  KidLit in Color author Valerie Bolling is excited to reveal the cover for TOGETHER WE SWIM (illustrated by Kaylani Juanita and published by Chronicle). This picture book, which is a companion for 2022’s TOGETHER WE RIDE will be released on August 15, 2023. What does the cover say? VB: First of all, shout-out to Kaylani Juanita for these heart-warming illustrations! I love how she depicts the love between mother and son and the special moment they share as she’s teaching him to swim. This cover screams parental love and, of course, “Let’s swim!” Why should folks read this book? VB: This book celebrates an important achievement in a child’s life: learning how to swim. There are other books about swimming, but what makes this one special is that it highlights the bond between child and adult that’s required to succeed in learning this skill. Since a father-daughter relationship was showcased in TOGETHER WE RIDE, readers will enjoy seeing the mother and son from that book as the focus of TOGETHER WE SWIM. What’s Next? VB: On May 2, 2023 the first book, THE GRAY DAY, in my early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS (illustrated by Kai Robinson and published by Scholastic Acorn), will make its appearance, and the second book in the series, THE GOLD BOWL, arrives in September. BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM! (illustrated by Sabrena Khadija and published by Abrams Appleseed) will be released on August 8, 2023 – a week before TOGETHER WE SWIM. Looking ahead to 2024, I’ll welcome the third RAINBOW DAYS book, THE ORANGE WALL, as well as I SEE COLOR, a co-authored book with Kailei Pew (illustrated by Laylie Frazier and published by Harper Collins). I’m excited to get these books into schools, libraries, bookstores, and, ultimately, into the hands of young readers.  What does the cover say?
KJ: Encouragement! A proud mama swimming with her confident son. I hope readers look at the cover and hear the ambiance of a community pool, the mother cheering him on, and the child laughing. Why should folks read this book? KJ: Valerie does an excellent job capturing the nervous excitement and rewarding enjoyment of learning new skills. Together We Ride, and Together We Swim are the perfect books to revisit and unwind after a long day of learning something new! What’s Next? KJ: I’m currently illustrating two books and working on the art for a project I wrote. I also have an upcoming release in September 2023 for another book I illustrated, Loud and Proud, written by Lesa Cline-Ransome. I’ll be around! Comments are closed.
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