An important book with a beautiful message, LOVE GROWS HERE, has sprouted on bookshelves everywhere from author Chloe Ito Ward, illustrator Violet Kim, and publisher Albert Whitman & Company!
"After a racist encounter, an Asian American girl decides to fight hate by spreading love.
Aiko learns that Japanese Americans were once put in prison camps in her own country―the US―and that there are still some people who don't like her, for no reason. But Aiko also learns that people respond to acts of kindness."
Chloe is one of my critique partners and I can tell you one of her strengths is weaving beautiful, lyrical language into her writing. And Love Grows Here has that from the first sentence! "Flounders fly and fishmongers sing..." is a beautiful way to describe an outdoor market. This book truly shows how love can grow from a simple act of kindness! There's also an important history of internment camps included in gentle, kid-friendly language. Plus, there's a deep personal connection revealed in the author's note that is heartbreaking but also hopeful. And Violet Kim's illustrations are sweet, colorful, and inviting. I especially adore the beautiful, illustrated glossary of Japanese terms used in the story! LOVE GROWS HERE is perfect for elementary classrooms, libraries, and home to build empathy, understanding and compassion!
Create paper flowers to give to others like Aiko and make love grow!
LOVE GROWS HERE by Chloe Ito Ward and Violet Kim
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Chloe has generously offered to give away a copy of LOVE GROWS HERE! Please go to my X (Twitter) to enter the giveaway and Instagram for an extra chance at winning this beautiful and important BOOK!
ICYMI
POP-UP PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Please help spread the word! Only 5 spots left in the POP-UP Party!
Do you know someone who debuted a picture book in 2023 or earlier? Do you know someone who has multiple picture books published? Ask them to come join the party! A BOOK + GIFT POP-UP Party! And a bonus to joining the POP-UP Party, you will also be featured in the BIG end-of-year holiday BOOK + GIFT list! Just in time for holiday shoppers to find the perfect books and gifts for children on their lists!
Last year's POP-UP Party was a blast! We had 10 creators join us and had multiple giveaways!
Just fill out the Google Doc to join! The BOOK + GIFT Pop-Up Party sign-up for non-debut creators is officially OPEN! (The form will close when we have 10 creators! )
Note: If you have already been featured on BOOK + GIFT (yay!) you are still eligible to join the Pop-Up Party so long as you submit a different book than what was featured on BOOK + GIFT previously.
MONTHLY BLOG FEATURE
If you are a 2024 debut Picture Book or debut Novel-in-Verse creator the Google Form is open to be featured on BOOK + GIFT! No need to wait until your debut month, you can fill out the form now! May, June, and July debuts please don't delay! I'm eager to celebrate you during your Book Birthday month!
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YOU ARE A GIFT!