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Diverse Leads
Diversifying the faces on your bookshelf
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
Hair Love
Fathers, Celebrity Authors, Diverse Leads
It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.
Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.
Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!
Matthew A. Cherry
I Am Enough
Being Yourself, NY Times Best Sellers, Graduation, Celebrity Authors
A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation.
This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
Plus don't miss I Believe I Can—the next beautiful picture celebrating self-esteem from Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo!
Grace Byers
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
Sulwe
NY Times Best Sellers, Celebrity Authors, Being Yourself, Diverse Leads
From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
Lupita Nyong'o
Every Little Thing
Music, Emotions, Diverse Leads
Every family will relate to this universal story of a boy who won't let anything get him down, as long as he has the help of three special little birds. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Every Little Thing contains beautiful, full-page designs that are as colorful and fun as the storyline. Including all the lyrics of the original song "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, along with exciting new song verses, this cheerful children's book will bring a smile to faces of all ages—because every little thing's gonna be alright.
"Will strike a chord with worrywarts and loving children everywhere."—School Library Journal
MARLEY FAMILY CONNECTION: This vibrant picture book is adapted by Cedella Marley, the oldest child of legendary musician Bob Marley, who has dedicated herself to keeping her father's message and memory alive.
DIVERSE CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Filled with upbeat illustrations and lyrical text that celebrates diversity and unity, Every Little Thing makes a terrific read-aloud for families or classrooms with its uplifting message of love, peace, and harmony.
BEST KIDS' BOOK SERIES: Fans of One Love and Get Up, Stand Up will love this modern take on the uplifting song Every Little Thing.
Cedella Marley
I Promise
Self-Esteem, NY Times Best Sellers, Going to School, Celebrity Authors
NBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.
Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close.
I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.
Featuring James’s upbeat, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations perfectly crafted for a diverse audience by #1 New York Times bestselling and Geisel Honor winning artist Nina Mata, this book has the power to inspire all children and families to be their best.
Perfect for shared reading in and out of the classroom, I Promise is also a great gift for graduation, birthdays, and other occasions.
Plus check out the audiobook, read by LeBron James's mother and I Promise School supporter Gloria James!
LeBron James
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
Teeth Are Not For Biting
Manners, Diverse Leads
“Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth are strong and sharp. Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth can help you chew. But teeth are not for biting. Ouch! Biting hurts.” Sooner or later, almost all young children will bite someone—a friend, a parent, a sibling. This upbeat, colorful, virtually indestructible book helps prevent biting and teaches positive alternatives.
The companion to our best-selling Hands Are Not for Hitting Board Book, Teeth Are Not for Biting gives reasons why children might want to bite. Little mouths feel sore when new teeth come in; sometimes kids bite when they’re hungry, tired, cranky, frustrated, angry, bored, distressed, or seeking attention. Author Elizabeth Verdick suggests positive things children can do instead of biting: chew a chewy toy, drink a cold drink, get a hug, tell a grown-up. This book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.
Elizabeth Verdick
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
We Are Water Protectors
Indigenous Culture, Environment, Caldecott Medal
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption―a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people’s water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.
Carole Lindstrom
The Name Jar
Diverse Leads, Being Yourself
Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.
Yangsook Choi
Jabari Jumps
Diverse Leads, Bravery, Growth Mindset
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
Gaia Cornwall
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
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
Diverse Leads, NY Times Best Seller, Asian Culture
This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity.
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.
Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages.
"This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“A young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“A lyrical celebration of her eyes, their shape, spirit, and legacy.” —Booklist (starred review)
“A poignant testament to familial love and legacy.” —Publishers Weekly
Plus don't miss the beautiful companion book from the same team: Eyes That Speak to the Stars.
Joanna Ho
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Indigenous Leads
Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
Fry bread is food.
It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.
Fry bread is time.
It brings families together for meals and new memories.
Fry bread is nation.
It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.
Fry bread is us.
It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.
Kevin Noble Maillard
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
Strong Female Leads, Diverse Leads, Perseverance
Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do.
Andrea Beaty
The Proudest Blue
Being Yourself, NY Times Best Sellers, Diverse Leads
A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
And don’t miss The Kindest Red, a story of hijab and friendship, available for preorder now!
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
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
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words
Perseverance, Diverse Leads, Strong Female Leads, Celebrity Authors
#1 New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award winner! The debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is an inspiring tale of determination, based on her own childhood.
Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than anything. She loves reading them, sounding them out, and finding comfort in them when things are hard.
But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t as excited as she thought she’d be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can’t bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school?
Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all.
Plus don't miss the follow-up from the same team, Stacey's Remarkable Books!
Stacey Abrams
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
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
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
We're All Wonders
NY Times Best Sellers, Diversity, Diverse Leads
The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, now a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio.
Over 6 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.
R. J. Palacio
The Empty Pot
Diverse Leads, Asian Culture, Gardening
The Empty Pot is Demi's beloved picture book about an honest schoolboy
A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom.
The Emperor loved flowers too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. "Whoever can show me their best in a year's time," he proclaimed, "shall succeed me to the throne!"
Ping plants his seed and tends it every day. But month after month passes, and nothing grows. When spring comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an empty pot.
Demi's exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping's embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.
Demi
Bodies Are Cool
Diversity
This cheerful love-your-body picture book for preschoolers is an exuberant read-aloud with bright and friendly illustrations to pore over.
From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party and Roaring Softly, this picture book is a pure celebration of all the different human bodies that exist in the world. Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types is just the beginning in this truly inclusive book. With its joyful illustrations and encouraging refrain, it will instill body acceptance and confidence in the youngest of readers. “My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL!”
Tyler Feder
Whistle for Willie
Diverse Leads, Pets
When Whistle for Willie was first published in 1964, The New York Times wrote "Mr. Keats' illustrations boldly, colorfully capture the child, his city world. and the shimmering heat of a summer's day." Now the story of Peter, who longs to whistle for his dog, is accessible to even the youngest child in a durable board book edition, with reinforced pages, a handy trim size, and safe, rounded corners. Ezra Jack Keats, who died in 1983, was the award-winning author of such children's favorites as The Snowy Day, which won the Caldecott Medal, and Goggles, a Caldecott Honor Book.
Ezra Jack Keats
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
I Am Perfectly Designed
Fathers, Being Yourself, Diverse Leads
I Am Perfectly Designed is an exuberant celebration of loving who you are, exactly as you are, from Karamo Brown, the Culture Expert of Netflix's hit series Queer Eye, and Jason Brown―featuring illustrations by Anoosha Syed.
In this empowering ode to modern families, a boy and his father take a joyful walk through the city, discovering all the ways in which they are perfectly designed for each other.
"With tenderness and wit, this story captures the magic of building strong childhood memories. The Browns and Syed celebrate the special bond between parent and child with joy and flair...Syed's bright, cartoon illustrations enrich the tale with a meaningful message of kindness and inclusion."―Kirkus
Karamo Brown
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
Alma and How She Got Her Name
Caldecott Medal, Diverse Leads, Being Yourself
A 2019 Caldecott Honor Book
“A beautifully illustrated, tender story to be shared with all children, sure to evoke conversations about their names.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all—and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her 2019 Caldecott Honor Book, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
Juana Martinez-Neal
Thank You, Omu!
Community, Gratitude, Caldecott Medal
In this cozy, sweet story perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street as well as for the Thanksgiving season, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, ¡Gracias, Omu!, is also available.
Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that "Omu" (pronounced AH-moo) means "queen" in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean "Grandma." This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora's life.
Oge Mora
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
Mistakes Are How I Learn
Perseverance, Growth Mindset, Diverse Leads
Join author Kiara Wilson in a new series called “Amazing Affirmations.”
”Mistakes Are How I Learn” is a rhyming story that involves SEL, social emotional learning.
This story will help your child know that he/she is not alone when facing defeat. Tamara shares what she does when confronted with challenges.
Developed to engage children, Wilson’s stories will empower children with the affirmations to overcome obstacles.
With Tamara in examples children can identify with, your child will learn to develop resilience.
Amazing Affirmations is the best new series
Mistakes are how I learn.
I will get there soon.
I’ll keep dreaming big.
Even if it’s flying to the moon.
Kiara Wilson
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
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
When I Hold You
Christian, Lovey Dovey, Diverse Leads
Where does a mother's love come from? Ashley Huffstutler shows us it comes directly from the heart of God. When I Hold You is a gentle and celebratory poem that draws the comparison between a mother's tender love for her children and God's nurturing love for us.
A perfect gift for any new or existing mother, When I Hold You captures the universal experience of the mother-child bond. As young readers, ages 0-4, listen to the rhyme and see the diverse illustrations, they will better understand how God reveals His love to us through our relationships with one another. With Scriptures woven throughout every image, both mother and child will be encouraged to worship the God whose love lasts forever!
Ashley Huffstutler
The Water Princess
Thinking Big, Celebrity Authors, Diverse Leads
Based on supermodel Georgie Badiel’s childhood, a young girl dreams of bringing clean drinking water to her African village
With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie’s kingdom is a beautiful land. But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village. And try as she might, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer. Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well. Instead of a crown, she wears a heavy pot on her head to collect the water. After the voyage home, after boiling the water to drink and clean with, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring. And she dreams. She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own.
Inspired by the childhood of African–born model Georgie Badiel, acclaimed author Susan Verde and award-winning author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have come together to tell this moving story. As a child in Burkina Faso, Georgie and the other girls in her village had to walk for miles each day to collect water. This vibrant, engaging picture book sheds light on this struggle that continues all over the world today, instilling hope for a future when all children will have access to clean drinking water.
Susan Verde
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
Beautifully Me
Being Yourself, Diverse Leads
From designer, creator, and self-love advocate Nabela Noor (@Nabela) comes a much-needed picture book about loving yourself just as you are.
Meet Zubi: a joyful Bangladeshi girl excited about her first day of school. But when Zubi sees her mother frowning in the mirror and talking about being “too big,” she starts to worry about her own body and how she looks. As her day goes on, she hears more and more people being critical of each other’s and their own bodies, until her outburst over dinner leads her family to see what they’ve been doing wrong—and to help Zubi see that we can all make the world a more beautiful place by being beautifully ourselves.
Nabela Noor
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
Rapunzel
Diverse Leads, Asian Culture, Modernized Classics
The classic story of Rapunzel gets a fresh twist in this vibrant Indian spin on the beloved fairy tale!
Once upon a time, there was a girl with long, long hair, who lived in a tall, tall tower...
The classic tale of Rapunzel gets a fresh twist in this third book of a brand-new board book series, Once Upon a World. With India as the backdrop, and vibrant artwork from illustrator Archana Sreenivasan, Rapunzel is still the same girl who lets down her beautiful hair—but she’s totally reimagined. Once Upon a World offers a multicultural take on the fairy tales we all know and love. Because these tales are for everyone, everywhere.
Chloe Perkins
Thank You, Mama
Food, Gratitude, Diverse Leads
TikTok and viral video star Grey (@greyandmama) says "Thank you, Mama!" to healthy foods in this picture book that teaches gratitude, manners, and the joy of sharing meals with those we love.
We all want to raise happy eaters who enjoy trying new foods, mealtimes with family, and being thankful. That's why so many parents love Linda Meeker's charming videos of her son Grey saying "Thank you, Mama!" With colorful illustrations that capture a child's daily snacks and mealtimes, Thank You, Mama will delight parents and kids alike as it follows a little boy exploring different foods—from vegetables to sushi—and trying to pick his favorite.
This playful picture book for 3- to 7-year-olds
-encourages children to try new foods and become happy, healthy eaters
-honors the bond between parent and child
-models respect, manners, and thankfulness
-builds vocabulary and prereading skills with colorful food illustrations paired with words for each item
Linda Meeker
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
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
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) 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!
Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole and enters a magical place called Wonderland, where she meets some curious characters before awaking to find it was all a dream.
Lewis Carroll
The Nutcracker
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) 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!
On Christmas Eve, Clara is given a special gift from her Godfather--a beautiful nutcracker doll. But when Clara awakes in the middle of the night, she finds her beloved nutcracker has transformed into a handsome prince, and together, they set off for the Land of Sweets.
E. T. A. Hoffmann
Watercress
Caldecott Medal, Asian Culture, Immigration Stories
While driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's Chinese immigrant parents spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. They stop the car, grabbing rusty scissors and an old paper bag, and the whole family wades into the mud to gather as much as they can.
At first, she's embarrassed. Why can't her family just get food from the grocery store, like everyone else? But when her mother shares a bittersweet story of her family history in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged—and the memories left behind in pursuit of a new life.
Together, they make a new memory of watercress.
Author Andrea Wang calls this moving, autobiographical story “both an apology and a love letter to my parents.” It’s a bittersweet, delicate look at how sharing the difficult parts of our histories can create powerful new moments of family history, and help connect us to our roots.
Jason Chin’s illustrations move between China and the American Midwest and were created with a mixture of traditional Chinese brushes and western media. The dreamy, nostalgic color palette brings this beautiful story to life.
An endnote from the author describes her personal connection to the story, and an illustrator’s note touches on both the process of the painting, and the emotional meaning brought to the work.
Andrea Wang
I Carry Your Heart with Me
Lovey Dovey, Diverse Leads
I Carry Your Heart With Me, rereleased as a board book, is a children’s adaptation of the beloved E. E. Cummings poem, beautifully illustrated by Mati Rose McDonough. Showing the strong bond of love between mother and child, within nature and throughout life, Cummings’ heartfelt words expressed through McDonough’s lovely illustrations combine to create a fresh, yet classic, portrayal of love.
E.E. Cummings
The Little Mermaid
Diverse Leads, Modernized Classics
A classic fairy tale gets a fresh twist in this vibrant Caribbean spin on the Little Mermaid!
The Little Mermaid longs to know about the world above the ocean. When she’s finally old enough to visit, she falls in love with a prince! A sea witch agrees to give the mermaid a potion that will make her human—but the spell will be broken if the prince doesn’t love her too! Set in the Caribbean, with beautiful illustrations by Puerto Rican illustrator Nivea Ortiz, this fifth book in the Once Upon a World series is the same beloved fairy tale but it’s totally reimagined.
Once Upon a World offers a multicultural take on the fairy tales we all know and love. Because these tales are for everyone, everywhere.
Hannah Eliot
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
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
Harlem Grown
Gardening, Thinking Big, Diverse Leads
Discover the incredible true story of Harlem Grown, a lush garden in New York City that grew out of an abandoned lot and now feeds a neighborhood.
Once
In a big city called New York
In a bustling neighborhood
There was an empty lot.
Nevaeh called it the haunted garden.
Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.
Five years later, the kids and their parents, with the support of the Harlem Grown staff, grow thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables a year. All of it is given to the kids and their families. The incredible story is vividly brought to life with Jessie Hartland’s “charmingly busy art” (Booklist) that readers will pore over in search of new details as they revisit this poignant and uplifting tale over and over again.
Harlem Grown is an independent, not-for-profit organization. The author’s share of the proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to Harlem Grown.
Tony Hillery
The Ugly Vegetables
Food, Diverse Leads
A Chinese-American girl and her mother grow a vegetable garden in a neighborhood where everyone else grows flowers. The girl thinks their plants are ugly compared to flowers, but soon learns that vegetables can make a very delicious soup one that the whole neighborhood wants to try. Soon everyone is growing Chinese vegetables as well as flowers.
Grace Lin
The Tree in Me
Nature Lovers, Diverse Leads
A stunning and sensitive portrait of the strength within each of us and the nourishment we receive from the natural world, by the New York Times bestselling creator of the acclaimed My Heart and The Book of Mistakes
Through poetic text and exquisite illustrations of children reveling in nature, this picture book explores the various ways we as human beings are strong, creative, and connected to others. Each of us is like a tree, with roots and fruit, and an enduring link to everything else in nature. "The tree in me is strong. It bends in the wind, and has roots that go deep . . . to where other roots reach up toward their own trunk-branch-crown and sky."
As Corinna Luyken did in her award-winning My Heart, she again provides an invigorating conversation-starter that contains a world of truths--about self-esteem, community, and living a meaningful life.
Corinna Luyken
Jack and the Beanstalk
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 illustrations. Designed to be the perfect one-minute bedtime story (or five minutes--if you're begged to read it over and over), 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 Jack is sent to market to sell his family's cow, he makes a trade for some magical beans, much to his mother's chagrin. To Jack's surprise, the beans grow into a giant beanstalk. Jack climbs all the way up and encounters a frightening giant. But when the giant is fast asleep, Jack climbs up and steals his treasures.
Clary Gledhill
Something, Someday
Compassion, Growth Mindset, Diverse Leads, NY Times Best Seller
The stunning new picture book by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Christian Robinson
You’re told that
This won’t work,
But how will you know
If you never try?
Presidential inaugural poet and #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christian Robinson have created a timeless message of hope.
Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change.
With intimate and inspiring text and powerfully stunning illustrations, Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact.
Amanda Gorman
Cinderella
Diverse Leads, Modernized Classics
The classic story of Cinderella gets a fresh twist in this vibrant Mexican spin on the beloved fairy tale!
Once upon a time, there was a girl who lived in a little cottage with her stepmother and two stepsisters...
The classic tale of Cinderella gets a fresh twist in this debut title of a brand-new board book series, Once Upon a World. With Mexico as the backdrop, and vibrant artwork from Mexican illustrator Sandra Equihua, Cinderella is still the same girl with a fairy godmother and a glass slipper—but she’s totally reimagined. Once Upon a World offers a multicultural take on the fairy tales we all know and love. Because these tales are for everyone, everywhere.
Chloe Perkins
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
Diverse Leads, Asian Culture
A young boy comes to recognize his own power and ability to change the future. When a friend at school creates a hurtful drawing, the boy turns to his family for comfort. He realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before—in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary.
Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within. This extraordinary picture book redefines what it means to be truly you.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners received three starred reviews and was embraced as "breathtaking," "lyrical," and "poignant." This companion volume is sure to be welcomed with equal joy.
January/February 2021 Kids’ Indie Next List
An Amazon January Best Book of the Month
Joanna Ho
The Breaking News
Diverse Leads, Strong Female Leads
When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers―the good people working to make things better in big and small ways. She wants more than anything to help in a BIG way, but maybe she can start with one small act of kindness instead . . . and then another, and another.Small things can compound, after all, to make a world of difference.
The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul touches on themes of community, resilience, and optimism with an authenticity that will resonate with readers young and old.
Sarah Lynne Reul
Hiking Day
Nature Lovers
Beloved author Anne Rockwell celebrates nature and the outdoors with a gorgeous new picture book about a child’s first mountain hike!
A young girl and her family go hiking up a nearby mountain for the very first time. As they climb up and up the path, they see everything from a friendly toad to a prickly porcupine, tall leafy trees to tiny red berries. Anne Rockwell and her daughter, artist Lizzy Rockwell, celebrate a day the little girl will never forget, especially when she reaches the mountain’s summit. With simple, lyrical text and bright illustrations that jump off the page, Hiking Day brings the joys of spending an afternoon outdoors to life.
Anne Rockwell
Rainbow Weaver
Guatemalan Culture, Diverse Leads
Ixchel wants to follow in the long tradition of weaving on backstrap looms, just as her mother, grandmother, and most Mayan women have done for more than two thousand years. But Ixchel's mother is too busy preparing her weavings for market. If they bring a good price, they will have money to pay for Ixchel s school and books. And besides, there is not enough extra thread for Ixchel to practice with.
Disappointed, Ixchel first tries weaving with blades of grass, and then with bits of wool, but no one would want to buy the results. As she walks around her village, Ixchel finds it littered with colorful plastic bags. There is nowhere to put all the bags, so they just keep accumulating.
Suddenly, Ixchel has an idea! She collects and washes the plastic bags. Then she cuts each bag into thin strips. Sitting at her loom, Ixchel weaves the plastic strips into a colorful fabric that looks like a beautiful rainbow just like the weavings of Mayan women before her.
Linda Elovitz Marshall
Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs, Diverse Leads
Nerdy Babies is a series that will ignite curiosity in even the youngest readers and encourage them to ask questions and explore the world around them.
In Nerdy Babies: Dinosaurs, follow our intrepid babies into the Mesozoic Era. Experience the different shapes, sizes, and colors of the reptiles that roamed the Earth before us. Plus, learn about how dinosaurs evolved over millions of years until becoming extinct in this simple text written in question-and-answer format.
With bright artwork by Emmy Kastner, Nerdy Babies is a series that the very littlest nerds will want to return to again and again.
Stay curious. There’s more to learn about everything!
Emmy Kastner
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
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
The Three Little Pigs
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 illustrations. Designed to be the perfect one-minute bedtime story (or five minutes--if you're begged to read it over and over), 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!
Three little pigs set out to make their fortunes. The first little pig builds a house of straw. When he refuses to let the big bad wolf inside, he blows the house down, and the first little pig flees to his brother's house made of sticks. When both pigs deny the wolf once more, he blows their house down. The two pigs scurry to the brick house their brother built, which, try as he might, the wolf can't seem to blow down, and he leaves the pigs alone once and for all.
Carly Gledhill
Just Plain Fancy
Diverse Leads, Amish
A charming picture book set in an Amish community, by the beloved storyteller Patricia Polacco.
Naomi lives with her farming family in an Amish village in Pennsylvania. As part of her household chores, Naomi looks after the chickens with her little sister, Ruth.
One day Naomi and Ruth find an abandoned egg near the road. Naomi decides this special egg must be hatched. And when it is, it's plain to see that this is no ordinary chick!
The girls keep the chick, named Fancy, a secret . . . until the day of their family's community working bee. On this day, Naomi is to receive a white organdy cap, an Amish tradition, as a reward for her hard work and responsibility. But on this day, too, Fancy the chick decides to introduce himself to the community!
The results are a sheer delight, pure and simple. Accompanied by Patricia Polacco's beautiful artwork, this story of discovery and growing up will stay in the hearts of all who turn its pages.
Patricia Polacco
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
Welcome To Country
Indigenous Leads, Australia
An Aboriginal ceremony of Welcome to Country is depicted for the first time in a stunning picture book from two Indigenous Australians.
Welcome to the lands of the Wurundjeri people. The people are part of the land, and the land is a part of them. Aboriginal communities across Australia have boundaries that are defined by mountain ranges and waterways. Traditionally, to cross these boundaries, permission is required. Each community has its own way of greeting, but the practice shares a common name: a Welcome to Country. Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, the senior Aboriginal elder of the Wurundjeri people, channels her passion for storytelling into a remarkable and utterly unique picture book that invites readers to discover some of the history and traditions of her people. Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy gives the Wurundjeri Welcome to Country form in beautiful paintings rich with blues and browns, as full of wonder and history as the tradition they depict.
Aunty Joy Murphy
Transportation
Vehicles, Diverse Leads
Nerdy Babies is a series that will ignite curiosity in even the youngest readers and encourage them to ask questions and explore the world around them.
In Nerdy Babies: Transportation, follow our intrepid babies when they’re on the go. Experience skating on rollerblades, flying on air balloons, exploring underwater in a submarine, and riding cross-country on a car. Plus, learn about how different air, land, and sea travel can be in this simple text written in question-and-answer format.
With bright artwork by Emmy Kastner, Nerdy Babies is a series that the very littlest nerds will want to return to again and again.
Stay curious. There’s more to learn about everything!
Emmy Kastner
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
Budding Flowers, Breezy Days
Fathers, Diverse Leads, Nature Lovers
With both sunshine and rainstorms, spring is a season full of Budding Flowers and Breezy Days. Can this dad and his daughter find ways to spend their days now that winter is over and the snow is melting?
Come follow along with a dad, his daughter, and their devoted pet turtle as they experience the spring season in the city. This enjoyable book, written in rhyme, shows various activities that all can delight in each and every day throughout springtime. It is a wonderful way to help children want to put down their devices and discover new pastimes to fill their days.
"This book is a delightful romp through spring, splashing in puddles and smelling the flowers. Set to rhyme, the words flow easily and build on the spring theme. Children will relate to the joy in nature expressed so well by Essie Bell. Adults will enjoy reminiscing aboout the simple pleasures of childhood and may be inspired to go outside with the children and play in the spring weather. This book makes me want to stomp in a puddle in my rain boots!"
Essie Bell
The Life of / La vida de Basquiat
Art, Perseverance, Diverse Leads
Introduce your little ones to the famous graffiti artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, in both English and Spanish.
Known for his contributions to graffiti and neo-expressionism, Jean-Michel Basquiat became one of the youngest household names in the world of art. The Haitian-Puerto Rican prodigy used his obsessive scribbling and skull designs to paint his legacy through New York―and worldwide.
Parents will discover this biography book on Basquiat to be an encouraging story to their little ones hoping to express themselves through creativity, imagination, and, most importantly, perseverance.
Patty Rodriguez
Wei Skates On
Perseverance, Diverse Leads
Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion Nathan Chen delivers an inspirational picture book about facing your fears and finding the joy in sports, no matter the outcome.
Wei has loved ice-skating ever since his first visit to the rink. He loves gliding across the ice, taking flight on jumps, and moving with the music—there’s nothing else like it!
But as Wei’s first big competition draws near, he begins to worry. He’s been training hard, but what if he doesn’t win? With help from Mom, can Wei find a way to handle his nerves? What would it feel like to skate without the pressure of winning?
As the first Asian American man to win gold in figure skating, Nathan Chen is a celebrated role model for kids who want to shine on and off the ice. His uplifting message of positivity and perseverance makes this story the perfect choice for social emotional learning at home or in the classroom.
Nathan Chen
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
With All My Heart, I Love You
Lovey Dovey, Diverse Leads
A brand-new padded board book from the bestselling creator of I Love You Through and Through, that's chock-full of love!
Caroline Jayne Church, mega-bestselling creator of Ten Tiny Toes and Good Night, I Love You, brings us an adorable celebration of all things baby! Baby jumps, baby rolls; baby wiggles and baby jiggles.... and when we cuddle, just us two, with all my heart, "I love you!"
A perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays, holidays, and all year round, this sweet padded board book is a must-have for every little one!
Caroline Jayne Church
Who Is Barack Obama?
History, Diverse Leads, True Stories
The latest addition to the Who HQ program: a biography of Barack Obama, created specifically for the preschool audience!
The #1 New York Times Bestselling Who Was? series expands into the board book space, bringing age-appropriate biographies of influential figures to readers ages 2-4.
The chronology and themes of President Barack Obama’s inspirational life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and work of one of the most influential leaders of our time.
Lisbeth Kaiser
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
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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