Jan Spivey Gilchrist's WE ARE SHINING and Marilyn Singer's FEEL THE BEAT are featured among

We are happy to announce that WE ARE SHINING (HarperCollins), by Gwendolyn Brooks and illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist and FEEL THE BEAT: DANCE POEMS THAT ZING FROM SALSA TO SWING (Dial/Penguin), by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Kristi Valiant have both been included in the 2018 edition of Bank Street College of Education’s The Best Children's Books of the Year in the Poetry category for ages five to nine.

When choosing books each year for this prestigious volume, reviewers always consider many features, including literary quality, excellence of presentation, emotional impact on young readers, credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, and much more.

Please join us in congratulating the authors and artists of WE ARE SHINING and FEEL THE BEAT on their books being included. And just to remind you, Jan Spivey Gilchrist is available for speaking engagements, and Marilyn Singer is available for Skype chats. Contact Balkin Buddies for scheduling and other details.

Way to go, Jan and Marilyn!