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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: The Story Factory
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://jamdongart.com/
CITY: Boston
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Shanghai, China.
EDUCATION:University of Arts London, M.A.; Maryland Institute College of Art, M.F.A.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Artist, illustrator, and picture book creator. Has contributed artwork to numerous corporate clients, including Plansponsor, the New Yorker Magazine, Huffington Post, Quartz, Sojourners, and the New York Times.
AWARDS:Bronze medal, Japan Illustration Awards, for The Little Pond; American Illustration 39 winner, 2020; gold medal, iJungle illustration awards New Talent category, 2020; Crystal Kite, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 2024, for I Ship.
WRITINGS
Also creator of The Little Pond.
SIDELIGHTS
Jam Dong is an artist, illustrator, and picture book creator. She has contributed her artwork to numerous corporate clients, including Plansponsor, the New Yorker Magazine, Huffington Post, Quartz, Sojourners, and the New York Times. In an interview in Creative Review, Dong shared what attracted her to illustrating stories. She admitted: “I think illustration attracted me because the thing I want to do the most is to tell stories…. No matter if it’s just one page or a book, it conveys a complete story and concept. I want my art to be accessed by a large audience, I want the stories to be heard and I want to build a connection with the world.”
A large ship narrates Kelly Rice Schmitt’s I Ship: A Container Ship’s Colossal Journey to younger readers. A heavily loaded container ship finds another ship has blocked the Suez Canal, forcing it to take a lengthy detour around Africa. The journey from East Asia to Northern Europe is up against the clock and must contend with dangerous sea and weather conditions that makes the trip risky even for such a large vessel.
A Kirkus Reviews contributor took note of the “terse, rhythmic narrative.” The same critic called it “an informative peek at our global infrastructure’s major lifeline.” In a review in Horn Book, Betty Carter observed that “informative cutaway illustrations display the diverse cargo.” Carter pointed out that “an audience-appropriate seek-and-find activity completes the book.”
With Schmitt’s I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World, the author explains where fuel comes from and how it is used in various ways to a young reading audience. The complex process is broken into short pieces. These include how fossil fuels are formed, how it is extracted from the ground and processed into plastics and usable fuels, and also how it can be cleaned up after a spill.
Writing in School Library Journal, Debbie Tanner noted that, as a visual tool for outlining the process of getting fuel, “this is a fine collection of images, but the text will leave readers wanting more.”
In Dong’s self-illustrated The Story Factory, the Story Factory produces all books by recycling older books. When the factory breaks, inspectors discover the problem is at the story mixer, which spits out new ideas. The workers overload the factory by trying to put all the new ideas back in. The workers then use a mobile library to distribute stories.
A Kirkus Reviews contributor noticed that “the chunky mixed-media art is bold.” The same critic called it “a colorful, explosively entertaining parable about books and the power of imagination.” A contributor to Children’s Bookwatch said that the book is “especially and unreservedly recommended” for picture book collections “for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library.” The same reviewer remarked that the book “is a fun read from start to finish.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Children’s Bookwatch, March 1, 2025, review of The Story Factory.
Horn Book, November 1, 2023, Betty Carter, Betty review of I Ship: A Container Ship’s Colossal Journey, p. 109.
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2023, review of I Ship; December 15, 2024, review of The Story Factory.
School Library Journal, August 1, 2024, Debbie Tanner, review of I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World, p. 106.
ONLINE
Bold Journey, https://boldjourney.com/ (August 8, 2023), “Meet Jam Dong.”
Canvas Rebel, https://canvasrebel.com/ (March 11, 2025), “Meet Jam Dong.”
Creative Bloom, https://www.creativeboom.com/ (August 31, 2021), Dom Carter, “Illustrator Jam Dong’s Beautifully Textured Images Capture Life’s Eureka Moments.”
Creative Review, https://www.creativereview.co.uk/ (March 23, 2022), Aimée McLaughlin, “Jam Dong’s Textured Illustrations Are Inspired by Science and Nature.”
Jam Dong website, https://jamdongart.com July 14, 2025.
Painted Words, https://www.painted-words.com/ (July 14, 2025), author profile.
Shoutout LA, https://shoutoutla.com/ (September 2, 2021), author interview.
Hey yo,
Nice to meet you.
Jam is an illustrator based in Boston, US. Clients include Plansponsor, The New York Times, New Yorker Magazine, Huffpost, Quartz, SoJourners, etc.
jamdongart@gmail.com
For children’s books inquiry, please reach out to Shadra Strickland shadra@painted-words.com
Jam Dong’s textured illustrations are inspired by science and nature
The Shanghai-born, Boston-based illustrator aims to capture the eureka moments of everyday life in her distinctive artworks
By Aimée McLaughlin 23/03/2022
“My art is all about shapes,” says Jam Dong. “I see them as notes that compose music through colour, scale, and compositions.” Born in China and now based in the US, the illustrator’s abstract approach has earned her commissions for the likes of the New York Times and Quartz. She also has a number of accolades to her name, including being a selected illustrator at the 2020 Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
The roots of Dong’s illustration practice go all the way back to her childhood in Shanghai, when she would spend most of her time playing and creating with her cousin at her grandparents’ home. “We were always surrounded by crayons, colour pencils, glue and papers, and we could draw and play around all day long. None of my family members worked in the creative industry so I think maybe this bright childhood memory cultivated my interest in it,” she tells CR.
Jam Dong illustration
Jam Dong illustration
It would take a number of years before Dong finally settled on illustration as the right career path. Her undergraduate degree covered everything from art to graphic design, and she quickly found herself drawn to animation. “I was charmed by animation back then because when things are moving, it’s magical,” she explains.
It was during her Moving Image MA at University of Arts London that Dong began trying to insert more illustration into her animation work and doing self-initiated projects on the side. She eventually went back to China and started up her freelance illustration practice, before moving to the US to do an Illustration MFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Jam Dong illustration
Jam Dong illustration
“I think illustration attracted me because the thing I want to do the most is to tell stories,” says the illustrator. “No matter if it’s just one page or a book, it conveys a complete story and concept. I want my art to be accessed by a large audience, I want the stories to be heard and I want to build a connection with the world.”
Now living and working in Boston, Dong has spent the last year experimenting with her practice. Although she creates her works digitally, she often adds different elements and textures to give them more of a print-like aesthetic. More recently, she’s also been inspired by Polish matchbox labels and has been trying to replicate their flatter style of design.
Jam Dong illustration
Jam Dong illustration
“What remains the same is the use of shapes and colours, and a humorous perspective on finding these fleeting funny moments in life. I always try to capture the eureka moment in mundane life and present a piece of humour in a quirky way,” says the illustrator.
Some of Dong’s most striking works are what she describes as “fake medical graphics”. Drawing on her deepening interest in science, the graphics resemble the form of medical diagrams but look a little a closer and you’ll realise that they’re in fact works of fiction. “The outside world never fails to amaze me – it could be as little as the structure of a seed or as big as the whole ecosystem. All these ideas trigger me to develop them into stories,” she says.
Jam Dong illustration
Jam Dong illustration
As for what’s next for Dong, she has a few ideas about which way her career path could go. “I find myself struggling between being unconventional and fitting into a bigger market,” she says. “I hope I can care less about others and focus more on myself to find out what really interests me and makes me happy. I want to bring my weirdness into children’s books and editorial illustrations, and to build my little ecosystem in this industry.”
Meet Jam Dong | Illustrator
September 2, 2021
Leave a reply
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jam Dong and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jam, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind the success of my brand is that I always stay true, have fun, and enjoy the process.
All my works no matter illustrations or products, I have so much fun making them! I like bright colors and dramatic shapes. I get inspiration from nature and I enjoy adding a sense of humor into my works. All those elements delight my day. I believe my customers could also perceive that joy and positive energy from my arts.
I used to be wondering if I should change myself to be more fit into the market, but it didn’t work out. I lost myself as well as the happiness of illustrating. So, from then, I realize that only being yourself could let you stand out and make a unique voice.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The thing that set me apart from others is that I could perceive and present a story in a unique way visually and conceptually. I would catch the idea that excites me and strengthen it through my work. I feel interest also matters. For example, I like nature a lot, especially biology. I spend a lot of time observing insects and plants, watching documentaries, and dig deep into their world. Those experiences and knowledge provide me with more details to apply to the story and make the final arts much more interesting.
It was never easy! It occupies most of my life and energy. But just like I mentioned before, when it is driven by passion, you’ll know you are doing the right thing.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ll bring them to the botanical garden at Drill Hill Park then have a picnic on the grass. I would also have a walk with them along the harbor with a cup of affogato (vanilla flavor)!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My partner, who always has faith in me for being successful and supports me all the time. Without their encouragement, I would never be the one I am.
Website: https://jamdongart.com/
Instagram: @fisheaddd
Twitter: @jamdong
Youtube: Jam Dong
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Illustrator Jam Dong's beautifully textured images capture life's eureka moments
Jam Dong is a Chinese freelance illustrator based in Baltimore who has an MA degree in Moving Images from the University of Arts in London and has recently graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with an Illustration MFA.
Written By: Dom Carter
31 August 2021
Jam's beautiful, brightly coloured work has appeared in editorials and children's books and has scooped her multiple accolades, including selected illustrator at the 2020 Bologna Children's Book Fair, plus the Gold Medal in the student category at the 2020 iJungle illustration awards.
This recognition is well-deserved. With their dynamic shapes and vibrant colours, Jam's illustrations are irresistibly charming and uniquely endearing. "Although most of them are made digitally, collage and textures are applied to bring a sense of hand making and nostalgia," Jam tells Creative Boom.
She adds: "I love the texture and imperfections of printmaking. I also collect and scan materials like cardboard, stains, and tissues to be used in my works. I think the obsession with hand-making and traditional techniques kind of forms the style of my art."
In terms of what inspires Jam, she's drawn towards capturing those a-ha moments in life where everything just clicks, whether that's a stargazer tracking a meteor as it shoots through the sky or wondrous instances or scientific discovery. Cross-sections are a recurring theme in Jam's work, with quirky diagrams of ear canals and bodily organs giving us an insight into how she sees the world.
"I add a sense of humour to my work, as well as getting inspiration from nature," says Jam. "I believe interesting illustrations should create a narrative which tells a story without words. Visualising the fleeting fun moments and details in life is the way I communicate with the world."
Besides illustration, Jam is excited by moving images, so she likes to experiment with animation and GIFs. "I also like handmade activities such as ceramics, knitting and woodworking. Playing with physical materials makes me feel safe and comfortable."
February 3, 2022
Creator Spotlight
Creator Spotlight with Illustrator Jam Dong
by Copyright Alliance
Illustrator Jam Dong
This week we’d like to introduce you to Illustrator Jam Dong.
What was the inspiration behind becoming a creator? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I believe everyone has something to share, and illustration is the way I communicate with the world. Telling stories is everything! I think there are so many interesting corners on earth that are worth spreading, but they stay unknown and I wish they could be seen and appreciated through my eyes. Every time I start building the imaginary world on a white canvas bit by bit, where everything is possible, I feel so free. And that’s the most enjoyable moment during the creative process.
Can you take us through your creative process? How long does it take? Does everything you produce make money?
Most of my works are children’s books. I write stories and turn them into picture books. So, usually, I begin with the manuscript, then thumbnails and sketches, and finalize the pages with color. It sounds organized, but actually, there is a lot of back and forth. It could take around two years to finish a book, not to mention the idea-generating part behind the scenes. I guess it’s part of being a freelancer that we don’t separate work from life. Even when I’m away from the drawing table, my brain keeps working subconsciously.
Besides the assignments, I also spend quite a good amount of time practicing, experimenting, and self-promoting, which is also an important part of the freelance job that doesn’t bring me any money.
When did you first become aware of copyright, and why?
Probably when I signed my first assignment contract, and I realized that I needed to protect my work with copyright.
What do you do when you encounter someone stealing something you’ve invested your intellect, time, and money into?
I haven’t encountered big copyright issues yet, but I have so many artist friends who have been through such situations. Their illustrations are stolen and printed on iPhone cases, used in a graduation show by an art student, or their products are copied by others but with lower price and quality.
To be honest, as far as I see it, there are no good ways to deal with infringement because a lawsuit is such a huge burden in terms of time, money, and mental health. And the compensation may not be worth the investment. However, with the CASE Act being implemented by the U.S. Copyright Office, things are hopefully going to get much better for independent creators who need to file suit when their works are stolen.
What is the best piece of advice that you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?
My advice would be to support fellow creators, especially online. For example, when I see a tweet about an artist’s work being stolen, I will retweet it, not only to support the creator but to let more people know about the importance of copyright (especially for those who do work in the creative fields). If more people make the effort to protect copyright, the environment will become more original-friendly and less tolerant of stealing.
Meet Jam Dong
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Stories & Insights
March 11, 2025
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We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jam Dong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is Little Pond, a series of illustrations created for a picture book. This project holds a special place in my heart because it allowed me to combine my passion for storytelling, nature, and art while exploring a unique cultural approach.
Little Pond tells the story of life’s cyclical nature, capturing the journey of aquatic residents who return every spring to a small pond. They grow plants, harvest, and celebrate together, forming a close-knit community that cherishes the beauty of nature. When autumn arrives, they bid farewell to each other, anticipating their joyful reunion the following year. This narrative symbolizes the circle of life and the harmonious relationship between living beings and their environment.
The project was special to me also because it allowed me to introduce traditional Chinese painting techniques into children’s book illustrations. I experimented with “ShuiMo,” a traditional Chinese ink wash painting style, and integrated it with digital illustration methods. This combination created a unique visual language that resonated with audiences of all ages. By blending digital and traditional mediums, I aimed to bring ShuiMo to a new level, making it more accessible and relatable to contemporary viewers while preserving its timeless charm.
Little Pond received significant recognition, affirming its emotional and cultural resonance. It was selected by the 2020 Bologna Children’s Book Festival and subsequently exhibited in Japan, Korea, and China. It won the bronze medal at the Japan Illustration Award (JIA), was longlisted by Communication Arts, and earned the runner-up position in Creative Quarterly. Additionally, I was invited to present the project at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where I shared my journey of blending tradition with modern storytelling.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Jam Dong is an illustrator and animator. She writes and illustrates children’s books and creates illustrations for renowned publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker. In addition to editorial work, Jam transforms her art into products such as zines and posters, seamlessly blending creativity with daily life. In one sentence, Jam tells stories through her art.
Her journey into illustration began with a deep passion for storytelling and visual narratives, leading her to graduate from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Jam’s work is characterized by whimsical imagination and vibrant details. She uses simple shapes and colors to construct rich, complex worlds
An award-winning artist, Jam’s illustrations have been recognized by prestigious awards and competition, including the Bologna Children’s Book Festival, CCBF Golden Pinwheel Children’s Competition, JIA, 3×3 Magazine, iJungle, American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, and The Original Art Show.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think society can prioritize buying small and supporting local businesses and independent artists rather than shopping at big corporations. This not only sustains the livelihoods of creatives but also fosters community connections and cultural diversity.
Additionally, communities can provide accessible spaces for artists to create and showcase their work, such as local galleries, markets, and public art installations.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, it is the freedom it brings. There’s the freedom to arrange time, allowing for a flexible schedule that fosters creativity and for a better life-work balance. There’s also the freedom of self-expression—the ability to share ideas, emotions, and stories through art, creating connections with people who resonate with you.
Additionally, the freedom to choose clients and projects that I enjoy working with.
Contact Info:
Website: https://www.jamdongart.com
Instagram: @fisheaddd
Youtube: jamdongart
Meet Jam Dong
August 8, 2023
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jam Dong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jam, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As an artist, my life is all about fighting with creativity blocks. Here are a few things I would do to stay creative. First of all, I carry a sketchbook with me at all times to capture ideas, observations, and doodles. I use it as a playground for experimentation and spontaneous creativity. Documenting my thoughts and inspirations helps me maintain a constant connection with my creative process. The sketches don’t need to be pretty or well-finished, but they record fun and potential ideas that can be something in the future.
Secondly, step out of my comfort zone. I would challenge myself by exploring new techniques, subject matters, or styles. I work with digital mediums a lot but every time I get stuck, I go traditionally and do some handmaking. Watercolor, gouache, collage, and even woodworking. Trying new things helps me discover ideas and perspectives that keep my creativity alive.
Seeking inspiration from various sources also helps. I find myself getting inspired by reading a lot. Or maybe a walk in nature. Small things can open up different perspectives for you.
Last but not least, embrace failure. Understand that not every artistic endeavor will be successful, and that’s okay. Don’t think too much about whether this approach will succeed, just have fun and enjoy every moment of making art!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an illustrator specializing in children’s book publishing and editorial illustrations for newspapers and publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker magazine. Throughout my artistic process, I strive to capture moments of humor and the ‘a-ha’ experiences found in everyday life. Playing with shapes and colors is my passion, as I enjoy creating vibrant combinations that bring joy to my readers.
My creativity extends to different mediums and materials, including woodworking. It’s exciting to see how 2D illustrations turned into 3D projects but still feels very me. I wish I could continue to try new things and explore new ways to play. Fun is the only thing that matters.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Curiosity: Staying curious and maintaining a sense of wonder about the world makes me be me open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives.
Communication and Collaboration: As an illustrator, I work with clients, authors, art directors, and other professionals. Strong communication skills help in understanding and interpreting project requirements, effectively conveying ideas, and collaborating with others to bring concepts to life.
Business and Marketing: Most of the artists are freelancers. Besides the creative process, it is also important to brand yourself. Having some knowledge of business and marketing is valuable for freelance illustrators. Understanding contracts, pricing, licensing, and self-promotion can help in managing a successful illustration career.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Being an illustrator can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when creativity isn’t flowing. But balancing work and life is another challenge freelancers face. Unlike full-time jobs, freelancers don’t have a clear line between personal and work life. So, it’s crucial to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Making yourself a delicious breakfast, doing exercises, spending time with loved ones, and having a hot bath all helps fight stress and stay creative.
Contact Info:
Website: https://jamdongart.com/
Instagram: fisheaddd
Youtube: jamdongart
Jam Dong
Agent: Shadra Strickland
Jam Dong is an award-winning illustrator and author originally from Shanghai, China. She is currently based in Boston, US. She studied animation in London and received her MFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art. While growing up, Jam enjoyed telling stories to amuse or surprise her friends. She had tons of quirky ideas popping up into her head every day, and thought, why not draw them? This was the beginning of her journey in picture books. In her artwork, she enjoys building interesting and whimsical worlds with basic shapes and colors. Creating richness with simplicity is her art practice. Though most of her illustrations are done digitally, collage and textures are applied to give her work a handcrafted feel. In addition to illustration, she loves modernist fiction, nature and biology, woodworking, and doing animation and creating animated illustrations/gifs.
Client List
The New York Times
PlanSponsor
The New Yorker Magazine
Huffpost
Candlewick
Barefoot Books
Millbrook Press
Awards / Honors
2024 SCBWI Crystal Kite – I Ship
2021 Bologna Children’s Book Fair / selected illustrator
2021 3×3 Magazine Student Show Annual 18 / Distinguished Merit
2020 Bologna Children’s Book Fair / selected illustrator
2020 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, China Children’s Book Fair / Special Mention, Finalist
2020 iJungle illustration awards New Talent category / Gold Medal
2020 3×3 Magazine Student Show Annual 17 / Merit
2020 Creative Quarterly 62 / Runner Up
2020 American Illustration 39 / Winner
The Story Factory
Jam Dong, author/illustrator
Candlewick Press
www.candlewick.com
9781536230000, $18.99, HC, 32pp
https://www.amazon.com/Story-Factory-Jam-Dong/dp/1536230006
Synopsis: Once upon a time, all the books in the world were manufactured at one place called the Story Factory! But what happens when the factory that makes books stops working?
The workers at the story factory know exactly what it takes to make a book: characters, a plot, vocabulary, and punctuation. All the same elements are used over and over again, and everything has a precise order. Nothing new or original is ever added to the stories--that is, until the day the factory suddenly stops producing books.
The workers must locate and remove the clog in the machinery, and what they find may just change the way they make books forever. With fun and wonderfully intricate illustrations, author and artist Jam Dong's charming picture book story is a joyful ode to the imagination and to what it is that makes books so special.
Critique: An original, whimsical, and charming celebration of creativity, bookmaking, and original storytelling, "The Story Factory" by author/illustrator Jam Dong is a fun read from start to finish. While especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3-7, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover picture book edition of "The Story Factor" from Candlewick Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Jam Dong (https://jamdongart.com) was born in Shanghai, China. She studied animation in London and received her MFA in illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is a regular contributor to the New York Times and PLANSPONSOR magazine, and she illustrated I Ship by Kelly Rice Schmitt. A Bologna Children's Book Fair selected illustrator in 2020 - 2021, Jam Dong currently lives in Boston.
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
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"The Story Factory." Children's Bookwatch, Mar. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A835359713/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=590cc140. Accessed 6 June 2025.
Dong, Jam THE STORY FACTORY Candlewick (Children's None) $18.99 1, 21 ISBN: 9781536230000
Old ideas are constantly recycled into new books--until an unexpected idea upends operations.
In this tall tale, all books originate at the Story Factory. Workers gather used books and feed them into a machine that spits out endless permutations of the same old concepts. But one day, the machine stops. Workers inspect each area to make repairs, from the character labeling room to the plot assembly line to the emotion monitor. Finally, they find a jam in the story mixer; as they unclog it, a confetti pile of new ideas spill out. When the workers attempt to override the machine's programming to include these fresh ideas, the factory explodes in a flurry of new books that destroy the building. The workers replace it with a new, traveling Story Factory--one that playfully resembles a library, with its doors open to all people and ideas. The chunky mixed-media art is bold, bright, and fun. Book lovers will especially enjoy exploring the various factory departments and their machinery. Story Factory workers are depicted as pencil-yellow elfin creatures. When humans appear, they are rendered with a variety of skin tones.
A colorful, explosively entertaining parable about books and the power of imagination.(Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Dong, Jam: THE STORY FACTORY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Dec. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A819570152/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=68d693b1. Accessed 6 June 2025.
SCHMITT, Kelly Rice. I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World. illus. by Jam Dong. 40p. Lerner/Millbrook. Oct. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781728476834.
K-Gr 2--This is an ambitious attempt to explain where fuel comes from, how people use it, and some of the alternatives to fossil fuels. The graphic artwork is modern and appealing. The text is arranged in short pieces, which will make it appealing to younger students, but the concepts presented are complex and lack the specific nomenclature and thorough explanations to help readers fully understand the ideas. Many big processes are covered, from how fossil fuel deposits are formed, how they are taken out of the ground, how they are blended, turned into plastics, what happens when oil is spilled, as well as the creation of alternative sources of energy. Readers who are interested in fuel sources might do better seeking information about any single one of these topics, rather than the simplistic and sometimes confusing offerings here. VERDICT For graphic depictions of how humans get fuel, this is a fine collection of images, but the text will leave readers wanting more.--Debbie Tanner
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Tanner, Debbie. "SCHMITT, Kelly Rice. I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World." School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 8, Aug. 2024, p. 106. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A806586383/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=84bc5ff0. Accessed 6 June 2025.
I Ship: A Container Ship's Colossal Journey
by Kelly Rice Schmitt; illus. by Jam Dong
Preschool, Primary Millbrook/Lerner 40 pp.
10/23 9781728476827 $19.99
Readers follow every step of the (fictional) container ship Carolina, which is carrying freight from a port in Asia to delivery in the Netherlands. Carolina acts as narrator, initially providing details about the process of docking and loading, while informative cutaway illustrations display the diverse cargo. Dong's clear, flat, geometrical digital illustrations also illuminate size. The massive ship dwarfs a pair of large baleen whales swimming by; readers turn the page and see the ship alone on the ocean--"a drop of color / on a canvas of blue." As the ship rounds the coast of India, personification becomes more pronounced as once "lonely" vessels assemble in the Suez Canal. But the canal is blocked, and Carolina must divert its path, weathering a fierce storm off the Cape of Good Hope before continuing north through the Atlantic. Arriving in Amsterdam, the unloading begins: "Trade is flowing, the world keeps going. But oceans away, new ports await." An outline map clearly shows Carolina's route, and readers can return to it noting specific points of the journey, such as where the ship meets rough weather. A wealth of back matter, most aimed at an older audience, includes notes about trade and containerization; a glossary; potential related jobs; various additional facts; and internet resources, including an activity guide on buoyancy. An audience-appropriate seek-and-find activity completes the book. BETTY CARTER
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.hbook.com/magazine/default.asp
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Carter, Betty. "I Ship: A Container Ship's Colossal Journey." The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 99, no. 6, Nov.-Dec. 2023, pp. 109+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A772686853/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=d270643f. Accessed 6 June 2025.
Schmitt, Kelly Rice I SHIP Millbrook/Lerner (Children's None) $19.99 10, 3 ISBN: 9781728476827
A colossal narrator takes younger readers on a long, essential voyage.
Estimating that 80% to 90% of the world's global trade moves by ship, Schmitt assumes the voice of a (generic) gargantuan vessel piled high with "intermodal containers" to retrace a long journey--delayed by a major storm and extended by a detour around Africa when another ship blocks the Suez Canal--from (according to the dotted line on a schematic map) one unspecified port in east Asia to another in northern Europe. A scene of the ship circling a stopwatch evokes the sense of mission that rings throughout the author's terse, rhythmic narrative ("I carry goods wherever I go / helping the global economy flow"), and another startling view of the vessel steaming past two diminutive whales really brings home its sheer size. Elsewhere Dong presents flattened, stylized portraits of it and other working ships of diverse size and design, also offering frequent cutaway glimpses of what they carry, from pineapples and pumpkins to cars, clothes, and cows. Along with an expanded discussion of the challenges of the shipping trade, the backmatter includes a select list of related careers and leads to online resources. Rare human figures in the pictures are mostly brown-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An informative peek at our global infrastructure's major lifeline. (Informational picture book. 5-8)
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"Schmitt, Kelly Rice: I SHIP." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2023. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A758849073/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=0b69b0de. Accessed 6 June 2025.