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African American Leads
Celebrate Black and Brown joy and mold the narrative from the start.
When God Made You
African American Leads, Christian
YOU, you… God thinks about you.
God was thinking of you long before your debut.
From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.
Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!
Matthew Paul Turner
The Snowy Day
Classics, Diverse Leads, Caldecott Medal
No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.
Ezra Jack Keats
Dream Big, Little One
Diverse Leads, Strong Female Leads
This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.
Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.
Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things - bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them.
The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.
Vashti Harrison
Please, Baby, Please
Celebrity Authors, Diverse Leads
Go back to bed,
baby, please, baby, please.
Not on your HEAD,
baby baby baby, please!...
From moments fussy to fond, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee, present a behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills, and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby!
Vivid illustrations from celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke toddlerhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again.
Spike Lee
Ada Twist, Scientist
Strong Female Leads, Diverse Leads
Like her classmates, builder Iggy and inventor Rosie, scientist Ada, a character of color, has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. But, this time, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble!
Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist, Scientist champions girl power and women scientists, and brings welcome diversity to picture books about girls in science. Touching on themes of never giving up and problem solving, Ada comes to learn that her questions might not always lead to answers, but rather to more questions. She may never find the source of the stink, but with a supportive family and the space to figure it out, she’ll be able to feed her curiosity in the ways a young scientist should.
Andrea Beaty
Change Sings
Diversity, Modern Favs, Thinking Big
A lyrical picture book debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long
"I can hear change humming
In its loudest, proudest song.
I don't fear change coming,
And so I sing along."
In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves.
With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.
Amanda Gorman
Last Stop on Market Street
Consumerism, Diverse Leads, Caldecott Medal
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.
This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Pena’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations.
Matt de la Peña
I Like Myself!
Diverse Leads, Diversity, Voicing Opinions
High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves—inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.
At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful . . . and straight from the heart. The sturdy board book is just right for little hands.
Karen Beaumont
Daddy's Arms
African American Leads, Fathers
This board book is a sweet, uplifting celebration of a Black father and his child’s imagination and underscores the power of a dad’s loving presence in his child’s life.
Daddy's Arms is a fun children’s book that tells the story of a little boy’s adorable and amusing everyday interactions with his dad. Whether it’s playtime, bath time, or bedtime, this wildly imaginative child has his dad’s arms take center stage for every fantastic new adventure.
Parents and guardians will enjoy reading Daddy’s Arms to kids, just as much as kids will enjoy listening to this tale that celebrates the bond between father and child and the joys of fatherhood.
Fabian E. Ferguson
Whose Toes Are Those?
African American Leads
A vibrant, playful verse that celebrates a beautiful brown baby's adorable little toes, for fans of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.
Who do you suppose has such fine toes?So brown and sweet. Who could have such darling feet?
Snuggle with a child on your lap with this cheerful rhyme inspired by the classic giggle-inspiring game of This Little Piggy. With lush, adorable pictures from New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham, reminiscent of the beloved work of Ezra Jack Keats, this interactive board book full of toddler appeal is a perfect baby gift for parent-child playtime.
Jabari Asim
Peekaboo Morning
African American Leads
A toddler plays a game of peekaboo, and you're invited to play too. First there's Mommy to find, with Daddy not far behind. Then Puppy comes peeking around the corner, and a favorite toy train brings the toddler to Grandma and Grandpa. Isadora's brilliant, joyful pastel illustrations capture the familiar and cozy people, toys and animals that will delight babies.
Rachel Isadora
The Undefeated
Caldecott Medal, History, Perseverance
Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.
Kwame Alexander
I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything!
Self-Esteem, Diverse Leads, Emotions, Affirmations
Based on a viral video comes the story of one boy's positive energy and how a sunny outlook can turn everything around.
It's a new day and Ayaan has woken up on the wrong side of the bed, where nothing feels quite right. What if he doesn't know the answer at school? What if he messes up? But as he sets out that morning, all it takes is a few reminders from his mom and some friends in the neighborhood to remind him that a new day is a good day because...
HE IS SMART,
HE IS BLESSED,
AND HE CAN DO ANYTHING!
Alissa Holder
Salt in his Shoes
Black History, Diverse Leads
Michael Jordan.
The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he'd never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous. That's when his mother and father stepped in and shared the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion -- patience, determination, and hard work.
Deloris Jordan, mother of the basketball phenomenon, teams up with his sister Roslyn to tell this heartwarming and inspirational story that only the members of the Jordan family could tell. It's a tale about faith and hope and how any family working together can help a child make his or her dreams come true.
Deloris Jordan
Rosa Parks (Big Dreams)
Strong Female Leads, Black History
This board book version of Rosa Parks—an international bestseller from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series—introduces the youngest dreamers to the "Mother of the Freedom Movement."
Rosa Parks grew up in Alabama, where she learned to stand up for herself at an early age. Rosa went on to become a civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. She never stopped working for equal rights. Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this fascinating icon, and will also enjoy exploring the stylish and quirky illustrations of this sturdy board book on their own.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.
Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Lisbeth Kaiser
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Diverse Leads, Caldecott Medal
Named one of the best books of 2017 by NPR, the Huffington Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, the Horn Book Magazine, the News & Observer, BookPage, Chicago Public Library, and more
The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.
A fresh cut makes boys fly.
This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.
Derrick Barnes
Parker Looks Up
Strong Female Leads, Thinking Big
A visit to Washington, DC’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait.
When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment, in a moving picture book.
Parker Looks Up follows Parker, along with her baby sister and her mother, and her best friend Gia and Gia’s mother, as they walk the halls of a museum, seeing paintings of everyone and everything from George Washington Carver to Frida Kahlo, exotic flowers to graceful ballerinas. Then, Parker walks by Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama…and almost passes it. But she stops...and looks up!
Parker saw the possibility and promise, the hopes and dreams of herself in this powerful painting of Michelle Obama. An everyday moment became an extraordinary one…that continues to resonate its power, inspiration, and indelible impact. Because, as Jessica Curry said, “anything is possible regardless of race, class, or gender.”
Parker Curry
Mae Among the Stars
Strong Female Leads, Black History, Diverse Leads, Space
A beautiful picture book for sharing, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison.
Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.
This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.
Roda Ahmed
Shady Baby
Diverse Leads, NY Times Best Sellers, Celebrity Authors
Shady Baby keeps it real in this picture book collaboration by New York Times bestselling duo actress and producer Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar and businessman Dwyane Wade.
Based on their famous baby girl, Kaavia James:
After a long morning of being fabulous, Shady Baby heads to the park for a relaxing play session. But what does she find?! Some not-so-nice kids picking on others.
Shady flashes them a look—her famous side eye—and teaches them that it’s better to play nice. But when her feelings are hurt, will anyone stand (or crawl) by her side?
Find out in this upbeat picture book that teaches kids to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe in. Perfect for fans of The Boss Baby and Feminist Baby!
Gabrielle Union
Hey Black Child
Being Yourself, African American Leads
Six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and four-time Caldecott Honor recipient Bryan Collier brings this classic, inspirational poem to life, written by poet Useni Eugene Perkins.
Hey black child,
Do you know who you are?
Who really are?Do you know you can be
What you want to be
If you try to be
What you can be?
This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.
Useni Eugene Perkins
Lola Plants a Garden
Gardening, Diverse Leads
How does your garden grow? Book-loving Lola is inspired by a collection of garden poems that she reads with her mommy. She wants to plant her own garden of beautiful flowers, so she and Mommy go to the library to check out books about gardening. They choose their flowers and buy their seeds. They dig and plant. And then they wait. Lola finds it hard to wait for her flowers to grow, but she spends the time creating her own flower book. Soon she has a garden full of sunflowers and invites all of her friends for cakes and punch and a story amongst the flowers.
Lola is a beloved character that continues to shine for young readers. Her curiosity and love of books is infectious. Parents and children love sharing Lola's stories.
Rosalind Beardshaw's beautiful illustrations highlight Lola's close-knit family and how they use stories and books to interact with their world. Lola's brightly colored and growing garden is the perfect surrounding for this bright little girl.
Anna McQuinn
Islandborn
Diverse Leads
From New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz comes a debut picture book about the magic of memory and the infinite power of the imagination.
Every kid in Lola's school was from somewhere else.
Hers was a school of faraway places.
So when Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories—joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening—Lola's imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island. As she draws closer to the heart of her family's story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her abuela's words: “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.”
Gloriously illustrated and lyrically written, Islandborn is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and our imagination's boundless ability to connect us—to our families, to our past and to ourselves.
Junot Díaz
I am Rosa Parks
Strong Female Leads, Black History
Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks is the 3rd hero in in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. (Cover may vary)
Each picture book in this series is a biography of a significant historical figure, told in a simple, conversational, vivacious way, and always focusing on a character trait that made the person heroic. The heros are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and accessible to young children. And each book ends with a line of encouragement, a direct quote, and photos on the last page. This story focuses on Rosa Parks and how she always stood up for what's right.
This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big.
Included in each book are:
• A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
• Photos that bring the story more fully to life
• Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
• Childhood moments that influenced the hero
• Facts that make great conversation-starters
• A virtue this person embodies: Rosa Parks's strength is highlighted in this biography. You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
Brad Meltzer
Maya Angelou (Big Dreams)
Strong Female Leads, Black History
In the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream.
The book follows Maya Angelou, from her early traumatic childhood to her time as a singer, actress, civil rights campaigner and, eventually, one of America's most beloved writers of poetry, memoirs, and essays. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Maya's life at the back.
Lisbeth Kaiser
Baby Goes to Market
Nigerian Leads
Join Baby and his doting mama at a bustling southwest Nigerian marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers.
Market is very crowded.
Mama is very busy.
Baby is very curious.
When Baby and Mama go to the market, Baby is so adorable that the banana seller gives him six bananas. Baby eats one and puts five in the basket, but Mama doesn’t notice. As Mama and Baby wend their way through the stalls, cheeky Baby collects five oranges, four biscuits, three ears of sweet corn, two pieces of coconut . . . until Mama notices that her basket is getting very heavy! Poor Baby, she thinks, he must be very hungry by now! Rhythmic language, visual humor, and a bounty of delectable food make this a tale that is sure to whet little appetites for story time.
Atinuke
Whose Knees Are These?
African American Leads
A vibrant, playful verse that celebrates a beautiful brown baby's sweet little knees, for fans of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.
I've searched the world and seven seas. Never have I seen such charming knees.
Snuggle with a child on your lap with this companion title to the popular board book Whose Toes Are Those?. With lush, adorable pictures from New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham, reminiscent of the beloved work of Ezra Jack Keats, this interactive rhyme full of toddler appeal is a perfect baby gift for parent-child playtime.
Jabari Asim
Jabari Tries
Perseverance
Jabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister.
Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
Gaia Cornwall
Princess Hair
Diverse Leads, Diversity
Princesses with curls wear pearls.
Princesses with head wraps take long naps.
And princesses with teeny-weeny Afros wear teeny-weeny bows.
Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book! From dreadlocks to blowouts to braids, Princess Hair shines a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of black hair, showing young readers that every kind of hair is princess hair.
Debut author-illustrator Sharee Miller encourages confidence and pride in this playful, colorful picture book that teaches readers to love every bit of themselves.
Sharee Miller
Milo Imagines the World
Diverse Leads
The team behind the Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor book Last Stop on Market Street and the award-winning New York Times bestseller Carmela Full of Wishes once again delivers a poignant and timely picture book that's sure to become an instant classic.
Milo is on a long subway ride with his older sister. To pass the time, he studies the faces around him and makes pictures of their lives. There's the whiskered man with the crossword puzzle; Milo imagines him playing solitaire in a cluttered apartment full of pets. There's the wedding-dressed woman with a little dog peeking out of her handbag; Milo imagines her in a grand cathedral ceremony. And then there's the boy in the suit with the bright white sneakers; Milo imagines him arriving home to a castle with a drawbridge and a butler. But when the boy in the suit gets off on the same stop as Milo--walking the same path, going to the exact same place--Milo realizes that you can't really know anyone just by looking at them.
Matt de la Peña
Curls
Diverse Leads
A joyfully poetic board book that delivers an ode to African American girls and the beauty of their curls.
Me
Morning
Mirror Smile
Shine big
hair love
This simple, playful, and beautiful board book stars four friends who celebrate the joy of their hairstyles from bouncing curls to swinging braids.
Ruth Forman
Grace for President
Strong Female Leads, Diverse Leads, Thinking Big
When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate the school's mock election!
Author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.
Kelly DiPucchio
Abiyoyo
Folktales, Diverse Leads
A young boy and his father save the town that ostracized them from a hungry giant in this picture book adaptation of a South African lullaby and folk story.
In a small town, one young boy loves walking around playing the ukulele, but the people get tired of the clink, clunk, clonk and beg him to stop while covering their ears! The boy’s father has a magic wand he uses to make things disappear, like a playing card or a glass of water—or a chair just as someone’s about to sit.
The townspeople have had quite enough of the boy’s noise and the father’s tricks and drive them from the town. But then the giant called Abiyoyo comes to town and starts gobbling up everything in sight. If they work together, can the magician and his son make this very big problem disappear?
Pete Seeger
The Wizard of Oz
Diverse Leads, Modernized Classics
Bedtime Classics: charmingly illustrated board book editions of perennial favorites, simplified for the youngest readers!
Bedtime Classics introduce classic works of fiction to little literary scholars through character-driven narratives and colorful illustration. Designed to be the perfect one minute bedtime story (or five minutes--if you're begged to read it over and over), so parents can feel good about exposing their children to some of the most iconic pieces of literature, while building their child's bookshelf with these trendy editions!
When a tornado hits her small Kansas town, Dorothy is swept away to Oz To find her way back home, she follows the yellow brick road to The Emerald City and picks up a scarecrow, a tinman, and a cowardly lion, on their way to seek help from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
L. Frank Baum
Trombone Shorty
Music, Thinking Big, African American Leads, Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award-winning picture book biography from Grammy-nominated musician Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and celebrated illustrator Bryan Collier
“Who’s that playing out there?” Bo Diddley asked the New Orleans crowd. It was a small child who’d been nicknamed “Trombone Shorty” because his trombone was twice as large as he was. Trombone Shorty was lifted in the air and carried through the audience until he reached the stage with Bo Diddley. He has been onstage ever since.
Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, where music always floated in the air, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews didn’t always have the money to buy an instrument, but he did have the dream to play music. This is the story of how he made his dream take flight.
Today, Troy Andrews is a Grammy-nominated musician who tours the world with his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. He continues to inspire hope for the next generation in New Orleans and for music lovers everywhere.
Troy Andrews
Preaching to the Chickens: Story of John Lewis
Thinking Big, Black History
A New York Times Best Illustrated Book
Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis.
John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.
Celebrating ingenuity and dreaming big, this inspirational story, featuring Jabari Asim’s stirring prose and E. B. Lewis’s stunning, light-filled impressionistic watercolor paintings, includes an author’s note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. John Lewis is now a Georgia congressman, who is still an activist today, recently holding a sit-in on the House floor of the U.S. Capitol to try to force a vote on gun violence. His March: Book Three recently won the National Book Award, as well as the American Library Association's Coretta Scott King Author Award, Printz Award, and Sibert Award.
Jabari Asim
The Year We Learned to Fly
Emotions, Perseverance, African American Leads
Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence.
On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother’s advice: “Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored you are now.” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.
Jacqueline Woodson
Baby Dance
Poetry, Diverse Leads
Up and down, to and fro, coo and crow baby, there you go. Up to the ceiling, down to the ground, backward and forward, round and round ... All babies love to be lifted, twirled and held in loving arms. Now a rhythmic poem by nineteenth century poet Anne Taylor makes a delightful board book perfect for baby and parent to share. Marjorie van Heerden has captured the energy and joy of this playful text in vivd pastel illustrations full of the soft, gentle motion of dance.
For babies who are responding to music and movement, here's a playful poem that has father and child dancing lovingly across the pages.
Ann Taylor
Leo Can Swim
Swim, African American Leads
Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Baby Time, is back in a new adventure at the pool.
Leo loves the water! Leo and Daddy go to swim class where they kick, bounce, splash around, and dive like little fish. Joining other babies and their caretakers in the pool is a guarantee for unforgettable fun. This sweet story full of action and sound effects is a gentle introduction to pool facilities and parent-child swim lessons with a cast of diverse families who love to splash and play together.
Keep an eye out for Leo's other adventures!
Anna McQuinn
Idia of the Benin Kingdom
African Folktales, Strong Female Leads
Join Idia of the Benin Kingdom as she molds herself from the young and curious daughter of a village warrior to becoming the Queen of the ancient African Kingdom of Benin. Discover the journey of a young heroine who saw her future in a dream and works her way to becoming one of the most well-loved, praised, and successful queens in African History.
Idia of the Benin Kingdom is a precious storybook that empowers young girls to create a vision of who they want to be as they create limitless possibilities for their future.
Ekiuwa Aire
What If...
Diverse Leads, Imagination
Creativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends.
This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream...
Stunning mixed media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold conjure powerful magic in this heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Samantha Berger
I Can Do It Too!
African American Leads, Independence
This heartwarming story reminds us how satisfying it is to grow up surrounded by love. I Can Do It Too! affirms a little girl's growing independence as she, too, can begin to do all the things she sees her parents, relatives and neighbors do: pouring juice at breakfast, strumming a guitar, and even riding a bike! The simple cadence of text and direct-to-the-heart art result in a book as warm and generous as its message, providing reading pleasure for toddlers, older siblings, and the grown-ups who love them.
Karen Baicker
I'm a Potty Superhero (Girl)
Potty Training, Diverse Leads
Everyone needs to use the potty—even superheroes! Help your little superhero explore the idea of using a potty and learn where to go by following along with the superhero girl in the story. This adorable, rhyming board book is sure to help girls embark on an exciting journey and gain the confidence to go to the bathroom all on their own, making them feel like superheroes.
Check out this potty training book and more from Cottage Door Press to get your baby prepared for using the bathroom all by his or herself one day!
Motivates toddlers beginning to potty train to reach the finish line to be diaper-free
Make potty training fun for kids by encouraging interest in toilet training
Fun illustrations and cute superhero story offer a positive approach for parents and caregivers
Thick board pages for little toddler hands to carry around wherever your superhero goes
Positive inspiration for your little girl as she makes her way towards "big girl" pants
Cottage Door Press
Leo Gets a Checkup
African American Leads, Pre-Med
Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Baby Time, is back in a new adventure at the doctor's office.
When Dad takes Leo to visit the doctor, Leo learns to wait his turn, sit quietly while his eyes and ears are checked, and be brave during a shot. And of course, Leo gets a sticker and a new book before he leaves!
A companion to Leo Can Swim and Leo Loves Baby Time, this adorable spin-off of best-selling Lola Reads series is perfect to prepare babies and toddlers ready for their first checkups, just like Leo.
Anna McQuinn
Brown Sugar Baby
African American Leads
"Brown sugar baby, dark eyes spark bright with glee...Pie of my eye, stay right here with me." This lyrical first book in the Brown Sugar Baby series is a celebration of the powerful love and protective, comforting instincts of a mother for her child. Its soothing rhythm and tender rhymes are highlighted by whimsical and charming illustrations that are perfect for storytime.
-Relatable, lyrical story for parents and their little girls and boys to read together time and time again
-Beautiful illustrations, featuring an African American family, will keep kids engaged throughout the story
-Sturdy board book pages are easy to grasp, great for children practicing fine motor skills
-Poetic rhythm and rhymes encourage language patterns and development amongst toddlers
-Perfect for baby showers, birthday gifts, Mother's Day, and more!
At Cottage Door Press, we believe in creating stories that reflect the boundless possibilities of all children. We hope to create books that inspire little ones to connect, encourage them to dream, give them cause to celebrate, and allow them to see themselves beautifully reflected in the stories they read.
Kevin Lewis
Nigel and the Moon
Thinking Big, Diverse Leads
From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.
When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!
Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.
But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.
* A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Kids' Indie Next List Pick * A SLJ Best Book of 2022 *
Antwan Eady
Leo Loves Baby Time
African American Leads
Fans of the book-loving Lola from the Lola Reads seriescan now join her little brother Leo on his very own day-to-day activities and adventures.
Leo loves to go to Baby Time with his mommy on Wednesdays. They sing songs. They play peekaboo. They wiggle and clap and kick their little legs. They zoooooom to the moon! And, Leo’s favorite thing: playing with the animals. Then everyone shares a cuddle and a story.
The Baby Time activities featured in Leo Loves Baby Time will be familiar to children and parents and are presented in bright, vibrant colors that will draw the attention of the youngest readers.
Anna McQuinn
Riley Knows He Can
Bravery, Going to School, African American Leads
Riley is excited about starring in his first school play – but his nerves keep getting the better of him. His Mummy and Daddy will be in the audience and Riley is excited that they’ll be there to watch him in his starring role as the wise king. In addition, Riley can’t wait to put on his costume – a kingly cape and crown! But he keeps getting overwhelmed by the butterflies in his tummy! What if he walks on the stage and freezes? Or what if he walks on the stage and sneezes? Thankfully, Riley’s big sister Ella is on hand. Not only did Ella help her little brother to practice his lines for the play, she also gives him the encouragement he needs to take to the stage with kingly confidence. With Ella’s help, Riley learns how to ditch the doubt and tell himself he can do it – because deep down, he knows he can! The follow-up to 2017’s Riley Can Be Anything, Riley Knows He Can follows young Riley on a new and exciting journey of discovery. In this wonderful rhyming tale, our young hero learns, with the help of his big sister, how to conquer his fears by believing in himself.
Davina Hamilton
I'm A Potty Superhero (Boy)
Potty Training, Diverse Leads
Everyone needs to use the potty—even superheroes! Help your little superhero explore the idea of using a potty and learn where to go by following along with the superhero boy in the story. This adorable, rhyming board book is sure to help boys embark on an exciting journey and gain the confidence to go to the bathroom all on their own, making them feel like superheroes.
Check out this potty training book and more from Cottage Door Press to get your baby prepared for using the bathroom all by his or herself one day!
Motivates toddlers beginning to potty train to reach the finish line to be diaper-free
Make potty training fun for kids by encouraging interest in toilet training
Fun illustrations and cute superhero story offer a positive approach for parents and caregivers
Thick board pages for little toddler hands to carry around wherever your superhero goes
Positive inspiration for your little boy as he makes his way towards "big boy" pants
Cottage Door Press
Leo Loves Daddy
Fathers, African American Leads
Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Baby Time, is back in a new adventure with Daddy!
Perfect for Father's Day or every day, this sweet companion to Leo Loves Mommy and spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series celebrates the love between young children and their dads. Leo and Daddy love to make pancakes for breakfast, dance to the beat, and go to the park together. When it's time to sleep, Daddy's hugs are the snuggliest.
Anna McQuinn
B Is for Baby
African American Leads
“A circular tale of family love with visual rewards. . . . There’s no denying the joy in this book.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
B is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba!
One morning after breakfast, Baby’s big brother is getting ready to take the basket of bananas all the way to Baba’s bungalow in the next village. He’ll have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds, and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge. But what he doesn’t realize is that his very cute, very curious baby sibling has stowed away on his bicycle! Little ones learning about language will love sounding out the words in this playful, vibrantly illustrated story set in West Africa.
Atinuke
Me and My Mama
African American Leads
A celebration of family love and Black joy from Coretta Scott King Award–winning author Carole Boston Weatherford, this beautiful rhyming board book is the perfect gift for mom!
The sun is calling us outside.
Mama cheers me down the slide!
We wish on puffs and sift through sand.
We hike together hand in hand.
With simple, charming text, and colorful illustrations, Me and My Mama is the perfect way to for kids to reflect on the special role their Mama plays in their life and explore the many ways love can be shown!
Carole Weatherford
Who Will You Be?
Graduation, Diverse Leads
My child, my little one,
Who will you be when you are grown?
There's loving kindness in your eyes, like your daddy's
and boldness in your heart, like your grandma's.
Will you be like them?
So begins this loving picture book about a mama who wonders who her child will grow up to be. Will her little one be curious like Grandpa and adventurous like Auntie Amina? Compassionate like Amy and joyful like cousin Curlena? Moving from family members to the wider community, she muses about which attributes her child will possess. A perfect gift for a baby shower, birthday, or graduation. Who Will You Be? features gorgeous artwork and gentle words that celebrate childhood and is an ode to the power of our village--and a reminder that every child is uniquely wonderful.
Andrea Pippins
Alfie
Animals, Diverse Leads
Nia loves Alfie, her pet turtle. But he’s not very soft, he doesn’t do tricks, and he’s pretty quiet. Sometimes she forgets he’s even there! That is until the night before Nia’s seventh birthday, when nAlfie disappears! Then, in an innovative switch in point of view, we hear Alfie’s side of the story. He didn’t leave Nia—he’s actually searching for the perfect birthday present for his dear friend. Can he find a gift and make it back in time for the big birthday party?
From the author-illustrator of Fraidyzoo and The Bear Report comes a warm and funny ode to friendship—even when the friends see the relationship, and the world, very differently.
Thyra Heder
Baby Ballers: Michael Jordan
African American Leads
Introduce a new generation to Michael Jordan with this cute board book for baby basketball fans!
Before he was a legend, Michael Jordan was just a kid who loved to play basketball. Follow along as he dribbles, shoots, and scores his way to fame in this illustrated board book—armed with a determination that hasn’t been matched! Introduce little ones to the life of a true game changer in this adorable board book perfect for baby ballers!
Bernadette Baillie
Mindful Mr. Sloth
Diverse Leads, Emotions
Sasha has one speed―fast. She loves to do lots of things, all at once, as fast as possible. Mr. Sloth has one speed―slow. He loves to do things one at a time, at a nice, easy pace. Can Mr. Sloth’s mindful ways teach Sasha to slow down and enjoy life? Best-selling author Katy Hudson gently weaves a mindfulness theme into this unlikely friendship tale between an energetic girl and a sloth, encouraging children to stop, breathe, and be present in every moment.
Katy Hudson
I’m Going to Have a Good Day!
Self-Esteem, Diverse Leads, Growth Mindset
I am beautiful. I am kind. I am loved.
In this uplifting picture book, young readers will discover how they can use daily affirmations to remind them of who they are and what makes them special. Join TikTok sensation Scarlett Gray and Tiania Haneline as they repeat exuberant affirmations that empower Scarlett throughout the day and inspire those around her to create their own uplifting self-talk.
Every morning as her mom brushes her hair, Scarlett recites her daily affirmations. Those powerful words travel with her throughout her day, helping her replace negative thoughts with positive ones and live out the truth that she is beautiful, strong, brave, kind, and worthy of love. This fun-filled and inspiring kids’ book also includes a list of uplifting and child-friendly statements your child can use to create their own daily affirmation routine. With fun illustrations from Stephanie Dehennin that make the story come alive, you and your young reader will discover how much words matter in your own lives.
I'm Going to Have a Good Day! teaches children 4-8:
-how to incorporate positive affirmations into their lives
-that self-esteem is fun and empowering
-the benefits of passing on love and encouragement to others
-how to overcome negative thoughts in their everyday lives
-how to build confidence and see their self-worth
Build up your loved ones with encouraging words of affirmation, and they'll be saying, "I'm going to have a good day!"
Tiania Haneline
Brown Baby Lullaby
Bedtime, Diverse Leads
This lyrical bedtime board book is a must-have for every brown baby's bookshelf.
Come, my sweet brown baby...
From sunset to bedtime, two parents lovingly care for their beautiful baby: first, they play outside, then it is time for dinner and a bath, and finally a warm snuggle before bed. Precious and heartfelt, this story is a true celebration of the love shared between parent and child -- and the actions that say "I love you."
With beautiful text by Tameka Fryer Brown and featuring warm art by New York Times–bestselling and NAACP-Award–winning illustrator AG Ford, Brown Baby Lullaby is the perfect new baby or baby shower gift.
Tameka Fryer Brown
Kamala Harris (Big Dreams)
Strong Female Leads, African American Leads, Indian Culture
In this book from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Kamala Harris, the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American to be elected vice president of the USA.
Little Kamala used to accompany her parents to civil rights marches in California, strapped into her stroller so she wouldn’t get lost. From an early age, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer to help people in need. In school, Kamala felt like she could do anything and everything. She earned a law degree to make sure the most vulnerable were protected by justice.
Kamala’s life was full of firsts, including becoming the first woman, Black woman, and South Asian American to be elected vice president. As Kamala stated to little girls everywhere in her speech—she may be the first but she won't be the last. This powerful book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the politician’s life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.
Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Finn's Little Fibs
Diverse Leads, Emotions, Responsibility
What happens when one little lie turns into a big problem? From the creator of Ruby Finds a Worry comes the perfect picture book for helping children learn the importance of honesty.
Finn always looks forward to spending time at Grandma's house. But when he accidentally breaks her clock, he panics and tells a little fib, blaming it on his sister. Then-POP!-a little blob appears! As Finn's fibs start piling up, more and more blobs appear. All the fibs make Finn feel awful and upset, until staying at Grandma's isn't fun anymore! Can Finn get rid of the fibs and work up the courage to tell the truth?
Heartwarming and genuine, this book in the Big Bright Feelings series is the perfect starting point for helping children learn the importance of honesty, forgiveness, and responsibility.
The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics-from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.
Tom Percival
If You Were Spaghetti
African American Leads
If you were spaghetti . . . I'd be a meatball!
This fun and interactive board book is chock-full of entertaining ways to let the little ones in your life know that you love them and you’ll always be there for them, just like the classic pairings of spaghetti and meatballs, bathtubs and bubbles, or ice cream and sprinkles. Colorful pages with the Haily and Kevin Meyers’ adorable artwork, fun text, and liftable flaps hiding extra illustrations are sure to catch toddlers’ curiosity and make If You Were Spaghetti a special favorite.
From the creators of Gotta Go, Buffalo.
Haily Meyers
Leo Loves Mommy
Lovey Dovey, African American Leads
Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Baby Time, is back in a new adventure with Mommy!
Perfect for Mother's Day or every day, this sweet companion to Leo Loves Daddy and spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series is sure to delight. Leo and Mommy love to build forts, do yoga, and make splashy art together. At the end of the day, Mommy's hugs are the comfiest.
Anna McQuinn
Grandma's Tiny House
Grandparents, Counting
This sweet, rhyming counting book introduces young readers to numbers one through fifteen as Grandma’s family and friends fill her tiny house on Brown Street. Neighbors, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandkids crowd into the house and pile it high with treats for a family feast.
But when the walls begin to bulge and nobody has space enough to eat, one clever grandchild knows exactly what to do.
JaNay Brown-Wood
Barack Obama (Little Golden Book)
Diverse Leads, Thinking Big
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about President Barack Obama! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers!
This Little Golden Book about Barack Obama--the 44th President of the United States and the country's first Black president--is an inspiring read-aloud for young girls and boys.
Frank Berrios
Jazz
Music, Diverse Leads
There's a crazy syncopation /and it's tearing through the nation / and it's bringing sweet elation / to every single tune./ It's Jazz
One of TIME's 100 Best Children's Books of All Time
Fifteen poems, infused with the rhythm and wordplay of jazz music, are paired with bold, stylized illustrations of performers and dancers to convey the history and breadth of this unique musical style. From bebop to New Orleans, from ragtime to boogie, and every style in between, Jazz takes readers on a musical journey from jazz's beginnings to the present day.
Created by a celebrated father-son team, Jazz is a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and a Kirkus Best Children's Books Editor's Choice.
In addition to its colorful and lyrical celebration, the book includes a brief introductory essay about the history and form of jazz, as well as a timeline and glossary of jazz terms.
Walter Dean Myers
Count to Love
African American Leads, Counting
Cuddle up with your little one and get ready to count to L-O-V-E, in this precious board book from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney!
Count to love on fingers and toes.
1-2-3-4, touch your nose!
Snuggle up with your little one to celebrate sweet baby love! You won't be able to resist this adorable board book full of cutie charms, belly kisses, and magic wishes, just-right for fans of bestselling books like Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and warm, winsome illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney. This joyful celebration of roly-poly, perfectly huggable, oh-so lovable little ones that is just-right for the whole family, for Valentine's Day and all throughout the year! So get ready to count to love... because once you start, you just won't stop!
Andrea Pinkney
There Was a Party for Langston
Caldecott Medal, Black History
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds’s debut picture book is a snappy, joyous ode to Word King, literary genius, and glass-ceiling smasher Langston Hughes and the luminaries he inspired.
Back in the day, there was a heckuva party, a jam, for a word-making man. The King of Letters. Langston Hughes. His ABCs became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole country. They sent some people yelling and others, his word-children, to write their own glory.
Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and more came be-bopping to recite poems at their hero’s feet at that heckuva party at the Schomberg Library, dancing boom da boom, stepping and stomping, all in praise and love for Langston, world-mending word man. Oh, yeah, there was hoopla in Harlem, for its Renaissance man. A party for Langston.
Jason Reynolds
Bath! Bath! Bath!
Bath, African American Leads
Bath time is fun! fun! fun! in this playful board book!
Today we had such fun! fun! fun!
But now the day is done! done! done!
After a fun-filled day, it's time to go home and take a bath! From washing tiny toes and your little nose to making rubber ducky go quack! quack! quack!, bath time is fun! fun! fun!
The rhyming text makes this the perfect read-along story to get little ones excited for bath time.
Douglas Florian
Shady Baby Feels: A First Book of Emotions
African American Leads, Emotions, Celebrity Authors
Learn about feelings and emotions with Shady Baby in this board book created by the bestselling team of Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, and Tara Nicole Whitaker!
Shady Baby is baking cupcakes, and she has some feelings about the process. From excitement or boredom, Shady Baby expresses nine common emotions. Perfect for the youngest of readers, this book will inspire kids to discuss their multitude of feelings in a kid-friendly, accessible format.
Great for:
-Introducing emotional literacy, self-awareness, and empathy to toddlers!
-Reading sequential yet simple storylines!
-Early childhood development!
-Tiny hands, due to its sturdy pages!
Gabrielle Union
Cranky Right Now
Emotions, Diverse Leads
Sometimes we’re all cranky, and that’s okay! Cranky Right Now shows kids how to deal with those cranky days.
Cranky Right Now brings a much-needed message to kids: sometimes we’re all cranky. Maybe we’re tired, we’re hungry, or we’re just feeling grumpy. Dealing with emotions can be hard. Cranky Right Now is a fun and funny ride through the ups and downs of being cranky, helping kids process difficult feelings, frustrating relationships, and things that just make them mad.
Award-winning author Julie Berry talks about reasons kids can feel cranky and how to recognize those feelings and acknowledge them. She then gives simple practices for moving through crankiness. She shows that it’s okay to be in a bad mood sometimes―just not to take it out on others―and that cranky days will eventually give way to happy ones.
A companion volume to Happy Right Now, with Holly Hatam’s bright and playful illustrations, Cranky Right Now helps you embrace, understand, and move through cranky in a whole new way.
Julie Berry
I Love My Beautiful Hair
Diverse Leads
A celebration of family tradition and natural hair, in this adorable rhyming board book!
Little EJ is so excited to join her mom and grandmommy for her first-ever trip to the hair salon. She wants to find a special hair style. But with so many options… how can she choose? Readers will love “trying on” hair styles alongside EJ, as she imagines herself in a variety of styles. Should she try afro puffs, with ribbons and bows? Or twisty spirals that tickle her nose? Luckily, Mommy is there to offer reassurance: “Your hair is curly, like clouds in the sky. It’s beautiful no matter which style you try!”
With bright colors, bold and graphic artwork, and sweet rhyming text, this book is the perfect way to celebrate family tradition and Black hair with your little one!
Elissa Wentt
Like Lava In My Veins
Emotions, Diverse Leads
A USA Today Bestseller
All it takes is a loving teacher to help a boy get control of his sizzling superpowers, in this vibrant picture book by bestselling author Derrick Barnes.
Bobby Beacon’s got fire flowing through his veins. And now he’s psyched to attend a new school that’ll help him get a better grip on his powers. But right off the bat, his new teacher is not too welcoming. That causes Bobby’s hot temper to land him in the principal’s office. It ain’t easy to stay calm when people don’t seem to understand you and are always pushing you to the edge. Good thing Bobby gets moved to a class with an understanding teacher who clues him in on ways to calm himself and shows him that caring for others is its own kind of superpower. With her help—and some cool new friends—he just might be on his way to becoming the best version of himself possible.
Derrick Barnes
Peek-a-You!
African American Leads
Playing peekaboo is more fun than ever with this rhythmic, whimsical board book from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney!
Peek-a-you, peek-a-you, can you see?
Here's the pretty brown face of me?
Cuddle up with your little one and play a happy game of peekaboo! You won't be able to resist this adorable board book with adorable rhymes and endless brown baby energy and fun. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and warm, winsome illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney, this joyful celebration of roly-poly, perfectly huggable, oh-so-lovable little ones is just-right for the whole family all throughout the year! Take a peek to see what you can find! And what's the prize? The wonderous gaze of your bright brown bundle of joy!
This board book is part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program, a celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families. And if you're looking for a gift-able picture book? Be sure to also check out the beautiful picture book treasury Bright Brown Baby to read "Peek-a-You" alongside four more poems. Just-right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more!
Andrea Pinkney
Emile and the Field
Nature Lovers
In this lyrical picture book from an award-winning poet, a young boy cherishes a neighborhood field throughout the changing seasons. With stunning illustrations and a charming text, this beautiful story celebrates a child's relationship with nature.
There was a boy
named Emile
who fell
in love with a field.
It was wide
and blue--
and if you could have
seen it
so would've you.
Emile loves the field close to his home--in spring, summer, and fall, when it gives him bees and flowers, blossoms and leaves. But not as much in winter, when he has to share his beautiful, changeable field with other children...and their sleds. This relatable and lyrical ode to one boy's love for his neighborhood field celebrates how spending time in nature allows children to dream, to imagine...and even to share.
Kevin Young
Mama's Sleeping Scarf
Family, Diverse Leads, Imagination
The first children's book from the best-selling author of We Should All Be Feminists and Americanah—a tender story about a little girl’s love for her mother’s scarf, and the adventures she shares with it and her whole family
Chino loves the scarf that her mama ties around her hair at night. But when Mama leaves for the day, what happens to her scarf? Chino takes it on endless adventures! Peeking through the colorful haze of the silky scarf, Chino and her toy bunny can look at her whole family as they go through their routines.
With stunning illustrations from Joelle Avelino, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf is a celebration of family, and a touching story about the everyday objects that remind us of the ones we love.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Black Girl Rising
Diverse Leads, Strong Female Leads
This enduring anthem for Black girls celebrates their power, potential, and brilliance—for themselves and for the world.
You are a thousand curls
unfurling in your hair.
You are a thousand fists
standing proudly in air.
You are the song of swallows,
lifting sun as they sing—
breaking light with their beaks,
breaking sky with their wings . . .
Black girlhood is beautiful! In this deeply moving celebration and rallying cry, and in the face of the many messages that still work to convince Black girls that they should shrink themselves, hide their light, know their place, Brynne Barnes and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh reclaim that narrative: A Black girl's place is everywhere, and her selfhood is everything she can dream it to be.
With poignant, poetic prose and striking, color-drenched illustrations, this empowering picture book centers the inherent worthiness and radiance of Black girls that is still far too often denied. A love letter to and for Black girls everywhere, Black Girl Rising alchemizes the sorrow and strength of the past into the brilliant gold of the future, sweeping young readers of all backgrounds into a lyrical exploration of what it means to be Black, female, and glorious.
Brynne Barnes
Bright Brown Baby
African American Leads
A rhythmic, whimsically illustrated celebration of Black and brown babies and the joy, tender moments, and boundless love shared between children and their caregivers, from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney.
Brown baby, born bright.
Greet the world. Spread your light.
Sparkling eyes blink hello.
Bright brown baby, you will GO!
Cuddle up with your little one, read aloud, and REPEAT: This gorgeous picture book treasury is sure to become your favorite storytime anthem. Dive into these five beautiful poems that celebrate the tender, cozy, early days between parent and child, and the exuberant joy of watching a brand-new life take shape. Warm, winsome, and welcoming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney exude joy and love on every page. Bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney rolls off the tongue and begs to be read aloud, in these poems that include "Count to Love," "Hey, Baby Girl!," and "Baby Boy, You are a Star."
A celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families, this beautiful picture book treasury is the perfect gift item, bookshelf staple, and long-lasting classic in the making. Just right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more, this book is sure to be treasured for years to come.
Andrea Davis Pinkney
The Last Stand
Diverse Leads, Community Care, Intergenerational
The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope.
Every stand has a story.
This one is mine.
Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer's market. Of course, it's more than a farmer's market. Papa knows each customer's order, from Ms. Rosa's pumpkins to Mr. Johnny's peppers. And when Papa can't make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce.
Heartwarming illustrations complement the lyrical text in this poignant picture book that reveals a family's pride in their work, and reminds us to harvest love and hope from those around us.
Antwan Eady
Etta Extraordinaire
Diverse Leads, Worrying
Charnaie Gordon, the creator of Here Wee Read, and Roda Ahmed, the New York Times bestselling publisher and author of Mae Among the Stars, debut their first-ever collaboration with the extraordinary adventures of the one and only Etta Extraordinaire!
Meet Etta!
Etta was born to be a shining star. When Etta discovers her school is hosting a talent show, she wants to share her many talents with the world. Even though she has never performed onstage before, all Etta needs to do is make a plan. (Etta always has a plan!)
And in 1, 2, 3, 4 steps, she’s ready for her big performance on the big stage in front of a BIG audience.
Or is she?
Find out how Etta beats her worries, with the help of her loving family, in this joyful story created by celebrated writers Roda Ahmed and Charnaie Gordon and illustrator Chloe Burgett.
Roda Ahmed
Zora, the Story Keeper
Diverse Leads, Grief
A young Black girl and her aunt celebrate the wonder and magic of their family's legacy through storytelling.
When Zora grows up, she wants to be just like Aunt Bea. Aunt Bea is the best storyteller she knows! Every day after school, Zora heads to her aunt’s house, where they take out their family book and turn Aunt Bea’s kitchen into their stage. They raid Aunt Bea’s costume chest, filled with colorful garments from her acting days, and even do special voices to tell the stories of swimming coaches, Sunday preachers, World War II pilots, and more—all real members of their family. Zora can’t wait to find out what her story will be. As the days pass, Zora notices something’s happening to Aunt Bea. She gets tired more quickly, and sometimes she needs Zora to tell the stories instead. Zora never imagined that Aunt Bea’s tales would ever stop, but in addition to creating lots of joy and a lifetime of memories, Aunt Bea had been working on her greatest gift of all: preparing Zora to become the story keeper.
Lyrically told by Dr. Ebony Joy Wilkins and exquisitely rendered with mixed-media illustrations by Dare Coulter, Zora, the Story Keeper captures the richness and scope of Black American life through the lens of one family across generations.
Ebony Joy Wilkins
Leo, Sleep Tight!
Bedtime, African American Leads
Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Mommy and Leo Loves Daddy, is back in a new bedtime story that helps him to relax using all five senses!
Perfect for establishing nighttime routines, this sweet companion to Leo, Rise and Shine! and spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series is sure to delight. Leo had a long day, and it is time to get ready for bed. He slows things down with a bedtime routine focused on his five senses until he is relaxed and ready to snuggle.
Anna McQuinn
Hello, Beautiful You!
African American Leads
Let your little ones know how truly beautiful they are with this this precious board book -- the fourth title in our growing BRIGHT BROWN BABY series -- from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney!
Brown baby, born bright.
Greet the world. Spread your light.
Get ready for sweet togetherness as you snuggle up with your little one and show them how truly extraordinary and beautiful they are. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and tender, charming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney, this joyful celebration is the perfect way to rejoice and teach your child that they too, can spread their light!
This board book is part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program, a celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families that "extends a hand to new parents wanting to tell their little ones how precious they are" (Kirkus Reviews).
And if you're looking for a gift-able picture book? Be sure to also check out the beautiful picture book Bright Brown Baby Treasury, a deluxe collection of five joy-filled poems each one celebrating our sweetest little bundles and all the happiness they bring. Just-right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more!
Andrea Pinkney
Leo, Rise and Shine!
African American Leads
Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Mommy and Leo Loves Daddy, is back in a new good-morning story that wakes his whole body up!
Perfect for establishing morning routines, this sweet companion to Leo, Sleep Tight! and spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series is sure to delight. Leo has had a big sleep, and it is time to get ready for the day. He wakes up with a morning routine focused on his head, shoulders, knees, and toes until he is energized and ready for anything!
Anna McQuinn
Pots
Diverse Leads, Family
Written by Ah-Keisha McCans and Illustrated by Et Green.
In a world where diverse books are a necessity and cultural responsive education is a must, Pots, by writer-artist duo, Ah-Keisha McCans and Et Green, is a tender and flavorful book that delivers with spirited voice and embodied imagery. An homage to the pair's four children, Pots, is chock full of inventive onomatopoeia, AAVE colloquialism, Black joy, and brilliantly textured artwork.
Journey through the many pots in one little girl's family home. Every pot has its own look, sound, and feel. Each pot offers soul food and a soulful story in this playfully flavorful picture book featuring colorful illustrations and rhythmic prose!
Award-winning playwright and former K-8 school librarian, Ah-Keisha McCans, authors a children's book that cooks up worlds of flavorful prose and playful scenery in more pots than one!
Ah-Keisha McCans
Leo at the Park
African American Leads
Leo, Lola’s little brother, is back with a fun-filled day with Mom at the park!
A perfect everyday read-aloud for little ones, this playful spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series is sure to delight.
Leo is hot hot hot! So he and Mommy head to the park to cool down. There they meet up with Leo’s friend Suki and her mommy. The two toddlers dig in the sandbox, have fun on the swings, eat a picnic, and play on the splash pad to cool off. Vibrant art with warm and cool colors supports the underlying theme of a day full of hot and cold.
Anna McQuinn
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