Astound’s Kate Powell’s Most Notable Projects of 2022

Last year was a wonderful year for our agencies! They worked on so many fantastic projects, from books to clothing, to tarot cards, and more. As we start 2023, we wanted to wrap up 2022 with some of the agency’s most memorable projects. It’s not easy narrowing it down, but here are Astound US Inc.’s Global Manager, Kate Powell’s five most memorable projects from 2022.

1. Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission illustrated by Teresa Martinez

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan US

“This profound picture book is included in the Kirkus List of Top 100 Children’s Picture Books for 2022. Teresa’s work was also accepted into the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Exhibition in 2022. An excerpt from the Kirkus review: “This sincerely told story conveys the difficulties and heartbreak that families of undocumented immigrants encounter as well as the complexity of the pathways to citizenship in the United States. Martinez’s illustrations use color to depict the devastating effects on the family; a close-up of a young Juarez huddled on the floor is especially poignant. Yet the gentle artwork tempers the sadness. Both Spanish and English editions of the story are available; the message is powerful in any language.”

2. Beatrice Likes The Dark illustrated by Khoa Le

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers, Hachette Book Group

“This title is Algonquin Young Readers debut picture book! It has acquired many accolades and has been on numerous bestseller lists this year! In September 2022, the picture book was featured in the “For Ages 4 to 8” footer of the National Indie Bestsellers list.” Images for Beatrice Likes the Dark are from @librarymombooks on Instagram.

3. The Christmas Princess illustrated by Fuuji Takashi

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co., Macmillan

“Written by Mariah Carey and Michaela Angela Davis. Grammy Award-winning recording artist and New York Times Bestselling author, Mariah Carey, lovingly known as the Queen of Christmas, published her first picture book. A unique, heartwarming, and modern fairytale.”

4. The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi illustrated by Chiara Fedele

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

“Written by Julie Andrews, the beloved icon, and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton.

Chiara puts so much research and heart into each of her illustrations. Chiara uses traditional mediums and the final product is breathtaking!”

5. Bare Tree and Little Wind illustrated by Khoa Le

Publisher: WaterBrook & Multnomah, Penguin Random House

“Written by National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins. Khoa’s magical illustrations are filled with whimsical details that create beautiful storytelling.”

The ITSme Society is a collective of top creative agencies that represent award-winning talent worldwide. The ITSme Society agencies represent illustrators and writers across 7 agencies: Advocate Art, Astound US Inc, Illo Agency, Artistique, Yeon, CWLA, and Collaborate.