Much thought has been given this year to who should be the Global Read Aloud 2015 picture book author study because of the incredible 2 years we have already had.  While topping the genius of Peter H. Reynolds and Eric Carle is not an easy feat, I have declared that this year, it is the year of the female picture book authors!

The process has changed a little bit this year, I have done a lot of thinking and decided to start out with a narrow field of only two choices.  I feel both choices offer incredible books that will start a wealth of connections, offer deep connections within the classroom, and be accessible to many countries.  So without further ado, behold the two choices that you can vote for this year.

First Choice:

The amazing Amy Krouse Rosenthal!

To see Am’s website and her incredible books, go here

This incredible author who has written some of my own childrens’ and students’ favorite books.  Her books consistently serve a huge audience as they spark conversations in children young and old and the sheer variety she offers would mean there is a great book for everyone.

From Amy’s website:

According to The New York Times, Amy’s award-winning children’s books “radiate fun the way tulips radiate spring: they are elegant and spirit-lifting.” Her 20+ books for children include Little Pea, Exclamation Mark, Spoon, Chopsticks, Duck! Rabbit!, Yes Day, Uni the Unicorn, The Wonder Book, Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons, Plant a Kiss, and Wumbers.

Second Choice:

The super duo of awesomeness; Ame Dyckman and Ashley Spires.

A Global Read Aloud first; a combination of two incredible picture book authors who have yet to publish 6 picture books on their own, but have plenty when combined.  Both of these writers have created incredible books that also resonate with any age, prompting giggles and inspiration whenever they are read.

About Ashley:

To see Ashley’s website and her incredible books, go here

Author and illustrator Ashley Spires grew up in Tsawwassen, BC and after stints living in Toronto and Saskatoon, she now lives in Ladner, having made an educated decision to never move from BC again. She is the creator of the Binky The Space Cat series of junior graphic novels, which have earned her numerous awards, including the Silver Birch Express and the Hackmatack. Her picture books, including Larf, Small Saul and The Most Magnificent Thing, are known for providing readers, young and old, with a good laugh.

When not drawing, she is often jogging with her dog Gordon or wrangling her three cats, Penny, Fran and Gracie.

About Ame:

To visit Ame’s website and see her incredible books, go here

Voting information:

Voting starts now and will conclude February 28th at midnight, with the chosen authors revealed March 1st.  This gives educators around the world plenty of time to order the books for the Global Read Aloud 2015.  I hope you are as excited about the choices as I am, either way, I know #GRA15 will be an incredible opportunity to connect the world, one book at a time.