Picturing Books Database launches!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Picturing Books Database. This is not just repackaging of data: Our service combines data from dozens of print sources, thousands of picture books, and countless publisher, author, and illustrator websites. We spent over a year developing this tool because we think there is a lack of quality resources exploring the art of the picture book. At a time of transition for picture books, we think this tool will bring more picture books and readers together by helping people find just the right title.

database.picturingbooks.com

New Valentine's Day Books

	Sunday Love. Written and illus. by Alison Paul. Houghton Mifflin, 2010. ISBN 0618991840. Illustrated in a limited palette of black, white, and red, this silly and nearly wordless book follows the daring escape attempt of one very determined burglar from the Big House. Dressed in prison stripes, burglar's mask, and ball-and-chain, Bruno the Burglar digs his way out of prison -- with a spoon no less -- on Valentine's Day. The dramatic art and comic-strip layout add to the slapstick atmosphere as Bruno reaches his destination and his one true love. And just so you know, no desserts were harmed in the making of this book.
	Kiss Kiss. Written and illus. by Selma Mandine. Scholastic, 2009. ISBN 0375864318. "What is a kiss like?” asks a teddy bear. The little boy tells the bear that there are all kinds of kisses. His father gives him prickly kisses and his dog kisses are wet. And while his grandpa's kisses are like cotton candy, his grandma's are noisy, as if she were licking a lollipop. When the bear still doesn't understand, the boy give him a special kiss, and he discovers that there and many types of kisses but the best are from people you love.