Kirkus Best MG Novels 2020
Here is a list of a lot of wonderful middle grade books published in 2020. 100 to be exact. Want a good glimpse at what to pick up at the…
Here is a list of a lot of wonderful middle grade books published in 2020. 100 to be exact. Want a good glimpse at what to pick up at the…
Click here for a peek at the longlist for the 2020 National Book Awards. Our favorite, When Stars Are Scattered, written by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed is a
Does Scott ever feel like giving up? Well, that depends on what you mean by “giving up?” Breathing? Thinking? Dreaming? Or do you mean writing? Sending stories to magazines and…
What is Scott’s favorite thing to do? The answer is simple: write. But to write, you need to read. So reading is also his favorite thing to do. Of course,…
If Scott could ask an animal a question, what would the question be? Why ask some random pelican or any old elephant what they think about anything when he can…
Wednesday, September 16th, I’ll be appearing at the Orange County Children’s Virtual Book Fair. Click here to view my invitation. I’ll be reading my new FREE story, CHAMPION OF THE MARSH…
The theme for many picture books scheduled for Fall 2020 publication is positivity. Amongst the scores of new picture books coming soon, the messages are uplifting and positive with stories…
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to Scott? Here’s a hint: it involves pizza, a large German Shepard, and the risk of being impaled by the legs…
If Scott could invent anything, what would it be? Here’s a hint. It would be a gizmo. One version you’d wear on your wrist. Another would be a household model.…
Matt says there’s monsters in the swamp. Kenny says there aren’t. If Matt brings back a monster, he wins the bet. And no crazy lizards or big ‘ol bullfrogs. It’s…
For teachers and parents seeking material to share with students and children, our FREE children’s short story, CHAMPION OF THE MARSH, will soon be available along with lesson plans and…
Scott has traveled around many parts of the world and visited numerous countries and continents, but has he ever been to the North Pole? What are some places he’d like…
Written by Scott Sussman and illustrated by Yves Margarita, CHAMPION OF THE MARSH is a story about two boys who bet whether or not monsters exist. Kenny’s skateboard for Matt’s…
Over 40 titles have been suggested as possible Newbery contenders. Linda Sue Park’s PRAIRIE LOTUS leads with 11 nominations. Park won the Newbery in 2002 with A SINGLE SHARD. A…
“My Hero is You” illustrated by Helen Patuck explores children’s questions and fears about COVID-19. The book, which targets 6- to 11-year-olds, was developed in collaboration with multiple humanitarian organizations,…
Children’s author Ernesto Cisneros debut is a grand slam homerun. Efrén Divided is easily one of the best MG novels of the year. Solid plot, solid pacing, solid from first word…
With COVID-19 forcing us to self-isolate, how do cats and other pets handle the extra attention from having their owners at home all day every day? At our home, we…
Wondering how to keep your children entertained and educated while stuck at home? The Children’s Book Council is compiling a list of online activities and resources to keep your kids…
Looking for ideas to get your young ones reading? Here’s an article offering 26 ways to encourage your kids to read more. From keeping books all over the house to…
Swedish author Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking, originally Pippilotta Viktualia Rullgardina Krusmynta Efraimsdotter Långstrump, will celebrate her 75th birthday on May 21, 2020. First published in 1945, the series is now…
Is magic real? Can people really pull rabbits out of hats and make people disappear? What about a magician making him or herself disappear? Is any of this possible? Find…
Which books have been checked out the most from the New York Public Library in the 125 years of its existence? Believe it or not, more than half of them…
Congratulations to this year’s ALA award winners. Beautiful books meriting recognition and waiting to be read . . . by you and your children. Buy the books. Check them out…
What was the first art concept for Mark and the Molecule Maker? Making this video required some serious crash course lessons in fundamental technology. But to Scott a pen and…
This Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th, 10am-5pm, Scott Sussman will be autographing books at the Long Beach Comic Expo 2020. Location: Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center 300 East Ocean Blvd…
What’s it like being an author? It’s like a hand shaking your heart or free tickets to Disneyland. Being an author’s like a cat purring loud enough to hear from…
This Sunday, November 24, 2019, 8am-4pm, Scott Sussman will be autographing books at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair. Location: Coast Highway 101, south of F Street Stop by and say hi! The Encinitas…
On Saturday, November 2nd, 10am-1pm, Scott Sussman will be signing books at: Irvine United Congregational Church 4915 Alton Pkwy Irvine, CA 92604 Orange County is home to children of all…
This Sunday, October 20, 2019, 9am-5pm, SCOTT SUSSMAN will be autographing books at the ESCONDIDO GRAND AVENUE FESTIVAL. Location: In Escondido’s historic downtown on Grand Avenue from Center City to Ivy Escondido, CA Stop by…
This Sunday, October 13, 2019, 9am-5pm, SCOTT SUSSMAN will be autographing books at the SAN MARCOS HARVEST FESTIVAL & STREET FAIR. Location: All Along – Via Vera Cruz between Grand Avenue and San…
Sunday, October 6, 2019 Scott Sussman be signing books at the OC Children’s Book Festival at Orange Coast College. At 10:15am he’ll also be presenting on the STEM Stage, and…
Roald Dahl was the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, and a repertoire of wonderful, imaginative, and hilarious children’s books. He also…
Would Scott rather not be able to write books or not talk to anybody? A tricky question? Not really. In the end, the choice is between love and like. Here…
The SCBWI Summer Conference 2019 was a great success. With keynote speakers M.T. Anderson, Meg Medina, and Christian Robinson, it was as wonderful as anyone would have imagined. The famous Sunday lunch included a…
How many languages does Scott speak? English, Italian, and . . . ? Scott answers his seven-year-old niece’s question at episode 105 of KIDS ASK SCOTT. Click here to find…
This MG book by debut author Ernesto Cisneros is scheduled for release in March 2020 but is already gaining ground and popularity, especially for its sensitive subject relating to President…
Here is a wonderful list of some of Betsy Bird’s favorite easy readers and early chapter books from 2019, in order of text complexity. Though she calls it an “imperfect”…
Next Wednesday, July 10, 2019, from 9:30-11, Scott Sussman will be reading and signing books at The Forum Carlsbad: The Mint Studio 1923 Calle Barcelona #227Carlsbad, CA 92009 [Mint Studio is…
Why is Scott bald? Well, you see, big-brained individuals have no room for hair on their head. Science has proven that large brains force the hairs in a person’s head…
Here is a fascinating article on why reading picture books to your young children is the most effective method (more than audio only and even animated stories) for developing your…
On Wednesday, June 12th and Wednesday, July 10th, from 9:30-11, Scott Sussman will be reading and signing his books at The Forum Carlsbad: The Mint Studio 1923 Calle Barcelona #227…
This Sunday, May 26, 2019, 8am-6pm, SCOTT SUSSMAN will be autographing books at the VISTA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. 127 Main Street Vista, CA 92084 Stop by booth #78 and say hi!…
Here’s a great list of children’s picture books (ages 4-8) that highlights stories that celebrate a person’s originality and uniqueness. Our favorite is The Dot by Peter Reynolds, but they’re…
2019 celebrates 50 years of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, which honors African American writers and illustrators of children’s literature in the United States. “The stated purpose of the…
If you had to choose from the thousands of wonderful children’s books to read to your youngster, where would you start? How about this list comprised by our country’s librarians.…
Seeking ways to help your child realize his or her fullest potential? According to The Formula by Ronald F. Ferguson and Tatsha Robertson, the formula is smarts + purpose +…
Taylor Pittman has compiled a list of 21 picture books, from graphic novels to middle grade and young adult reads that show literature empowering strong female characters. From Newbery, Caldecott,…
Does Scott ever get frustrated and feel like giving up? Yes, it happens, but the frustration lasts less than a second because what else is he going to do? Join…
The Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader have announced the finalists for their 12th annual Children’s and Teen Choice Book Awards, the only national books awards voted on…
Check out WWE Champion Daniel Bryan from on the Total Bellas TV Show reading Silly the Seed to children. Click here to see the fun.
Get ready for another season of wonderful children’s books. Click here for a sneak preview from Publisher’s Weekly on what to expect. This is a comprehensive list of books coming…
Homer’s Odyssey, Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin . . . What separates these classics from all the others? The BBC asked experts from 35 countries to choose fictional stories they…
Here it is: Publisher Weekly’s list of the best books published in 2018 for kids and teens. Award winners, readers’ favorites, the list is complete. However, if you don’t find…
Staffers at children’s publishing houses were asked about their favorite children’s or Young Adult book they read this year, and also what they loved about it. Of course, it couldn’t…
Check out the best 2018 YA titles according to BuzzFeed Books. The books are ordered by their release date. You will find The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo on the list, which is…
8-year-old Jake wants to know if Scott ever get frustrated while writing. Does he? Scott discusses his cat, writing himself into corners, and playing basketball. How does this all fit…
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo has been awarded the 2018 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. The Poet X is an “astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet,…
Lido Village Books is an independent bookstore for readers of all ages just over the bridge on the Balboa Peninsula. They offer a wide variety of book selections, including best sellers,…
What makes television programs “good” for kids? Here are five important questions to ask when wondering whether a show is right for your child. In addition to a show being…
Edward Estlin “E. E.” Cummings or more familiarly: ee cummings was born on October 14, 1894 and was one of the most innovative poets of his time. He wrote almost 3000 poems, two autobiographical…
Who is Scott’s favorite cartoon character? Here’s a hint: In his own mind he was an astronaut, a writer, a hockey player, Olympic figure skater, world famous grocery checkout clerk,…
On Sunday, September 30, 2018 SCOTT SUSSMAN and Octopus Ink Press will be at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival at Orange Coast College 9:30am-4pm (Admission and Parking…
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT/FUN FOR ALL AGES On September 15-16, 2018 SCOTT SUSSMAN and OCTOPUS INK PRESS will be at SPACE 503 at Oceanside Harbor Days at the Oceanside Harbor. In…
Now’s your chance to book a FREE author visit by award-winning author-illustrator Scott Sussman. Email Scott at scott@octopusinkpress.com or contact him by email using the form at our CONTACT page.…
Is “Over there!” a question? Two-year-old Virginia seems to think so. That’s how she responds to Scott’s prompt for a question, and that’s how he answers. Find out the rest…
Arriving in two weeks . . . LERKY THE HANDTURKEY! Scott’s seventh picture book and eighth book in all, Lerky the Handturkey is the inspiring story of a handturkey whose…
Come join Scott Sussman and Octopus Ink Press at the 15th Annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival on Sunday, October 30, 2018 at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA. The…
Scott was recently on vacation with his family on the island of Maui in Hawaii. So what does Winnie the Pooh and Scott’s trip have in common? Find out at…
Lerky the Handturkey is the inspiring story of a handturkey whose wise words encourage others to see the bright side. The delightful companion to Silly the Seed and Weird the…
The annual BookExpo conference will take place at the Javits Center in New York City. Some picture books expected to win us over include We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins…
Enjoy the latest two episodes of KIDS ASK SCOTT. Episode 61 will impress you with Scott’s ability to sing the ABCs . . . backward! While episode 62 answers the…
On Saturday, May 19th, 10am-1pm, Scott Sussman will be at . . . Yorba Linda Community Center Activity Room B, 4501 Casa Loma Avenue Yorba Linda, CA 92886 …
Classical Connections Family Festival – A Live Storytelling and Music Event Saturday, May 12th 1:30-4pm Scott Sussman will be joining community moguls on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene…
On Saturday, May 12th 1:30-4pm Scott Sussman will be joining community moguls on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University for an event featuring kid-friendly arts and activities, classical music, children’s…
SCOTT SUSSMAN will be signing books at the Encinitas Street Fair on Saturday, April 28th and Sunday, April 29th. Stop by space #707.0 and say hello. Admission is FREE.
SCOTT SUSSMAN will be at the USC campus for the LA TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd. Stop by booth 511 and say hello. …
Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22, 2018 Scott Sussman and Octopus Ink Press will be at the USC campus for the *** LA TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS…
Coming soon: 44 Pages! A new documentary about Highlights for Children. For more information, visit 44pages.com or watch the trailer. The documentary is described as “a portrait of Highlights magazine, following…
“What better way to help a child discover the best in themselves and the world beyond than through reading?” – Mary Pope Osborne Donate now and author Mary Pope Osborne…
With all the silly questions kids ask Scott, this is certainly one of the silliest. But that seems appropriate for the author and illustrator of Silly the Seed. Click on…
New picture books and middle grade novels are here and they’re hot . . . just in time for spring, which is right around the corner. In addition to Junot…
Laura Knight is the author of Spot: A Sea Pup’s Survival Guide, which includes underwater photography by Richard Salas. The story includes science facts that make the tale even more relevant in…
The American Library Association (ALA) has announced the top books, video and audio books for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards for 2018.…
Congratulations to Derrick Barnes, for Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut (illustrated by Gordon C. James) and Evan Turk, for Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters (written by Michael Mahin) for winning the 32nd Annual…
Toni Gallagher grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has been writing her whole life. She majored in journalism (writing for newspapers specifically) at Northwestern University outside Chicago,…
Priscilla Burris is the illustrator of many wonderful books for children, including I Love You All Day Long, and the Heidi Heckelbeck series for 5-9 year olds. Visit her website…
Ruben is a student at King Chavez Elementary, a school I visited last year. He recently wrote me asking if I could make a video about him, but without asking…
What would a unicorn ask a children’s book writer? Find out at episode 42 of Kids Ask Scott. My niece, Marta the Unicorn, speaks Italian, German, and a little gibberish,…
Ever heard of Annie Banannie, Balloon Storyteller? If not, she comes highly recommended. She gets kids on their feet, acting out scenes with their imaginations, Annie’s guidance and . .…
Marilyn Cram Donahue lives in East Highlands, California, where her family planted orange groves in the 1850s. After she graduated from Pomona College, married the boy next door, and had…
Scott Sussman will be at Clever Element in downtown Carlsbad from 10:30am to 12pm on Saturday, December 9th to share his stories that teach readers to feel special, face fears, and…
Come on down to the Carlsbad Street Fair this Saturday, November 25th to celebrate Shop Small Saturday. Scott Sussman will be signing books at Clever Element
Adam Gidwitz is the author of the best selling children’s books A Tale Dark and Grimm, In a Glass Grimmly, and The Grimm Conclusion. More recently, he received a Newbery…
Price: FREE Date and time: November 5, 2017 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Place: Carlsbad Village Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Blvd. and Jefferson Street Carlsbad, CA 92008 …
Watch KIDS ASK SCOTT (episode 33) in order to find out why Scott loves making books. A hint . . . partly because he has no super cape, and can’t…
Come on down to the Orange County Children’s Book Festival on October 1, 2017 at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California. Scott Sussman and Octopus Ink Press will be autographing…
Today’s question comes from 9-year-old Jacob. He wanted to know if Scott has any writing rituals. Well, does he? Yes, no, maybe so . . . Does emptying one’s pockets…
. . . well, we can’t give it away. Click here. Watch the video. Learn what makes Scott tick. Don’t worry. You won’t want to change jobs. Being an author…
Agatha would like to know if Scott has ever been arrested. Yes, he has, but not in the way you might imagine. Click here to enjoy the 27th episode of…
Tadpoles in a bucket? The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? The Creature from the Black Lagoon? What’s the connection? Find out on episode 25 of KIDS…
Please support our Kickstarter campaign! Octopus Ink Press is hoping to fund the publication of the third and final book of the Mark and the Molecule Maker trilogy, The Underground Mountain, with a boost from…
Does Mother Nature have a sense of humor? Does she make jokes? If so, what’s her punchline? KIDS ASK SCOTT (episode 24) has the answer. Click here to find out.
Coming to the LA Times Festival of Books at USC this weekend? Stop by and say hello at the Octopus Ink Press booth! Scott Sussman will be signing books at…
The questions come from Kylie who says she’s Scott’s biggest fan, which is impressive because we recently heard from an elephant in Africa who claimed the same thing. Go figure.…
Check out these wonderfully creative stories from students at Jefferson Elementary in Bellflower, CA. They were asked what they would do with a Molecule Maker. The answers are priceless.
Has your son or daughter written a book? Or maybe your mom or dad? Actually, this service is ideal for anyone. For just $19 you can print one copy of…
Looking to support your local book seller? If you live in or near Newport Beach, California, we’ve just delivered another load of Octopus Ink books to Lido Village Books. Lido…
Yes, it’s true. Octopus Ink is now in Southern California full-time and we’re visiting schools from San Diego to Orange and Los Angeles County. Interested in booking a FREE author visit…
The latest episode of KIDS ASK SCOTT was filmed in Rome, Italy. The question? What do you do about writer’s block? Click here for Scott’s humorous and, perhaps, unusual answer.
Which of Scott’s books does the author himself like the most? That’s like asking a parent which of their children they love the most. Parents love all their children equally, but…
KIDS ASK SCOTT episode 11 up and running! What animal would Scott most like to be? Find out here. (Hint: Not a duck-billed platypus or orangutan.)
The tour’s over but you can still enjoy the updates. Yes, we had our ups and downs. Some ups? Inspiring young people across the nation to strengthen and develop their…
Follow the Octopus Ink Press Cross Country Book Tour from Los Angeles to Miami and back. Enjoy every episode documenting our 22 day drive across the United States, a 6241…
The latest episode of KIDS ASK SCOTT is up and running. What? You haven’t already clicked on the link? You’re not watching the video? Are you crazy? Insane? The episode is fun…
The author visits have been a blast! Pence Elementary in San Diego, Circle View Elementary in Huntington Beach, and El Toyon Elementary in National City have been the most recent.…
Scott Sussman Books now available at LIDO VILLAGE BOOKS in Newport Beach, CA (3424 Via Oporto, Newport Beach, CA 92663). You can even pick up new and updated versions of…
Enjoy an episode of KIDS ASK SCOTT, our new video blog where kids can write children’s book author and illustrator Scott Sussman and ask questions that will be answered via YouTube…
Thanks for a beautiful day at a fantastic school to everyone at Mt. Everest Elementary School. Today was a special visit because the students were there with their parents. We…
Thanks to everyone at Oak Hill Elementary for the warm welcome! We had a wonderful time visiting your school and were delighted with the enthusiasm of your students and staff.…
Did you know Scott Sussman offers FREE author visits? Well, now you do. Take a look at our CALENDAR to see Scott’s available, then contact him to schedule your FREE…
Welcome to Octopus Ink Press’ new and updated website. We hope you find navigating easier than before. We always appreciate constructive criticism. If you have any ideas or suggestions, we’re…
From all of us at Scott Sussman Books, we wish you a wonderful (and safe) July 4th. From 13 colonies to 50 states, we’ve come a long way. Congratulations to…
Have you read The Jungle Book recently? What about The Wind in the Willows, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? Can you answer these 10…