ReFoReMo Day 20: Book Marketer/Promotions Deborah Sloan Shares Big Issue Books

By Deborah Sloan

I’m not an author, I’m not an artist, I’m not an editor or an art director. That said, I spend my days sharing their talents by promoting their books to the people who read them with kids. I’m honored to work with my publishing clients (Phaidon, minedition, Kane Press and Greystone Kids) and proud to take their work out of my bag and read them aloud.

Here are a few current picture books that give voice to big issues with writing and artwork that’s just spot on:

A Kirkus Best Book, a National Council of Social Studies’ Notable, a USBBY Outstanding International Trade book, Marwan’s Journey by Patricia de Arias, illustrated by Laura Borràs, is the journey of one boy who longs for a home with uncertainty and hopes for a peaceful future. As I said when chatting with NPR’s Deborah Amos, “the text is so lyrical and so beautiful, without being heavy handed” and the art complements without taking over.

I’ll leave it to Elizabeth Bird of A Fuse #8 Production SLJ blog to describe Hazelnut Days by Emmanuel Boudier, illustrated by ZAÜ: "a whipsmart approximation of all the conflicted feelings a child is privy to when they visit a beloved parent behind bars. A book that works beyond its surface message.” Read more here. 

In Brick, Who Found Herself In Architecture, by Joshua David Stein, and illustrated by Julie Rothman, a young brick goes on a journey to find her place in the world. Yup, you read that right: a young brick. 

It’s A Girl Thing!: Smart, Fierce and Leading the Way by Pri Ferrari. A perfect introduction to girl power for kids who love or are on the cusp of reading Stong is the New Petty, She Persisted and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Simple and sure to inspire the next generation of rule-makers and rule-breakers.

“Home is where you make it.” Seems so simple, but it’s really a big think for preschoolers. Nests by Pepe Márquez; illustrated by Natalia Colombo, is “a warm assurance that ‘every nest is as special as every bird’” (Kirkus) — or child. 

Here’s to big ideas!

Deborah is offering a $150 coupon to KIDSBUZZ for one lucky winner. To be eligible for prizes throughout the challenge, you must be registered by March 4, comment on each post, consistently read mentor texts, and enter the Rafflecopter drawing at the conclusion of ReFoReMo.

Deborah Sloan is a marketing professional with over 30 years experience guiding children’s book authors, illustrators, and publishers, reach the people who buy and sell their books. Sloan runs Deborah Sloan and Company and KidsBuzz and her passion for books and their creators drives everything she does.