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, "I Am Ruby Bridges" recommended by bookstore program director Brittni Robertson Powell, "Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library" recommended by children's book author Meg Medina, "The Black Kids" recommended by Denver teen librarian Juno Kling, and "ABC Black History and Me" recommended by Denver library branch manager Jameka Lewis. These books cover a range of ages and provide valuable insights into Black history and culture.