- Sep 4
The True Story of One Woman,
the Declaration of Independence,
and America's Fight for Freedom
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Roaring Brook Press
(MacKids)
pub. 2.18.2025
40 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Karen Blumenthal and
Jen McCartney
Illustrator: Elizabeth Baddeley
Character: Mary Katharine Goddard
Overview:
"Who was Mary Katharine Goddard?
Born in 1738, she was homeschooled by her mother in reading and math. She took over her brother’s printing shop a few years later and became an expert in printing newspapers, essays, and posters.
When the American Revolution started, she published important news that helped the fight against the British – even if it meant that if she was caught, she’d be punished for treason. In 1776, Mary was asked to print the Declaration of Independence – she is the only woman whose name is on the Declaration."
Tantalizing taste:
"She wanted to put her mark on this document [The Declaration of Independence] even if it would be considered treason. She wasn't just M.K. She was Mary.
That was daring.
That was revolutionary.
That was…
M-A-R-Y POUND!*POUND!*POUND!
K-A-T-H-A-R-I-N-E
CRANK, WHOOSH! CRANK, WHOOSH!
G-O-D-D-A-R-D
And something more: Jen McCartney in the Author's Note explains: "When my mom, Karen Blumenthal passed away unexpectedly in 2020, my family and I knew there was so much more work that she'd wanted to share with the world. She had written a draft of this, her first picture book, and was excited about its possibilities. My mom and I had always talked about writing a picture book together, and so I dove into her draft and research to finish the project.
Mary's story explored many topics my mom was passionate about: feminism, defiance in the face of stacked odds, a free press, and characters in history who are so often forgotten. In
working on this book, I was also struck by the mother – daughter relationship between Mary and Sarah.… It was an honor to finish this project and finally get to collaborate with my mom."
How Lillian B. Disney Shaped the Disney Legacy
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Beach Lane Books/A Paula Wiseman Book
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
pub. 6.3.2025
40 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Brittany Richman
Illustrator: Joanie Stone
Character: Lillian B. Disney
Overview:
"As a child, Lilly learned that working behind-the-scenes was its own special talent. When she grew up, her magical sense of adventure led her to the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. She became one of the first women in the animation industry, where she worked as an ink and paint artist and later, as the studio’s first secretary.
After Lilly and Walt fell in love, they got married in 1925, and Lilly continued adding her own magic to Walt’s wild ideas—including encouraging him to keep trying cartoons when the studio was in danger of closing and giving Mickey Mouse his name. Together, they became an unstoppable team. From cartoon ideas to theme park innovations, Lilly helped shape Disney history."
Tantalizing taste:
"Lilly thought about the magic that had shaped her life – in the behind- the- scenes, everyday moments….There was magic found in laughter… in courage … and in love. So there must be magic inside herself, too – a magic that would never fade, as long as she kept believing. And even though her magic was different from Walt's, it was enough.
With Roy's Help, Disney World was completed…
Lilly B. Disney still believed in magic. She promised herself she'd spend the rest of her life behind the scenes, helping others believe in it too. After all, that was just the way she liked it."
And something more: Brittany Richman in the Author's Note explains: "I've been a huge Disney fan since I was a little girl.… In fact, writing this story came about quite unexpectedly on one trip. As we walked down Main Street, we passed the copper Partners statue of Walt Disney holding Mickey Mouse's hand. Something about it caught my eye: Walt's hand had a wedding ring on it. I had never thought about Walt being married. Who was his wife? Surely she had played a role in his success. My research into the life of Lillian Bounds Disney started that very moment."
- Sep 2
Updated: Sep 4
The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés
and World Central Kitchen
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Random House Studio
pub. 2.13.2024
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Erin Frankel
Illustrator: Paola Escobar
Character: José Andrés
Overview:
"José Andrés’s love of cooking began as a young boy in Spain as he gathered the wood to make the fire that would cook the paella just right. José loved everything about it: the sizzling olive oil, the mounds of chopped vegetables, and the smell of saffron. When he left home, he realized he wanted to tell stories with food. And tell them he did, creating magic with the seeds of ripe tomatoes and pomegranates and cheese. His dreams grew until they were as big as the stars in the sky. He thought, No one should ever go hungry. I want to help feed the world-- and World Central Kitchen was born.
From the earthquake in Haiti to the war in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic, José and his team at World Central Kitchen have been at the frontlines, serving more than 200 million meals and counting, and bringing comfort and hope in the darkest times."
Tantalizing taste:
"No es solo el arroz.
A paella is so much more than just rice.
Especially if it is Sunday in Spain
And you are a boy and your name is
José Andrés
And you are gathering the wood
that will make the fire
That will cook the paella just right
That will feed a few ... or many.
ALL are welcome."
And something more: Erin Frankel in the Author's Note : "José Andrés was nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his disaster relief efforts... As an immigrant, José thought the stars in the American flag represented possibility - the same possibility that stirred him in the historic words WE THE PEOPLE. José reminds us that together our stars shine brightly. Together, todo es posible.'
