1. It’s May . . . and everything’s abloom! Take a seat and relax in Olivia Gibbs’s back garden. Help yourself to tea and treats; listen to birdsong and your cat’s purr. So cozy and peaceful.

We featured some of Olivia’s work a couple of years back, and thought it was time to share more. After all, we need as much joy and color in our lives as possible, right?

Born and raised in Spain, Olivia is self taught and currently resides in Augusta, Georgia. She’s been smitten with drawing since childhood, when she’d spend hours creating stories in her sketchbook.

Since art didn’t seem like a viable career option, she studied Business Administration in college and then worked in banking for many years. But when her second daughter was born, she was able to stay at home and renew her interest in art, her true passion.

In addition to drawing and painting, Olivia loves traveling and exploring new places and cultures. She’s also keen on hiking, baking, dancing, finding the beauty in everyday life, and spending time with loved ones. 

Her client list includes American Greetings, Galison/Mudpuppy, Oopsy Daisy, Hallmark, Hobby Lobby, and Jo-Ann Fabric. 

For more, visit Olivia’s Official Website, Instagram, FB Page and Etsy Shop, where you can purchase prints.

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2. New middle grade novel alert: Officially out today is The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin (Little, Brown BFYR, 2025):

From award-winning and bestselling author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Grace Lin comes a gorgeously full-color illustrated story about a lion cub and a girl who must open a portal for the spirits, based on Chinese folklore.

Jin is a Stone Lion—one of the guardians of the Old City Gate who is charged to watch over humans and protect the Sacred Sphere. But to Jin, those boring duties feel like a waste of time.
 
What isn’t a waste of time? Perfecting his zuqiu kick, scoring a Golden Goal, and becoming the most legendary player of all the spirit world.
 
But when Jin’s perfect kick accidentally knocks the Sacred Sphere out through the gate, he has no choice but to run after it, tumbling out of the realm he calls home and into the human world as the gate closes behind him.
 
Stuck outside the gate, Jin must find help from unlikely allies, including a girl who can hear a mysterious voice and a worm who claims he is a dragon. Together, they must find the sphere and return it to the world beyond the gate…or risk losing everything.

Award-winning and bestselling author Grace Lin returns with another gorgeously illustrated adventure story about duty, love, and balance—expertly written in the vein of the Newbery Honor winner and modern classic Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Based on Chinese Folklore, this beautiful novel features ten full-page pieces of stunning full-color art, as well as intricate chapter header illustrations.

What a beautiful cover! And did you notice the sprayed edges? Pictured above is the Deluxe Limited Edition (first printing) only available in the U.S. and Canada while supplies last. Can’t wait to see my copy and read what sounds like another captivating novel by master storyteller and artist Grace Lin.

I read everything she publishes, and still remember being blown away by Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, published back in 2009. I’d only been blogging a little while and when I reviewed it, I said to myself: “Newbery worthy.” Of course I was thrilled when it won a Newbery Honor! Having published board books, picture books, and early readers in addition to middle grade novels, she’s truly a versatile writer — one who also illustrates. I’m sure the interior art for this new book is just stunning.

The Gate, the Girl and the Dragon has been getting glowing reviews from first readers, and has earned **starred reviews** from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal. Check out Grace’s website for “Behind the Book” videos, a free printable, and related Activities. Of course this one’s a perfect choice to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 🙂

Enjoy this video where Grace tells us more about her new book:

And this book chat, where she discusses the full-color illustrations:

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, GRACE!

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3. Canoodle with the Crawleys: Mark your calendars for September 12, 2025 — that’s when the third and final Downton Abbey movie premieres in the U.S. “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” will mark the conclusion of this beloved franchise.

If you watched all six TV seasons and then saw the first two DA movies, you know it’s bittersweet to have to say goodbye to all our favorite characters, most of whom will return for this final film. It’ll be wonderful to see Mrs Patmore and Daisy in the kitchen again, and learn how Mary, Edith, Cora, Robert, the Carsons and the Bates are faring as they enter the modern era. I sense there will be some kind of tribute to the late Maggie Smith worked into the script even though her character Violet died in the last film.

So polish your silver, take your tiaras out of storage, and steam your best evening gowns in readiness for one last turn around Highclere. Can’t wait!

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4. Hooray for Ms. V and Me! Sooooooo excited about this new PBS Kids show hosted by award winning and NYT bestselling author-illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton!

If you’ve seen any of her picture books, you know her work exudes joy, positivity, energy, light, and inclusivity. I’m a longtime Vanessa fan; she’s a multi-talented creative who simply does it all, and does it well. In this new show, kids are invited to create art, tell stories and sing songs. It’s all about self expression and having fun with unexpected art materials. In the pilot episode, Vanessa and her young friend use buttons to make race cars.

Vanessa’s warmth and charisma really shine through. She’s a natural in front of the camera, and it’s impossible not to smile while watching her. And the girl can SING!

Enjoy the pilot episode of “Ms. V and Me”:

CONGRATULATIONS, VANESSA!!

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5. New Picture Book Alert: Just released April 29 is A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America by Julie Leung and Melissa Iwai (Little, Brown BFYR, 2025):

Relish in the savory, tangy, and sometimes spicy dishes of Cecilia Chiang, a revolutionary who changed the way Americans viewed Chinese food.

From an early age, Cecilia Chiang could be found delighting in the sounds and smells from her favorite room in her home—the kitchen. Little did Cecilia know that she would one day have to escape war and travel to a faraway country, destined to change Chinese cuisine in the United States forever.

Experience the dishes Cecilia Chiang enjoyed throughout her life as the seventh daughter in a large family to the owner of the famous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco.

Am anxious to read this one since Cecilia Chiang is totally new to me. My mouth is already watering at the thought of her “savory, tangy, and sometimes spicy dishes.” 🙂

Thus far the book has gotten glowing reviews, with Horn Book saying, “Leung’s straightforward and thoughtful prose never glosses over Chiang’s difficult life but lingers instead on the poetry of cooking, which is expertly paired with Iwai’s watercolors that offer heartwarming and mouthwatering details on every spread. An author’s note provides photos of Chiang and additional information in this story steeped in foodways and family.”

Sounds like my kind of book; especially like the mention of “the poetry of cooking.” Since I’m already a fan of Melissa Iwai’s art, I feel confident this title will not disappoint. Yet another good choice for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Okay, when do we eat?

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6. Wear Your Activism: These are tough times and we all need to be brave and take a stance. Check out these cool T-shirt designs by Vermont artist Ashley Wolff:

Now you’re all set for your next rally, march, or peaceful protest event. It’s too bad we have to do these things, but at least we can participate in style. T-shirts are available in male or female styles in a variety of colors. Visit Ashley’s TeePublic Shop for ordering info. Oh, and did I mention I have a thing for bears? 🙂

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7. Paint Me a Beautiful Meal: Are you familiar with Erin Gleeson’s illustrated cookbooks? It all started with The Forest Feast (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2014), which featured simple vegetarian recipes and Erin’s own photographs, watercolors, and hand-lettering. From her cabin in the Northern California woods, she had created not only a unique cookbook, but also a stunning art book. We were happy to review The Forest Feast for Kids when it was published in 2016, another title in her (so-far) five book series.

Just last month, Erin published The Watercolor Feast: Learn to Paint Fruits, Vegetables & Edible Flowers (Abrams Books, 2025):

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Forest Feast series, Erin Gleeson, a beginner-friendly watercolor book with techniques, ways to get creative, and watercolor paper at the back of the book to practice on.

Bestselling author Erin Gleeson’s vibrantly designed cookbooks have transported readers to her beautiful cabin in the woods of Northern California for years, and now she reveals how to re-create her signature watercolor illustrations.

Even artists new to watercolor painting can follow the simple step-by-step instructions in the book’s 40 fun, easy, and beautiful tutorials.

Learn how to hand-letter in watercolor; paint an array of specific fruits, vegetables, and flowers; and create beautiful menus, place settings, and other designs to display in your home or at your next dinner party. Erin also introduces us to three of her favorite watercolor artists, with distinct and lovely styles for further inspiration.

The book concludes with eight pages of watercolor paper so that you can test your new skills. For anyone who is looking for an easy way to make a little time in your life for creativity, Watercolor Feast is a charming introductory guide to painting that celebrates the beauty of food and the natural world.

Doesn’t this sound interesting? You may know I’m a sucker for hand-lettering, food art, and illustrated cookbooks in general. Erin’s books are truly feasts for the eyes, so I’m curious to learn about her watercolor painting tips and techniques. I do like the idea of painted menus — reminds me of Chef Jacques Pépin, who paints a menu for every one of his dinner parties. Who could ask for a better memento?

Whenever I turn the pages of a Gleeson book, I enjoy drinking in all the beauty; love how she showcases the colors, shapes and textures of different foods. The Watercolor Feast looks like a good choice for those seeking a relaxing pastime, or who may wish to add a little extra something when entertaining via hand-painted placemats, invitations, or table decorations. Time to get creative!

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8. Mug Shot: Our ceramics fix this month features handmade and hand-painted mugs by Esra of BurlaSeramik, who is based in Turkey.

All earthenware pieces are food-safe and hand-washing is recommended. Capacity ranges from 6-9 ounces.

I was drawn to the charming domestic scenes and cute details, and of course, the OOAK vs. factory-made appearance of the cups. It’s nice to have a piece of art with a practical purpose, and these would make nice gifts for the special coffee or tea drinker in your life. Sip, sip!

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9. New Poetry Book Alert: Just released last month is Every Sound is Not a Wolf by Alberto Ríos (Copper Canyon Press, 2025):

From backyard to Sonoran desert, Every Sound is Not a Wolf explores the tender connection between people, place, and the natural world.

Alberto Ríos’ Every Sound is Not a Wolf evokes and awakens the senses—the smell of herbs, “the geckos at their mysterious work.” Even silence grows loud and expansive in its stillness. Told entirely in couplets, and with remarkable lucidity, Ríos balances the harmonies and disharmonies found throughout all of existence—between people and the natural world, between life and death, between spirit and body, between borders real and imagined. What does it mean for a body to house two languages? And what is an imaginary line between countries? From backyard to Sonoran desert, from mining town to river, this collection journeys the human experience, through grief and joy, tuned to the “small buzzing of a live world.” Ríos asks us to feel the connective electric pulse between all things, to find newness, musicality, and beauty in the mundane. That the world keeps moving forward, this is miracle enough.

Gotta say, I love Ríos’s work. It was fate that my first encounter with his poetry was a poem about pie, which he deemed “Perfect for Any Occasion.” Who would not become a fan because of that? But once I got beyond the “infatuation with top crust stage,” I soon discovered, and continue to marvel at, this poet’s generous humanity and respect for the interconnectedness of life on this planet. Thing is, his poetry is refreshingly accessible and readable — never abstract or obtuse like some who dwell in similar academic environments. He understands how language works and knows how to engage the reader with sensory details and genuine emotion.

Anyway, I can’t wait to read this new collection. I know I won’t be disappointed!

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**Bonus Cool Thing: Look what’s finally available: Goodnight Moon Forever Stamps!! Don’t they look fetching on those envelopes? These may even entice me to send more snail mail!!

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Our Swoon Tune this month is a nod to my home state of Hawaiʻi. I always looked forward to May 1, especially, because it was Lei Day. Across the state, there were special school programs, lei-making contests, concerts, and an extra dose of aloha.

Robert Cazimero — beloved entertainer, grammy-nominated recording artist, Haku mele (composer), and Kumu Hula (master teacher of Hawaiian dance) — has long been one of my favorites, both as a solo artist and as one-half of the Brothers Cazimero (his brother Roland died in 2017).

He wrote “He Manaʻo Aloha,” a song of love and longing, as a gift for a dear friend. His soaring vocal, which emanates from a well of deep emotion and a pure heart, moves me to tears. So beautiful and soul stirring, it becomes a spiritual experience. Whether you’re from Hawaiʻi, ever visited Hawaiʻi, or simply miss Hawaiʻi, it all seems to be in this song. The lovely dancer in the video is TeHani Pimental. Enjoy!

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HAPPY TUESDAY

BE A FLOWER

DANCE AROUND A MAYPOLE

TEND YOUR GARDEN

HONOR YOUR MOTHER

HAPPY 84th BIRTHDAY TO BOB DYLAN (MAY 24)

EAT STRAWBERRIES

HAPPY GRADUATION

LISTEN TO GOOD MUSIC

READ GOOD BOOKS

BE KIND

STAY STRONG

RESIST

BELIEVE

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**Copyright © 2025 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.