Myrick Publisher Preview: Spring 2024 – Udon and What On Earth Books

Small publishers abound and that’s why it’s always fun to see who’s out there with interesting original books in 2024. We’re continuing our series thanks, in large part, to Myrick Marketing. Be sure to read previous installments of this series. Part One here, Part Two here, Part Three here, Part Four here, Part Five here, and Part Six here.

Giga Town: A Guide to Manga Iconography by Fumiyo Kouno

ISBN: 9781772943085

On shelves September 3, 2024

You ever get the sense that there are some librarians out there just waiting for manga to “go away”? I think that if the last few decades have proven anything, it’s that not only is manga here to stay, it’s only becoming more and more popular. The time may now be perfect for a book that helps to explain to everyone, newbies and old pros alike, what all that manga iconography is about. Now when you have a blurb on your cover from none other than Scott McCloud (creator of the Bible of sequential art explanations Understanding Comics) then you know you’re doing something right.

This book provides, as McCloud says, a Rosetta Stone of manga iconography. From its very cool table of contents to its method of defining each symbol for a manga form of communication, this is great for both the experienced manga reader and the new. I mean, just look at it!

Solstice: Around the World on the Longest, Shortest Day by Jen Breach, ill. 14 global artists

ISBN: 9781913750787

Publication Day: May 7, 2024

It’s very interesting. I’m seeing books about eclipses and the upcoming cicada event and all sorts of natural events, but the solstice never comes up as often as you might think. It just seems logical that someone would come up with a book that looks at the lives of kids from all around the world when they celebrate June 21st in their own ways. And what could be better then to get 14 artists from each of the countries being discussed to do their own illustrations? So essentially you’re getting science and history and cultural significance all at once. Not too shabby.

How to Teach Grown-Ups About Climate Change by Patricia Daniels, ill. Aaron Blecha

ISBN: 9781804660317

Publication Date: March 5, 2024

Okay, if for no other reason, you should probably get this book on your library shelves because of this spread:

Look how beautifully it just explained how solar and wind energy works!

So with great good humor this book (out now) presents its nonfiction subject with the idea that if kids educate themselves on this topic they’ll be able to teach the adults in their lives as well. There’s plenty of dire environmental fare for our kids. Why not give them something with all the facts that they actually want to read?

That’s all I had time to type up today! Stay tuned for more books in this series.

Filed under: Publisher Previews