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

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

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. Ages 3–10.

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#crown #derrickbarnes #blackhair #barbershops #blackboys

#imagesmatter #pride #representationmatters #healthyselfimages

#tradition #culture #power #readers #loveofreading #readinglife #joyofreading #supportblackauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 2: Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors.

Happy Hair by  Mechal Renee Roe

African American girls and their beautiful hair are celebrated in this bright, joyful read-together picture book that will have girls everywhere repeating the book's chorus: "I love being me!"

African American girls will love seeing strong, happy reflections of themselves in this vibrant, rhythmic picture book celebrating the diversity of beautiful black hair. From a cute crop to pom-pom puffs, adorable illustrations of girls with gorgeous braids, blowouts, and bantus grace each page, side by side with a call-and-response affirmation that will make girls cheer. It's a great read-aloud to promote self-esteem for girls of all ages, building and growing the foundation of self-love (and hair love!) and letting every girl know "You are made beautiful!"

Full 'fro, cute bow! I love being me! Smart girl, cool curls! I love being me! Ages 4-7

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#happyhair #mechalreneeroe  #womenshistorymonth #womenauthors  #blackauthors#blackwomenauthors #hair #kinks #coils   #curls #imagesmatter #selflove #youarebeautiful #blackgirlmagic

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 18: Princess Hair by Sharee Miller

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Princess Hair by Sharee Miller

"A welcome new picture book about princesses, Princess Hair is about a variety of styles, textures, and attitudes to be found under the crown. Fun for any reader and particularly well-suited for little princesses of color who will see themselves in the pages." - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

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.  Ages 5-6

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#princesshair #shareemiller #blackhair #healthyselfimage #coils 

#curls #kinks #headwraps #puffs  #blackwomenauthors 

#womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #blackcharacters 

#readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 15: The Barber’s Cutting Edge by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

The Barber’s Cutting Edge by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert

The Barber's Cutting Edge is a touching celebration of the close relationship between a young African American boy and his community mentor. Jam-packed with little boys, big boys, dads, and neighbors, Mr. Bigalow's barbershop is a familiar place to talk, to play dominoes, to read, and in Rashaad's case, to get a little extra help with his schoolwork. Not only does Mr. Bigalow know all the latest styles, he also knows all the words on Rashaad's vocabulary list. Whether it's haircuts or words, Mr. Bigalow is the best at what he does. He is also a friend and a role model and as Rashaad puts it, "one cool dude."

Holbert's vibrant drawings capture the lively atmosphere and warm spirit of the barbershop. 

Ages 6-8.

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#thebarberscuttingedge #gwendolynbattlelavert #community #blackhair  #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth 

#imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt.10: Penny and the Magic Puffballs by Alonda Williams Illustrated by Tyrus Goshay

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors.

Penny and the Magic Puffballs by Alonda Williams  Illustrated by Tyrus Goshay

Penny wanted to wear her hair "down" like all of the other girls in her class. She wondered why her friends had long straight hair and she did not. Feeling different made her feel sad. Penny's mom assured her that her hair is perfect. Just because her hair is different from her friends hair, it didn't mean that it was bad. Penny's mom decides to style her hair in puffballs, magic puffballs. Penny learns through a series of fun adventures, that wonderful and magical things happen when she wears her puffballs. Join Penny as she discovers the magic of her puffballs.  Ages 4-8

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#pennyandthemagicpuffballs #blackgirlmagic #curls #kinks #coils #puffs #blackhair #beautifulhair #blackauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife #loveofreading

Honoring Women's History Month pt.9: I’m a Pretty Little Black Girl by Betty K. Bynum Illustrated by Claire Armstrong Parod

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors



I’m a Pretty Little Black Girl by Betty K. Bynum Illustrated by Claire Armstrong Parod

I'M A PRETTY LITTLE BLACK GIRL! introduces adorable Mia, who wakes with her hair just-a-going every which-a-ways! With her abundant energy and joy leading the way, readers follow Mia as she plays with her friends who are all shades, shapes and sizes. There's tall Kia, Keisha the reader, Charlotte her best friend, Dina Rose-Marie the artist, Imani the dancer, Anna who loves sports, Ruby the singer, and honey-haired Tracy. Mia finds that Pretty is within herself and her friends, and being pretty is way beyond what the mirror shows. Ages 6 and up.  Ages 5-8

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#I'maprettylittleblackgirl #bettykbynum #blackgirlmagic #curls #kinks #coils #hair #blackhair #beautifulhair #selflove #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading

Honoring Women's History Month pt.8: Happy to be Nappy! by bell hooks Illustrated by Chris Raschka

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors

Happy to be Nappy! by bell hooks  Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Happy to be nappy!

Happy with hair all short and strong.

Happy with locks that twist and curl.

Just all girl happy!

Happy to be nappy hair!

Legendary author bell hooks and Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka present a lyrical celebration, brimming with enthusiasm for girls and their hair. Nominated for an NAACP Image Award, this stunning picture book is now available again in board book form. Ages 5-6

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#happytobenappy #bellhooks #selflove ##kinks #coils #curls #imagesmatter #womenshistorymonth#blackauthors #reading #loveofreading

Honoring Women's History Month pt.7: Emi’s Curly, Coily, Cotton Candy Hair by Tina Olajide

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors.

Emi’s Curly, Coily, Cotton Candy Hair by Tina Olajide Eli is a creative 7-year-old girl with a BIG imagination. She is a problem-solver at heart with an inquisitive mind. In this story Emi shares a positive message about her Curly, Coily, Cotton Candy Hair and what she likes most about it.The vibrant illustrations and fun story teach basic natural hair care techniques and tips in a playful and memorable way. Ages 5-8

Buy it here. #curls #kinks #coils #hair #blackhair #beautifulhair #haircare #selflove #tinaolajide #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter

Honoring Women's History Month pt.6: Big Hair, Don’t Care by Crystal Swain-Bates

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors.

Big Hair, Don’t Care by Crystal Swain-Bates

Lola has really really REALLY big hair, much bigger than the other kids at her school. Despite her hair blocking the view of anyone that dares sit behind her and causing her to lose at hide and seek, she sings the praises of her big hair throughout this rhyming picture book. 

Designed to boost self-esteem and build confidence, this beautifully illustrated book is perfect for any girl or boy who has ever felt a bit self-conscious about their hair and may need a reminder from time to time that it's okay to look different from the other kids at their school. Ages 4-7

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#bighairdontcare #crystalswainbates #selflove #differentisbeautiful #kinks #coils #curls #imagesmatter #blackcharacters #womenshistorymonth #blackwomenauthors #reading #loveofreading #readinglife