The Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute is accepting submissions for its annual Children’s Book Awards, recognizing excellence in published picture books by Black authors and illustrators.

Submissions are encouraged from both emerging and established authors and illustrators of African descent whose published works reflect culture, identity, and community. Submission deadline: April 15, 2026

Submit your work and learn more at:
https://www.ppgjli.org/ppgjli-childrens-book-awards

Our Sacred Land of Phežúta by Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ (Tara Perron) is out now! Order your copy from the MNHS Shop.

Justice Bell Bey is launching his new book on bullying prevention: Bell Bell Overcomes Bullying. You can find out more about the book and his upcoming author events here!

The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library picked Cristina Oxtra’s What Lolo Wants as their One Book|One Minnesota featured book! Click here to access the eBook. Find out more about the program here. Let’s read together!

Sign up for Sun Yung Shin’s amazing newsletter here!

Visit MN BIPOC KidLit Creators at the International Festival of MN (formerly Festival of Nations)! Authors will host activities and sell books on April 10–11 at the St. Paul Rivercentre. More than 70 nations and ethnic communities will be represented to celebrate the vibrant diversity of Minnesota and the world. For more information, visit https://www.ifestmn.org.

Come check out the Rewind Book Fair and see the MN BIPOC KidLit Creators! Happening April 18–19 from 11am-5pm each day at the MN State Fairgrounds, it’s the book fair for grown-ups. Find more information and get your tickets HERE.

Celebrate the launch of Our Sacred Land of Phežúta by Tara Perron and Holly Young at the Minnesota History Center. The event is free. Register here.

Join One Book|One Minnesota for a virtual author conversation  on
Wednesday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m. with author Cristina Oxtra! This event is free and open to the public. Registration required 

Author Sarah Warren’s nonprofit Picture Book Parade will begin its new season of story strolls and author visits at the Midtown Farmers Market on May 2nd! Check out www.picturebookparade.com for details!

Vanessa Lee Christensen will be a Picture Book Parade featured author from 11-12am on Saturday, May 2nd at the Midtown Farmers Market (2225 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota). She will meet fans and sign books. The first 10 readers to visit the author tent will get a free book! Click here for details!

Join Art Coulson at the Midtown Farmers Market on May 2nd from 10-11am for a story time, art project, and book signing. The first 10 readers will get a free copy of his book! All the Stars in the Sky will be on display as a story stroll from 9-noon. Visit www.picturebookparade.com to find out more.

Save the date for AAPI Creative Voices, a community event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander artists, storytellers and creatives.

Date: Saturday, May 31st

Time: 3:00-4:30PM 

Locations: Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative in Northeast Minneapolis

Hosted by Emiko Rainbow, this event is supported by the MRAC Creative Connections Grant. ALL are invited to this family friendly event!

 Three things about . . . Payal Doshi

 Which character was the most challenging to write?

In my MAGIC GEMS chapter book series, Scarlett was the most challenging character to write at first. The story follows four magical kids, but in the first book Scarlett begins as a bit of a frenemy to the others. Shaping her journey from slightly mean to someone who recognizes her mistakes and becomes a loyal friend was harder than I expected, especially since I had to do it in just ten chapters!

 What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Friendship is at the heart of MAGIC GEMS. I hope readers see that they don’t have to face challenges alone. When friends listen, support one another, and share their strengths, even the toughest problems can be solved. I want young readers to know that kindness, trust, and teamwork make us stronger, braver, and happier.

 What is the best writing advice you've ever received?

Finish the first draft—no matter how messy, unpolished, or unpredictable it may be. Just put that final period.

Check out Payal’s work at https://www.payaldoshiauthor.com!

Sarah Warren was the guest storyteller at Planting People Growing Justice’s Readers Are Leaders Event! Find out more about PPGJ and how you can attend a future event here.