PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
Kaylani Juanita illustrates inclusive picture books, such as Ta-Da!, When Aiden Became a Brother, and Magnificent Homespun Brown, for which she received the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award. Her mission as an artist is to support the stories of the underrepresented and create new ways for people to imagine themselves. She currently lives in Fairfield, CA. You can find her on Instagram at @kaylanijuanita. Valerie Bolling has been an educator for twenty-seven years. Valerie serves as the co-chair of the NESCBWI Equity and Inclusion Team and is a member of SCBWI, the Authors Guild, and NCTE. She lives in Stamford, CT, and you can find her at valeriebolling.com.
"""Bolling's short rhyming text is accessible to those just dipping their toes into the reading waters. The illustrations in muted tones include...cultural touches that embrace and celebrate diversity. [A] joyful exuberance of conquering one's fears... with the calming steadiness of a loving family."" -- Horn Book Magazine Together We Swim is a 2023 Kirkus Prize Finalist ""Bolling's succinct, concise, yet seamless rhyming lines join with Juanita's gorgeous artwork to illustrate a close-knit Black family's joy-filled day at the pool."" -- Booklist, starred review ""This excellent read-aloud celebrates accomplishment and honors fear and a misstep or two."" -- School Library Journal ""Touching moments in the art pair well with the text. Black family pride and joy abound--this is a family that allows its little ones the space to make forays into independence while supporting them every step of the way. Warmly buoyant."" -- Kirkus, starred review"
