Are you looking for new picture books to share in your classroom, curriculum, or collection? Join Katie for a presentation featuring the “best of the best new picture books” from the 2021 and late 2020 publishing crop.

A variety of books will be featured, including great read aloud books, distinguished illustrations, and picture books about diversity and inclusion.

Come prepared to share your favorites too!

At the end of this presentations, attendees will be able to:

• List at least 10 picture books published in the past year, and apply them to their work and/or collections
• Analyze the interaction between text and illustration, and understand basic picture book principals for art evaluation
• Understand and express the importance of inclusivity and diversity in picture books for ages 1-6

Katie Clausen ~ Biography

Katie Clausen is the Early Literacy Services Manager at Gail Borden Public Library. She completed her MLIS from Dominican University and holds an M.A. in Children’s Literature from Simmons College. She has presented at the Illinois Library Association’s Annual Conferences, ALSC Institute, Opening Minds Early Childhood Conference, and the National Network of Medical Libraries (NNLM). Check out Katie’s articles in the

ILA Reporter and Children & Libraries: The Journal of ALSC. Katie’s specialties include: early literacy, children’s literature evaluation, play-based learning, and best storytime practices.