Brittany J. Thurman

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GZLA

COME CATCH A DREAM

November 2025, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 40 pp

Nothing is impossible—not even being brave enough to ice skate again after a fall! With a poetic text and dazzling illustrations, Come Catch a Dream will appeal to every child chasing their dream, and fans of The Snowy Day, Jabari Jumps, and After the Fall.

A young Black child passes an ice rink every day walking home with Momma. Last year, the rink was tricky. It looked clear and smooth, but felt rough and rude after a fall. Brrr! Ouch! Even so, the child hasn’t been able to stop thinking about that rink. The young skater is determined to do something for the first time: a spin on the ice. Because, as Momma says, nothing is impossible.

Award-winning author Brittany J. Thurman’s rich use of language and rhythm makes for a text that is perfect for reading aloud, while illustrator Islenia Mil’s vibrant artwork captures the anticipation and excitement of a winter day at the ice rink. For fans of Gaia Cornwall and Dan Santat.


Marietta Zacker


Picture Book


Diverse

Family

Sports


Dramatic

Translation

UK

GZLA

FOREVER AND ALWAYS

January 2024, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 40 pp

In this lyrical picture book from two breakout picture book creators, a young Black child waits for—and worries about—her father while he’s away from home. A sensitive, poignant portrayal of a family’s worries, joys, and comforts, to sit alongside books by Jacqueline Woodson and Christian Robinson.

Every night when Daddy gets home from work, Olivia gives him a big hug and knows that the evening will be full of love—and fun. Together, she, Daddy, and Momma will make a feast for dinner, clean up, dance to old-school tunes, and read stories. But every morning when Daddy goes to work, Olivia worries, worries, worries. Be safe, she and Momma tell him. But what if he isn’t? Sometimes other people aren’t, like the people Olivia sees on the news. Thud, thud, thud, goes Olivia’s heart. Thump, thump, thump, all through the long day, until she hears the jangle of Daddy’s keys announcing he’s home.

STARRED REVIEWS

KIRKUS – “A balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “So understated that it’s sure to give flight to discussions, this book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact. A necessary title.”

NOTE: Illustrator represented by The CAT Agency


Marietta Zacker


Picture Book


Contemporary

Diverse

Family

Social-Emotional Learning


Dramatic

Translation

UK