Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas Book Review and Giveaway

Thursday, January 27, 2022



ABOUT THE BOOK

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Illustrated by Loveis Wise

Ages 4-8 | 40 Pages

Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 9780063021891

Publisher’s Synopsis: Celebrate the life-changing power of art in this inspiring and stunningly illustrated picture book biography of American artist Alma Thomas.

Meet an incredible woman who broke down barriers throughout her whole life and is now known as
one of the most preeminent painters of the 20th century. Told from the point of view of young Alma Thomas, readers can follow along as she grows into her discovery of the life-changing power of art.

As a child in Georgia, Alma Thomas loved to spend time outside, soaking up the colors around her. And her parents filled their home with color and creativity despite the racial injustices they faced. After the family moved to Washington DC, Alma shared her passion for art by teaching children. When she was almost seventy years old, she focused on her own artwork, inspired by nature and space travel.

In this celebration of art and the power of imagination, Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise tell the incredible true story of Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York City and to have her work chosen for the White House collection. With her bold and vibrant abstract paintings, Alma set the world ablaze with color.

Ablaze with Color includes extensive backmatter with photos, an author’s and illustrator’s note, a timeline, and a list of sources and resources, which will be a great tool for parents, educators, and librarians. Perfect for Women’s History Month and Black History Month units alongside such favorites as Malala’s Magic Pencil, Hidden Figures, and Mae Among the Stars.

Available for purchase on Amazon here or available on bookshop.org here.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeanne Walker Harvey has been a longtime docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Just like Alma Thomas, Jeanne believes that art brings us joy. Her other picture books include Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines and My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey. Jeanne studied literature and psychology at Stanford University. She lives in Northern California.

Visit her online at www.jeanneharvey.com.


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Loveis Wise is an illustrator and designer from Washington, DC. They are currently based in Los Angeles and their work often speaks to themes of joy and liberation. Their work can be found through the New Yorker, Google, Adobe, and the New York Times.

You can find them online at www.loveiswise.com.


REVIEW
The illustrations and the color in this book by Loveis Wise are phenomenal. The images really reflect the style and artistry of Alma Thomas. The colors, the style, the bold and vibrant strokes are really eye-catching, memorable and have a strong understanding of the use of color. You get a sense of Alma Thomas's style and art from the book. The art just makes the story come alive and seem full of joy and imagination. The story itself I feel is an important one from kids. It gives Alma's history and struggles and then her striving to not settle. She was determined to pave her own life and break barriers. She creates art that's bold, beautiful and bright. I also liked that Thomas encouraged art with others. This is an inspiring tale that will encourage kids to reach for their dreams and not be afraid to use their imaginations to create art. I felt like this book was really put together nicely between the art and the text. It's something that easily could be read at homes, schools, and the classrooms. And teachers and parents could have children create art with bold colors as a supplement activity. This book is just beautifully done. I highly recommend checking it out. It's something that you will want to share with your kids and others.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of the picture book Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas!

Three (3) winners receive:

A classroom set of Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, autographed and personalized for each student and the teacher by Jeanne Walker Harvey (no more than 30 books per set).

Ablaze with Color: Book Giveaway


Please note that this post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jeanne Walker Harvey. I received a free ebook to review, however, I shared my honest opinion.

2022 Releases with Shadow Mountain Publishing

Thursday, January 20, 2022



I interviewed the marketing coordinator of Shadow Mountain Publishing, Callie Hansen, and asked her about books that are releasing this year. If you're like me, you like to know what books to anticipate and to start adding to your "Goodreads" TBR list. This will also help you plan out book clubs, any book challenges that you're doing and to know what books are "must" reads for the coming year.

Life Is What It's Called - What would you say the theme of books coming out this year would be? 

Callie Hansen - It's hard to say we have a definitive theme across the board when we have such a diverse array of books coming to bookstores this year. We at Shadow Mountain cultivate stories worth telling, questions worth exploring, and beauty worth sharing to improve the lives of families, children, and our society, and 2022 is no different. 

Life Is What It's Called - What are some of the non-fiction books coming out that we should add to our TBR pile?

Callie Hansen - Each year we partner with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square to publish a Christmas book. This year's will feature a unique collection of 24 of the most beloved Christmas carols in a traditional advent format. Expect to see more about this title soon! 


Life Is What It's Called - What are the romance books that readers should anticipate for this year? 

Callie Hansen - Right of the bat we are very excited for Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks coming February 1, 2022. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance takes place at the height of the French Revolution in Marseilles and will most definitely capture the hearts of historical fiction fans. Additionally, we're adding 5 novels to our Proper Romance® Series this year. 

First up is The Valet's Secret by Josi S. Kilpack, a Regency Cinderella retelling coming March 8. 

Games in a Ballroom by debut author Jentry Flint will excite Regency fans alike and releases May 3. 

Krista Jensen will release her second Proper Romance, a new Edwardian titled Hearts of Briarwall on August 2. 

Expect to hear more about the other 2 books later this year. 

Life Is What It's Called - What are some of the upcoming children's books that are coming out?

Callie Hansen - [See my response for #6-8] 

Life Is What It's Called - What exciting new debut authors should we read? 

Callie Hansen - Check out Dustin Hansen's The Legend of the Dream Giants, a beautifully well-written novel that will enchant children and adults alike.

I already mentioned Jentry Flint's Proper Romance, Games in a Ballroom, but it is worth mentioning a second time. Romance readers will love it. 

Life Is What It's Called - Are there any new middle grade series coming out this year? 

Callie Hansen - Not this year, but if you're reading this and you've got a great middle grade book with series potential, please send your manuscript our way! We're always looking for new books to publish, so if you've got something we'll like, submit it to us. 

Life Is What It's Called - What middle grade series will continue this year? 

Callie Hansen - Expect to see series from J. Scott Savage and Frank L. Cole continue this fall. 

Life Is What It's Called - What stand-alone middle grade books should we anticipate? 

Callie Hansen - Trusting True North by Gina Linko is an empathy-building title about a girl during the outbreak of a virus who is social distancing at home but separated from her mother due to a border closing. 

Camron Wright's best-selling novel The Rent Collector has been adapted for young readers. This is a book club favorite and frequently selected as a community-wide reading program, and we are excited to publish this book for a younger audience. Both Trusting True North and The Rent Collector arrive in bookstores April 5. 

Life Is What It's Called - Which book hitting the shelf this year is a "must" pre-order? 

Callie Hansen - I couldn't pick just one! Even the Dog Knows
by Jason F. Wright. This book follows a family's old beloved dog as he takes a final road trip to help his humans find forgiveness and healing. Trust me when I say it's a tear-jerker. It arrives in bookstores March 8. 

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly is based on the remarkable true story of the Carpathia—the only ship and her legendary captain who answered the distress call of the sinking Titanic. If you're like me and fascinated by Titanic history, this historical fiction is going to blow you away. It arrives in bookstores April 5, shortly before the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's fateful sailing. 

Life Is What It's Called - Are there any author events that we should add to our calendars? 

Callie Hansen - We have a few events in the works that we aren't quite ready to announce yet, but if you follow us on social media you'll be the first to know about upcoming in-person and virtual events. 


Which of these books will you read first? Learn more about Shadow Mountain Publishing here.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.

2022 Releases from Cedar Fort

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

I interviewed the editor of Cedar Fort Publishing, Angela Johnson, and asked her about books that are releasing this year. If you're like me, you like to know what books to anticipate and to start adding to your "Goodreads" TBR list. This will also help you plan out book clubs, any book challenges that you're doing and to know what books are "must" reads for the coming year.

Life Is What It's Called - What would you say the theme of books coming out this year would be? 

Angela Johnson - Cedar Fort's nonfiction books are focusing on the Savior, hope, and the Come Follow Me program. 

Life Is What It's Called - What are some of the non-fiction books coming out that we should add to our TBR pile? 

Angela Johnson - 

a. We have a fabulous new author Olivia Barney who has a beautiful perspective on Heavenly Mother. Her debut book releases on May 10, 2022 and is called Cheerful Christianity. It is a beautiful story about finding hope in the savior and his healing power, even when life wants to push you down. It is her story of pain and healing. Her second book releases on August 9, 2022 and is called Heavenly Mother, Are you Really There?. It is a way to learn and study about Heavenly Mother by reading the scriptures and studying conference talks. She shares what she has learned and how she has grown in her relationship with our Heavenly Mother. 

b. Another new author is Lynda Cherry. If you've ever wanted to delve into the Old Testament and New Testament and learn about Jewish culture and the scriptures check out her book The Redemption of the Bride: God's Redeeming Love for His Covenant People. It releases February 8, 2022. 

c. You'll want to check out Lori Denning, another new author, who has a spiritual gift for teaching the Old Testament. Her first book Real Heroes of the Old Testament releases May 10, 2022 and it shows us how the prophets of old were regular people who struggled as we do. She masterfully teaches how each one of us can find our spiritual potential by trusting in God. 

d. Parenting Teens in Stressful Times by Jen Doty and Jessica Peterson. Two University professors who use the gospel and their knowledge to help guide parents through the struggles of parenting teens. This book released today. Jan. 11, 2022. 

e. The Pursuit of Happi-nest. By popular mommy podcaster MaryJo Bell, Moms Meet World https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/moms-meet-world-maryjo-bell-VZKrLfmXaSb/ shares her story and advice for parenting. Releases February 8, 2022. 

I could really go on here, but I'll stop with those. We have so many wonderful books coming out this year. We are really excited to get them published. 

Life Is What It's Called - What are the romance books that readers should anticipate for this year? 

Angela Johnson - 

Jan 11 release
Anita Stansfield writing under the pen name Elizabeth D. Michaels has her Buchanan Saga series releasing this year. 5 books, the first released today. The Captain of her Heart Colonial Romance 

Feb 8 release 


March 8 release
Mary-Celeste Ricks, Green as Grass Regency Romance 
Scott Jackson and Jack Chatelain, The Dark Horse Regency Romance 
Anita Stansfield writing as Elizabeth D. Michaels, Captive Hearts Colonial Romance 

April 12 release
Aspen Hadley, Just Enough Magic Contemporary Romance

 May 10 release 
Anita Stansfield as Elizabeth D. Michaels, Captain's Angel Colonial Romance 

June 14 release 
Sean Kikkert, Sweetheart's Lake Regency mystery/romance 
Nathaniel Gee, Of Pigs and Priests Medieval Romance

July 12 release
Anita Stansfield as Elizabeth D. Michaels, Hearts Crossed Colonial Romance 
Rachel Nickle, Of Brighter Days book 2 in the Hearts of Eire series Victorian Romance 
Angela Johnson, Restoring Ashford Manor book 3 in the Earls of England series Regency Romance 

August 9 release 
Anita Stansfield writing as Anita Stansfield, The Scoundrel's Widow Regency Romance 

September 13 release 
Anita Stansfield writing as Elizabeth D. Michaels, The Captain's Rose Colonial Romance 
Shelly Powell, Shades of Pemberley Regency Romance 

Life Is What It's Called - What are some of the upcoming children's books that are coming out? 

Angela Johnson - We have the most amazing customizable children's books. https://www.cedarfort.com/collections/personalizable-childrens-books, They are darling and perfect for putting a person's child into the book. 

Al Carraway has a children's book, My Dear Little One that will be released August 9. 

Charlotte and Jonah Barnes, I am My Ancestors released today, Jan. 11. 

Courtney Warner, My Father's Plan releases Feb. 8th. 

Amber Corkin Willow Wants a Wart releases August 9th.

Life Is What It's Called - What exciting new debut authors should we read? 

Angela Johnson - 

Lori Denning - Real Heroes of the OT, Gathering a Remnant, Real Heroes of the NT 
Lynda Cherry - The Redemption of the Bride, Feasts and Festivals 
Olivia Barney - Cheerful Christianity, Heavenly Mother, are you Really There? 
Sam Castor - Zion Rising. 
Kimberly Turley - Circus of Shadows 
Brandon Greer - The Clandestine Queen, Liam Lewis and the Summer Camp Curse 6


Life Is What It's Called - Which book hitting the shelf this year is a "must" pre-order? 

NonFiction - There are so many, but if I were going to preorder one, it would be Gathering a Remnant by Lori Denning 

Cookbook 
Baking Magic by Sasha Nary 

Fiction 

Life Is What It's Called - Are there any author events that we should add to our calendars? 

Angela Johnson - March 24, 2022 Author marketing conference. Keep an eye on Cedar Fort's social media page for author book launches.


To find out more about Cedar Fort's new releases, click here. To pre-order, a Cedar Fort book, click here.

Which of these books are you excited to read?

Please note that this post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.

Keepsake Christmas Stories

Thursday, January 13, 2022


This commemorative collector's edition celebrates twenty years of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's beloved Christmas show—an annual tradition enjoyed by millions, both live on stage and through its holiday season broadcast on PBS stations, where it has earned Grammy and Emmy awards and nominations. Each year the show is hosted by a distinguished special guest, including Jane Seymour, Tom Brokaw, Kristen Chenoweth, and Hugh Bonneville. These holiday story adaptions have ranged from The Gift of the Magi to the story behind the writing of the hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" to the inspiring tale of "The Candy Bomber"—an unlikely American WWII hero who dropped candy from his airplane to the children of Germany.

This coffee table edition is the perfect holiday keepsake for all ages and features photographs of the stage productions alongside the stories, which also includes a weblink to hear the stories from every performance.

Review: Keepsake Christmas Stories shares rich and inspiring Christmas stories that help readers remember the Christmas spirit. The stories are ones that you will want to read over and over as a family each Christmas season in this beautiful keepsake book. The cover of this book is beautiful as well as the illustrations in the book. I enjoyed reading the stories that are told in an entertaining and inspiring manner. I found that it helped me keep the mindset of Christmas. This book is worth adding to your collection.  Learn more here.

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

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