Susan Gal’s feisty characters are a big hit in Austria! The Tichy Ice Cream parlors of Vienna have recently been overrun with Susan’s darling little critters advertising their unique flavors. Listen to what a kind local had to say about her charming illustrations:

“Since I am Viennese we have to live with the billboards in our streets for the whole period of summer. I love the slightly lunatic glances your animals have. The leopard is my favorite with his little green friend. Hope you have had the chance to taste the marvelous ice-apricot-dumplings”

If anyone is traveling to Vienna this summer, Susan would love for you to email a photo of a Tichy billboard or poster. And if it is at all possible, the blogger would be most appreciative if that same tourist would kindly send a few of those infamous ice-apricot-dumplings.

Raul Colon’s “As Good As Anybody” has received the 2009 Skipping Stones Honor Award which recognizes children’s books supporting understanding of our world’s diverse cultures. The story details the revolutionary friendship between the freedom fighters Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel. Good going, Raul!

Tween artist Laura Tallardy has enlisted in the craft revolution by recently becoming an Etsy member. This unique web community, which features handmade wares directly from artists, is the perfect venue for her whimsical paper dolls and customizable portraits. Be sure to take a look at her delightful store here, and support your local crafter!

Andrea U’Ren, as recipient of this years Texas Bluebonnet award for her charming work on “One Potato, Two Potato,” was recently flown down to Texas to speak to her fans and to autograph books for the masses. Here are some pictures from her successful trip!

Here with see Andrea with the book’s author, Cynthia DeFelice:

Don Kilpatrick recently learned that his charming book “You Can’t Go to School Naked!”, written by his mother-in-law, has been included in the 2009 Children’s Choices List.

Children’s Choices is a recommended reading list and a joint project of the International Reading Associateion (IRA) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC). 10,000 children vote on submissions, with only the top 100 books making the list.

The complete list will be published this month, just before the IRA’s annual convention. Check here for Don’s book, along with other titles!

Wendy Edelson was thrilled when, over the course of two days, her charming book Saturn for my Birthday won two independent publishing awards! Wendy took home the Reader Views Second Place Award for children’s fiction ages 6-8, and was a Foreward Magazine 2008 Book of the Year finalist in the picture book category.

This certainly gives the acclaimed artist a lot to share as she makes not one, but two appearances in her local area of Winslow, Washington. The first, taking place at Oil & Water on Saturday, March 21 from 1-3 pm, will offer an interesting view into her illustration career, processes, and experiences. There will also be snazzy demonstrations!

Wendy will also be at Eagle Harbor Books on Sunday, May 16th from 12-1pm, reading from Saturn for my Birthday and showing some beautiful original art from the book.

Congratulations, Wendy!

Don Kilpatrick illustrated his first children’s book this year, which was written by his mother-in law: “You Can’t Go To School Naked”.

Amazon.com’s description:

“A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Lots of kids like to run around naked and here’s a funny book to remind them why it’s best to keep their clothes on, particularly at school. Just think about it—could you go down the slide? Steal second base? This little guy’s parents warn him of many dangers he’d face if he went to school without clothes on, and eventually he sees their point. But if he has to wear something, it’s going to be what he chooses (and it’s only slightly better than going naked).

Kids will giggle and squirm at the silly scenarios this little guy imagines and cheer his unique solution.”

Click here to purchase a copy.

We recently received copies in our office of Elizabeth Rosen’s latest picture book, Portraits of Jewish American Heroes.

Amazon.com’s description:

“An absorbing, inspiring tour of the 350-year Jewish American adventure. From its beginnings, America, founded on religious freedom, has been a land of opportunity for Jews, socially, economically, and spiritually,” writes Rabbi Malka Drucker in introducing twenty compelling individuals who have enriched our country by their achievements. In areas including science, sports, filmmaking, and civil rights, we meet male and female heroes who set an example, made a positive difference, and took a risk to do it. This beautifully produced volume spans three centuries of history, beginning with Haym Solomon and ending with Daniel Pearl. Each individual’s likeness, spirit, and contribution are captured in a distinctive and striking color portrait created with a variety of different media.”

Click here to purchase a copy!

Following in the footsteps of our parent website morgangaynin.com, we’re launching MGI Kids’ very own blog!  It’ll feature all the books our wonderful artists publish when they are released, as well as any other noteworthy news.  Please check back soon for fresh content!