Friday, June 28, 2019

Shades of Black : A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney

Shades of Black : A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney (author), Myles Pinkney (illustrator)

I am Black / I am Unique / I am the creamy white frost in vanilla ice cream/ and the milky smooth brown in a chocolate bar...
Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children.


Photographic portraits and striking descriptions of varied skin tones, hair texture, and eye color convey a strong sense of pride in a unique heritage. A joyous celebration of the rich diversity among African-Americans. Ages 5-7

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#shadesofblack #sandrapinkney #black #unique #skintones #hairtexture #eyecolor #heritage #culture #diversity #love #poetry #youngreaders #joyofreading #childrensbooks #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Quinito's Neighborhood = El Vecindario de Quinito by Ina Cumpiano


Quinito's Neighborhood = El Vecindario de Quinito by Ina Cumpiano (author) Jose Ramirez (illustrator)

Quinito’s neighborhood is made up of more than just buildings, streets, and shops — it’s made up of people he knows and loves. Each person has an important job to do, and each knows and values every member of the community. Readers meet them on this delightful neighborhood tour. His cousin Tita, who learns how to make people laugh in clown school. His aunt, who paints murals to brighten up the streets. Rafi, who bakes bread, and Luis Manuel, who sells it. Highlighted by José Ramírez's energetic, jewel-like illustrations, Quinito's Neighborhood inspires readers to explore and appreciate their own neighborhoods. Ages 3-5

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#quinitosneighborhood #inacumpiano #community #culture #exploration #inspiration #youngreaders #joyofreading #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Arcade and the Triple T Token by Rashad Jennings

Arcade and the Triple T Token (The Coin Slot Chronicles) by Rashad Jennings

In Arcade and the Triple T Token, eleven-year-old Arcade Livingston has a problem. Several, actually. The Tolley twins, a.k.a. neighborhood bullies, are making Arcade’s move to a new city even harder than it needs to be. They expect him to do their research papers and interactive displays for the sixth-grade career expo’s theme: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Besides doing their work, Arcade doesn’t even know his own answer to that question. While at the library—Arcade’s favorite place to chill—a mysterious old woman gives him a golden arcade token that grants him a unique gift. A gift that allows him to time travel between different places including his own future. From sitting in the dugout with Babe Ruth, to hanging on to the back of a bucking bull, to performing life-saving surgery on a dog, Arcade has no shortage of adventure! Together with his older sister, Zoe, Arcade explores life’s biggest thrills and challenges, and the two also have a big mystery to solve. Who is the rightful owner of the incredible Triple T Token that leads to such astounding adventures? Arcade’s circle of friends begins to widen as the Triple T Token hangs from his neck. Pulsing. Beckoning another adventure. The question for Arcade, Zoe, and their new friends is no longer, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s, “Where will we go next?” Ages 8-12

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Thursday, June 20, 2019

Breathe with Me: Using Breath to Feel Strong, Calm, and Happy by Miriam Gates

Breathe with Me: Using Breath to Feel Strong, Calm, and Happy by  Miriam Gates (author), Sarah Jane Hinder (illustrator) 

When you're mad or worried or can't wake up in the morning, what can you do? Use the amazing superpower that you already have―breathing. Our newest offering from the bestselling creators of Good Night Yoga teaches kids fun and easy breathing practices based on the proven methods of yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Sample practices: When something makes you mad or even feels unfair, try this counting breath and you’ll feel calmer there. Sit up and let your spine grow tall. Take a deep breath in, counting silently 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. Then let your breath out slowly, counting 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. When you go somewhere you’ve never been and you aren’t sure what to do, you can use a dandelion breath to feel more comfortable trying something new. Sit up and let your spine grow tall. Put one hand on your chest. Place your other hand on your belly. Take slow deep breaths and feel your chest and your belly move up and down as the air goes in and out of your body. At night when it’s hard to fall asleep because your mind is busy and your body feels tight, try balloon breath to get relaxed and ready for a good night. Lie down on your back and let your hands rest by your sides, palms up. Inhale through your nose and imagine filling your body with breath like a big balloon. Exhale and blow the air out through your mouth. What color is your balloon?

Ages 4-8

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#breathewithme #miriamgates #strong #calm #happy #emotionalhealth #investyoung #mindfulness #meditation #yoga #selfmanagment #selflove #youngreaders #loveofreading #peace #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Grandpa Stops a War : A Paul Robeson Story by Susan Robeson




Grandpa Stops a War: A Paul Robeson Story by Susan Robeson (author), Rod Brown (illustrator)

The true story of Paul Robeson's visit to the front lines of the Spanish Civil War is a tale of courage and activism told by his granddaughter, Susan Robeson. Grandpa Paul was a world-famous actor and singer with a deep and rumbling voice, a man of peace and principle who worried about the safety of children and families living in countries at war. He wanted to use his voice to promote social justice all over the world. Though people warned Grandpa Paul that it was too dangerous, he traveled with his friend Captain Fernando to the battlefields of the Spanish Civil War to sing to the soldiers. And then something amazing happened... With gorgeous illustrations from fine artist Rod Brown, Grandpa Stops a War celebrates Paul Robeson's global activism and towering achievements, and shows readers the power of music in times of discord and war. Ages 5-9

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#grandpastopsawar #paulrobeson #susanrobeson #spanishcivilwar #freedomfighter #justice #courage #activism #socialjustice #youngreaders #culture #history #peace #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Yasmin the Teacher by Saadia Faruqui

Yasmin the Teacher by Saadia Faruqui (author) Hatem Aly (illustrator)

Ms. Alex gets called away―and puts Yasmin in charge! Being teacher will be a snap! But when things go wrong, Yasmin must think fast to get the class back on track before Ms. Alex gets back. Ages 5-8.

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#yasmintheteacher #saadiafaruqui #teachers #leadership #childrensbooks #loveofreading #lettsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

This is a story about America during and after Reconstruction, one of history's most pivotal and misunderstood chapters. In a stirring account of emancipation, the struggle for citizenship and national reunion, and the advent of racial segregation, the renowned Harvard scholar delivers a book that is illuminating and timely. Real-life accounts drive the narrative, spanning the half century between the Civil War and Birth of a Nation. Here, you will come face-to-face with the people and events of Reconstruction's noble democratic experiment, its tragic undermining, and the drawing of a new "color line" in the long Jim Crow era that followed. In introducing young readers to them, and to the resiliency of the African American people at times of progress and betrayal, Professor Gates shares a history that remains vitally relevant today. Ages 14-18.

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#darkskyrising #henrylouisgates #reconstruction #history #segregation #civilwar #jimcrow #resiliency #childrensbooks #loveofreading #loveoflearning #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris

Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris 

Before Kamala Harris became a district attorney and a United States senator, she was a little girl who loved superheroes. And when she looked around, she was amazed to find them everywhere! In her family, among her friends, even down the street--there were superheroes wherever she looked. And those superheroes showed her that all you need to do to be a superhero is to be the best that you can be. In this empowering and joyful picture book that speaks directly to kids, Kamala Harris takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us. And with fun and engaging art by Mechal Renee Roe, as well as a guide to being a superhero at the end, this book is sure to have kids taking up the superhero mantle (cape and mask optional). Ages 3-7.

Buy it here



#superheroesareeverywhere #kamalaharris #politics #empower#leadership # #youngreaders #childrensbooks #multicultural #loveofreading #imagesmatter #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading


Saturday, June 8, 2019

Goodnight Taj Mahal by Nitya Mohan Khemka


Goodnight Taj Mahal by Nitya Mohan Khemka (author) Kavita Singh Kale (illustrator)

This delightful and educational board book tours little explorers around the magical city of Agra. Children will discover all of their favorite landmarks and attractions, including Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh Gardens, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Kinari bazaar, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Rambagh Gardens, Sadar Bazaar, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri and more. This book is part of the bestselling Good Night Our World series, which includes hundreds of titles exploring iconic locations and exciting, child-friendly themes. Many of India's most beloved regions are artfully celebrated in these board books designed to soothe children before bedtime while instilling an early appreciation for India's natural and cultural wonders. Each book stars a multicultural group of people visiting the featured area's attractions as rhythmic language guides children through the passage of both a single day and the four seasons while saluting the iconic aspects of each place. Ages 4-6.

Buy it here.

#goodnighttajmahal #nityamohan #adventure #explorers# india #diaspora #culture #landmarks #worldtravelers #awholenewworld #youngreaders #childrensbooks #multicultural #loveofreading #imagesmatter #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Max and the Tag-A-Long Moon by Floyd Cooper


Max and the Tag-A-Long Moon by Floyd Cooper

Max loves his grandpa. When they must say good-bye after a visit, Grandpa promises Max that the moon at Grandpa’s house is the same moon that will follow him all the way home. On that swervy-curvy car ride back to his house, Max watches as the moon tags along. But when the sky darkens and the moon disappears behind clouds, he worries that it didn’t follow him home after all. Where did the moon go—and what about Grandpa’s promise? Floyd Cooper received the Coretta Scott King Award for The Blacker the Berry, three Coretta Scott King Honors for Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea, Meet Danitra Brown, and I Have Heard of a Land, and an NAACP image award. In Max and the Tag-Along Moon, his lush paintings perfectly capture the wonder of the moon, the love between grandfather and grandson, and that feeling of magic every child experiences when the moon follows him home. Ages 3-7

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#maxandthetagalongmoon #floydcooper #family #connection #imagesmatter #representationmatters #youngreaders #childrensbooks #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading


Monday, June 3, 2019

Peek-A-Boo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora

Peek-A-Boo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora



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.

Join this sweet toddler in the morning fun, sharing words your baby can repeat and pictures your baby will recognize. Then find out what this toddler sees next. It could be you!  Ages 2-5

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#peekaboomorning #rachelisadora #toddlers #joyful #bedtimestories #family #youngreaders #childrensbooks  #imagesmatter #representationmatters #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #joyofreading