Here's What We Found

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Kick off a summer of reading with these new picture books that capture the essence of the season. From sunny beach adventures to backyard explorations, these delightful stories will transport young readers into the magic of summertime, igniting their imaginations and fostering a love for literature during the warmest months of the year. So, grab a book, soak up the sun, and embark on a literary journey filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable summer memories. For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book. A celebration of Black joy and the simple pleasures of a day at the beach from acclaimed poet Shauntay Grant Follow along as a young boy spends the day at the beach with his family in this spare and poetic picture book from award-winning poet and picture book author Shauntay Grant. With a simple story--and simply stunning illustrations from Candice Bradley--this book is an ode to celebrating summer's wonders big and small. FIND IT HERE From Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca comes a celebration of extended family and summertime fun. Summer is for cousins. Mom and Dad, Two uncles, two aunties, Thatha and Pati, Seven cousins, All of us are together. Ravi can't wait to spend summer vacation at the lake house with his family--especially his cousins! Summer vacation is for days at the beach, long hikes, paddleboarding, and--of course--ice cream. Ravi and his oldest cousin, Dhruv, had the same favorite flavor last year, but everything feels different now. Dhruv's much taller and his voice is deeper. Ravi's worried that Dhruv won't be interested in spending time with him, the little cousin. The ice cream shop doesn't even have their favorite flavor this year. But on the last night of vacation, the cousins decide to make dinner, and Ravi's in charge of dessert. He only has one special thing in mind! This picture book all about summertime fun celebrates the resilient bond between extended family members. FIND IT HERE A reverent celebration of learning to swim among a diverse cast of children and families who each experience the mysterious joys of water in nature. In this exploration of what it truly means to swim, expansive vignettes introduce sandpipers, tannin-soaked lakes, and the feeling of a small waterfall on sun-soaked shoulders. But what about those who are afraid of the water's mysterious ways and resist learning to swim? Painting a compelling picture of the many joys and surprises that the water holds, artist and author Jack Wong has delivered an empowering, poetic journey that invites children to discover their confidence within to receive the warmth and wonder of the natural world. FIND IT HERE In this love letter to the Philippines (and to grandmothers), a young girl comes up with a brilliantly delicious way to attract customers after a heat wave leaves her lola's store empty. Nora loves spending summers with Lola at her sari-sari store, a treasure trove filled with everything you could need, from hair accessories to toys, creamy yema to sour tamarind candy. And this year, Nora is big enough to help her grandmother. But when a heat wave strikes and no one comes to the store, Nora worries that she won't get to spend the rest of the summer with her lola--until she gets a sweet idea. After all, the mangoes on the tree outside are finally ripe, and with a bit of measuring, mixing, and a good deal of tasting, Nora and Lola have a refreshing way to bring people together--and to the sari-sari store. With soft, heartfelt illustrations, Lynnor Bontigao's endearing picture book--featuring a recipe for making mango ice candy like Nora's--is an ode to ingenuity and to intergenerational relationships that's as sweet and gentle as a kiss on the cheek. FIND IT HERE A young girl spends the summer at her grandmother's home on the Standing Rock Reservation in this heartwarming family story from acclaimed author-artist S. D. Nelson Now that Clara is almost in third grade, she's finally old enough to spend her first summer away from home visiting her grandma, Unci, and her cousin at their home in Standing Rock Reservation. To welcome her visit, Uncle Louie brings an extra-special surprise in his pickup truck: the tipi that's been passed down through their family for generations. The girls learn how to stack the poles and wrap the canvas covering around them, how to paint spirit pictures on its walls, and how the circle of the tipi tells its own story, reminding us to how to live in the great Circle of Life. Over long days spent playing outside, doing beadwork together, telling stories, singing songs, and sleeping under the stars, the tipi brings the family closer together. As summer draws to an end, goodbye comes all too soon, but Clara will always cling to the memories of summer days and starry nights . . . and Grandma's tipi. FIND IT HERE A stunning celebration of our Sun and the universal ways in which it connects each of us, all around the world. No matter who you are or where you live, the Sun graces us all. It wakes us up, lights our breakfast tables, warms our play, lifts our moods, grows our food, and gives us life! From Madagascar to Thailand, Iran to the Netherlands, Brazil to Mali, each spread depicts children in a different country enjoying the universal benefits of the Sun. From sunup to sundown, this deceptively simple yet stunning picture book offers a wondrous sense of worldwide connection via the glowing star around which we orbit. FIND IT HERE In her grandmother's garden, a young Black girl learns about mindfulness and herbal medicine in this soothing intergenerational story about our connection to nature. It's Joy's first summer in her grandmother's South Carolina garden--a rite of passage. In the midst of okra, spinach, and strawberries, Grammy teaches Joy that plants are friends with many uses. Herbs, for example, can be turned into medicine. There in Grammy's abundant backyard, Joy learns to listen for the heartbeat of the earth and connect it to her own as she takes deep breaths and puts her intentions into the soil. By the story's end, she learns to grow seeds in her own garden, honoring all that her grandmother taught her. With sensory-rich illustrations from award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Joy Takes Root is a blissful reminder of all that might bloom. FIND IT HERE Join our community of BOOK LOVERS to get book news delivered to your inbox.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Reading to babies is crucial for their cognitive development and language acquisition. It introduces them to new words, sounds, and ideas, fostering early literacy skills. Regular reading sessions also strengthen the parent-child bond, promote imagination, and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Build a love of learning and reading with these fun, engaging, sturdy books made just for babies. The board books featured here were all published in 2023 and provide a rich and inclusive reading experience for babies. For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book. New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney create a joyful and beautiful ode to all bright brown baby boys -- the fifth title in our acclaimed Bright Brown Baby series! Baby boy. Precious boy. Yes! You're a STAR! A joyful, poetic celebration and ode to all bright brown baby boys. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and tender, charming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney, this tender affirmation is the perfect way to rejoice and teach your child that they truly are a star! This board book is part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program, a celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families. And if you're looking for a gift-able picture book, be sure to also check out the beautiful picture book treasury, Bright Brown Baby, to read "Baby Boy, You're a Star!" alongside four more poems. Just-right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more! This is a perfect addition to every child's growing Bright Brown Baby bookshelf! FIND IT HERE ABC Black History and Me presents 26 historical concepts, events, and people--from A to Z--that are important in Black American history. From A is for Advocate to Z is for Zest, each letter of the alphabet is paired with inspirational historical concepts in this 9x9-inch board book. Along with the upbeat, rhyming text covering both well-known and more obscure topics, are colorful illustrations that promote an excitement and curiosity about Black American history. Covering trailblazers from A to Z but also chronologically, this book features a visual timeline with additional information for more in-depth learning on the people, places, and events discussed. From Harriet Tubman and Fanny Jackson Coppin to Amanda Gorman and Ketanji Brown Jackson, ABC Black History and Me covers more than 170 years in a short board book appropriate for the little ones. This book is not only perfect for getting toddlers comfortable with their ABCs, but also for reflecting on how we are all affected by this history and how even the youngest of children will affect the future. With age-appropriate concepts and visuals, ABC Black History and Me is a perfect discussion starter for the whole family. Even adults will find something to learn in this board book! FIND IT HERE Ally Baby Can is a rhyming paper-over-board picture book series that introduces allyship and activism to tiny changemakers! In Ally Baby Can: Be an Eco-Activist, readers will learn effective ways to save our best friends: humanity, wildlife, and planet earth. Ally Baby Can models how young kids can stand up for our planet, and all who live here, and make environmentally friendly choices. Extensive back matter includes important guidelines for action, a kid-friendly reading list, and other helpful resources for baby and you. It is never too early to learn about ways to change our world. FIND IT HERE Celebrate family love with this heartwarming and soulful bedtime book perfect for toddlers 1-3! Shoo-be-do-wop along with your little one as you introduce them to the legendary music of the Motown era. Heartfelt text and whimsical illustrations will touch the hearts of sentimental parents and grandparents and will ensure little ones enjoy a jazzy drift off to dreamland. Sugar Pie Lullaby also includes delightful facts so that kids and caregivers can learn more about Motown legends together! Baby love, Little bitty precious one, I was born to love you. What else is there to do? You are the sunshine of my life. Morning, noon and night All I do is thank God for you. FIND IT HERE A First Folktale from the creators of Magnolia Flower, Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, about the origin of butterflies. The Creator wuz all finished and thru makin' de world. But soon, the Creator finds themselves flying through the sky, making gorgeous butterflies of every color, shape, and size. Find out why butterflies were made in Zora Neale Hurston's stunning and layered African American folktale retold by #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Kah Yangni. This accessible and sizable board book is perfect for introducing the youngest of readers to the beauty of Hurston's storytelling and will spark curiosity in children about how things in our world came to be. FIND IT HERE An exciting ABC board book featuring Black women musicians whose artistry and activism globally changed the way we hear and interact with music, one song at a time. Spotlighting 26 Black women in music, A is for Aretha is a celebration of the contributions they made not only within their industry but also of the social causes that often underpinned their music. Within these pages are women whose music encouraged joy and self-love, advocated for racial justice, buoyed civil rights protests, and trailblazed paths for Black creatives that are still felt to this day. This board book is a perfect gift for a baby shower or the youngest music fan. FIND IT HERE A celebration of Juneteenth for babies and toddlers! Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book from Mudpuppy is a wonderful introduction to Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States on June 19th commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Colorful illustrations show various ways people celebrate the anniversary of freedom for all! Celebratory Message - This book introduces young children to this important commemorative holiday and opens the door to understanding that not everyone was or is free. Bright and Bold Artwork - Bright and colorful illustrations on 26 pages will make this a happy and rewarding experience for toddlers to experience and understand inclusion. Perfect Size - Small 7" x 7" board book is just the size for little hands. Great Gift Idea - This board book makes a wonderful gift for birthdays and special occasions all year through. FIND IT HERE Join our community of BOOK LOVERS to get book news delivered to your inbox.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Like Lava in My Veins Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House) Recommended Reading Ages: 5-8 years Where to order: BOOKSHOP Published: July 4, 2023 BOOK DESCRIPTION All it takes is a loving teacher to help a boy get control of his sizzling superpowers, in this vibrant picture book by bestselling author Derrick Barnes. Bobby Beacon's got fire flowing through his veins. And now he's psyched to attend a new school that'll help him get a better grip on his powers. But right off the bat, his new teacher is not too welcoming. That causes Bobby's hot temper to land him in the principal's office. It ain't easy to stay calm when people don't seem to understand you and are always pushing you to the edge. Good thing Bobby gets moved to a class with an understanding teacher who clues him in on ways to calm himself and shows him that caring for others is its own kind of superpower. With her help--and some cool new friends--he just might be on his way to becoming the best version of himself possible. Join our community of BOOK LOVERS

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Spanish edition and bilingual children's books serve as valuable resources, offering a variety of benefits to include language learning, cultural appreciation, and encouraging empathy and understanding. The diverse picture books featured here were released recently and share stories with themes of friendship, grief, intergenerational families, adventures, and more. For your convenience, we've included book descriptions as provided from the publishers. Some of the descriptions are in both Spanish and English, while others are in Spanish alone. Después de vivir un temblor devastador, el espíritu de los vecinos en esta dinámica zona de la ciudad Mexicana se sacude, pero no se rompe. Una pequeña niña y su perro se aventuran en su caminata diaria por la ciudad; brincan y giran con el sonido familiar de coches acelerando, de bicicletas rechinando, de amigables ladridos, y de los silbidos del carrito de camotes. Pero lo que no esperan es escuchar el escalofriante estruendo de un temblor... y después...silencio. Con un texto cautivador y hermosas ilustraciones, esta cálida y reconfortante historia permite a los lectores reconocer que se puede escoger ser valientes y fuertes aún cuando se tiene miedo, y encontrar alegría y esperanza en medio de la tristeza. After experiencing a devastating earthquake, the spirit of a charming and vibrant Mexican neighborhood might be shaken, but it cannot be broken. As a little girl and her dog embark on their daily walk through the city, they skip and spin to the familiar sounds of revving cars, clanking bikes, friendly barks, and whistling camote carts. But what they aren't expecting to hear is the terrifying sound of a rumbling earthquake...and then...silence. With captivating text and lively, beautiful illustrations, this heartwarming story leaves readers with the message that they can choose to be strong and brave even when they are scared, and can still find joy and hope in the midst of sadness. FIND IT HERE The Spanish-language edition of Abuela's Super Capa: a heartwarming picture book about a young boy who learns to accept that Abuela needs to retire her super capa. Saturdays are superhero days. Equipped with their milkshakes and capas, Luis and his abuela can turn anything into an adventure. But when Abuela gets sick, Luis has to learn a new way to be a hero. With some help from his sister, Luis learns that change isn't all that bad and there are many new adventures to have, even if they look a little different. Perfect for families dealing with sickness and loss, this engaging multigenerational story will help young children find the language to express their feelings and adjust to change. La edición en español de Abuela's Super Capa: un conmovedor libro ilustrado sobre un niño que aprende a aceptar que Abuela necesita retirar su super capa. Los sábados son días de superhéroes. Equipados con sus batidos y capas, Luis y su abuela pueden convertir cualquier cosa en una aventura. Pero cuando Abuela se enferma, Luis tiene que aprender una nueva forma de ser un héroe. Con la ayuda de su hermana, Luis aprende que el cambio no es tan malo y que hay muchas nuevas aventuras por vivir, aunque parezcan un poco diferentes. Perfecta para familias que enfrentan enfermedades y pérdidas, esta interesante historia multigeneracional ayudará a los niños pequeños a encontrar el lenguaje para expresar sus sentimientos y adaptarse al cambio FIND IT HERE Los coquíes aún cantan es un libro ilustrado para niños sobre el hogar, la comunidad, y la esperanza, inspirado por la reconstrucción de Puerto Rico luego del Hurricán María en Septiembre 2017. Este hermoso y emotivo libro fue escrito por Karina Nicole González, illustrado por Krystal Quiles, y traducido al español por Amparo Ortiz. Co-quí, co-quí! Los coquíes le cantan a Elena desde el amado árbol de mango de su familia--sus llamadas son tan conocidas que es como si estuvieran cantando, "Estás en casa, estás a salvo." Pero de repente, su hogar no es tan seguro cuando un huracán atenta con destruir todo lo que Elena conoce. Con el paso del tiempo, Elena, junto a su comunidad, comienza a reconstruir su hogar, sembrando semillas de esperanza en el camino. Cuando los sonidos de los coquíes regresan gradualmente, reflejan la resiliencia y fuerza de Elena, su familia, y sus compatriotas puertorriqueños. FIND IT HERE This high-quality Spanish-language edition of Nigel and the Moon can be enjoyed by fluent Spanish speakers as well as those learning the language, whether at home or in a classroom. Cuando Nigel mira la luna, su futuro es resplandeciente. Se imagina siendo... un astronauta, un bailarín, ¡incluso un super héroe! En medio de las estrellas, hace una pirueta. Su pecho se alza con orgullo. Y sus ojos centellean. Nigel es el ser más brillante en todo el cielo. Pero es la semana de las profesiones en su escuela, y Nigel no consigue juntar el valor para compartir sus sueños. Es sencillo susurrárselos a la luna, pero no contárselos a sus compañeros. Especialmente cuando, de por sí, él siente que no encaja con los demás. FIND IT HERE Una niña callada que se abruma fácilmente por su escandalosa familia encuentra una tierra mágica y silenciosa en la que descubre lo que hace que un hogar sea un hogar en esta nueva versión del muy querido, alegre y mágico cuento folclórico caribeño "La cucarachita Martina." Las fiestas están llenas de tías con sus ropas coloridas y sus risas escandalosas. ¡Eso es demasiado para Martina! Por suerte, con tanto ruido, nadie nota cuando se da una escapada. Martina se traslada a un lugar mágico --una isla cálida que le resulta familiar-- en donde puede jugar en paz y tranquilidad. Martina está, por fin, en casa --pero ¿es realmente su hogar? FIND IT HERE Ganador del premio New Voices de Lee & Low, El frasco de Juna es una conmovedora y caprichosa celebración de la amistad y el poder de la imaginación. A Juna y su mejor amigo, Héctor, les encanta ir de aventuras al parque, donde recolectan cosas para ponerlas en frascos vacíos de kimchi. Un día, Héctor se muda inesperadamente y Juna se pregunta quién jugará con ella. Con la ayuda de su frasco especial, Juna busca a su amigo por todo el mundo. Pero Juna descubre que aventuras y nuevos amigos se pueden encontrar en los lugares más inesperados. FIND IT HERE Two children's book superstars join forces to celebrate the joy and freedom of summer in the city, which is gloriously captured in Jacqueline Woodson's rhythmic text and Leo Espinosa's lively art. Cuando hace tanto calor como para hacer estallar los hidrantes, eso solo significa una cosa: ¡por fin llegó el verano! Liberados de la escuela y disfrutando de su libertad, los niños de una cuadra de Brooklyn hacen de las calles su patio de recreo. Desde la mañana hasta la noche, crean su propia diversión, dejan volar su imaginación y aprenden a trabajar y jugar juntos. Es un mundo donde todo es posible... al menos hasta que sus madres los llamen a casa para cenar. Pero no hay que preocuparse: saben que siempre hay un mañana para volver a hacerlo, porque la calle les pertenece y ellos gobiernan en su mundo. Rebosante de energía, el texto rítmico y las vívidas ilustraciones de Jacqueline Woodson y Leo Espinosa capturan gloriosamente la alegría y la libertad del verano, así como el crecimiento que conlleva la independencia. FIND IT HERE Hasta que alguien me escuche is the Spanish edition of Until Someone Listens. La familia de Estela vive junta en un hogar feliz y lleno de amor. O, al menos, así lo hacían... hasta que su hogar fue destrozado. Mi madre tuvo que volver al otro lado del río, porque no había nacido en este país. Durante años, su familia pidió permiso para que su madre se quedara en los Estados Unidos. Pero nadie los escuchó. Cuando Estela tenía ocho años, su madre fue deportada a México. Estela sabía que tenía que hacer algo. Así que escribió cartas a los periódicos locales, al Congreso, al presidente, a cualquiera que pudiera ayudar. Escribió y escribió y escribió hasta que, por fin, alguien la escuchó. En esta desgarradora historia autobiográfica, las cartas de Estela Juarez la llevan de las noticias locales al scenario nacional, donde descubre el poder de sus palabras y se compromete a seguir usando su voz hasta que su familia-- y otras como la suya-- vuelva a estar junta. FIND IT HERE De las creadoras del galardonado libro ilustrado All Around Us llega otra historia lírica intergeneracional que explora nuestra conexión con la naturaleza, la familia y las tradiciones. From the creators of the award-winning picture book All Around Us comes another lyrical intergenerational story exploring our connection to nature, family, and traditions. Cuando la abuela va hacia su jardín especial, sus nietas saben que deben seguirla. Abuelita invita a las niñas a explorar su colección de tesoros (rocas mágicas, cristales, conchas marinas y meteoritos) para ver qué maravillas revelan. "Son seres vivos y llenos de sabiduría," dice la abuela. Mientras sus nietas observan con atención, los tesoros despiertan la imaginación de las niñas. Encuentran historias en la fuerza de las rocas formadas por los volcanes, el poder limpiador de hermosos cristales, el misterio del mar que albergan las conchas y cómo le dan forma al medio ambiente y el largo viaje que hicieron los meteoritos para encontrar su camino hacia la Tierra. Éste es el poder del jardín especial de la abuela, donde las maravillas crecen y florecen los cuentos. When Grandma walks to her special garden, her granddaughters know to follow her there. Grandma invites the girls to explore her collection of treasures--magical rocks, crystals, seashells, and meteorites--to see what wonders they reveal. "They are alive with wisdom," Grandma says. As her granddaughters look closely, the treasures spark the girls' imaginations. They find stories in the strength of rocks shaped by volcanoes, the cleansing power of beautiful crystals, the mystery of the sea that houses shells and shapes the environment, and the long journey meteorites took to find their way to Earth. This is the power of Grandma's special garden, where wonder grows and stories blossom. FIND IT HERE Un lírico libro debut para niños por la poeta inaugural presidencial Amanda Gorman y el ilustrador #1 superventas del New York Times Loren Long. Escucho el zumbido del cambio. Es una ruidosa y orgullosa canción. No temo la llegada del cambio y por eso canto con gran pasión. En este emocionante y anticipado libro para niños por la poeta inaugural presidencial y activista, Amanda Gorman, todo es posible cuando nuestras voces se unen. Cuando una niña guía a un elenco de personajes por un viaje musical, ellos aprenden que tienen el poder de hacer cambios - grandes o pequeños - en el mundo, en sus comunidades y sobre todo dentro de ellos mismos. Ilustrado por el renombrado Loren Long, El cambio canta usa texto lírico e ilustraciones rítmicas que llegan a un crescendo deslumbrante, y es la llamada triunfal a la acción a todos para que usen sus habilidades para hacer una diferencia. FIND IT HERE Este debut literario relata la profunda y conmovedora historia de cómo una niña y su abuelita enfrentan varias manifestaciones del racismo en su vida cotidiana. El tiempo en casa con Abuelita es divertido. Incluye comer panqueques, saltar charcos y pintarse las uñas. Mientras que las salidas para hacer compras no siempre son divertidas. En el supermercado y en el bus la gente es impaciente y desconfiada. A veces alzan la voz y gritan. Esto entristece, enfada y atemoriza a la niña protagonista de la historia. Ella decide nunca más salir de su casa. Esto cambia cuando en un instante la pequeña se da cuenta que unidas, ella y Abuelita, son mucho más fuertes. Los cálidos y expresivos dibujos de Rafael Mayani ilustran magníficamente la ternura que existe entre la narradora y su querida Abuelita. FIND IT HERE With the English and Spanish text side by side on the page, this bilingual edition of the vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the versatility of plátanos is ideal for bilingual readers as well as Spanish speakers learning English and vice versa. Paletero Man meets Fry Bread in this vibrant and cheerful ode to plátanos, the star of Dominican cuisine, written by award-winning poet Lissette Norman, illustrated by Sara Palacios, and translated by Kianny N. Antigua. Platanos are Yesenia's favorite food. They can be sweet and sugary, or salty and savory. And they're a part of almost every meal her Dominican family makes. Stop by her apartment and find out why platanos go with everything--especially love! Perfect for reading aloud and shared story time! FIND IT HERE In this charming picture book from the creator of Gustavo, The Shy Ghost, a witch who is spellbindingly good at everything discovers that baking is no piece of cake. Leila Wayward es una brujita extraordinaria. Es la más encantadora hechicera, la más capaz cambiaformas y las más talentosa talladora en su aquelarre. Por todos sus encantos, ha ganado todo tipo de trofeos, pero su más grande sueño es ganar el Magnifico Brujiconcurso de Repostería. Como las más joven en una larga línea de expertas en las Oscuras Artes de la Pastelería, Leila espera que ganar sea pan comido. Pero incluso con las más fantástica receta, Leila se da cuenta de la terrible verdad: ella es un desastre en la cocina. ¡Oh, no! Afortunadamente, Leila tiene tres mágicas hermanas que están felices de compartir sus secretos culinarios con ella. ¿Eso la ayudará? De Flavia Z. Drago, la creadora de Gustavo, el fantasmita tímido, llega una encantadora historia que seguramente deleitará a pequeñas brujas y reposteros novatos en todo el mundo. Leila Wayward is a little witch who excels at everything she does. She's the fastest flier, the most cunning conjuror, and the most superb shape-shifter. She has won trophies for potions, herbology, and alchemy--and now she dreams of winning the Magnificent Witchy Bakeoff! As the youngest in a long line of masters of the Dark Arts of Patisserie, Leila wants her entry to be perfect. But even with the most bewitching of recipes, she realizes a terrible truth: she's a disaster in the kitchen. Luckily, Leila has three magical sisters who are happy to share their culinary secrets with her. What's more, Leila discovers that baking with them is fun! Win or lose, she has already tasted the sweetest thing of all: acceptance--with a pinch of nightshade and a bit of mandrake. In a Spanish language edition filled with expressive and fancifully offbeat illustrations, Flavia Z. Drago's enchanting story of trying your hardest despite your imperfections is sure to delight little witches and novice bakers alike. FIND IT HERE Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links In an increasingly diverse world, representation matters more than ever. Children's books play a crucial role in shaping young minds, instilling values, and expanding their worldview. When it comes to showcasing the beauty and significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), children's books are a powerful tool. By providing narratives that highlight the experiences, achievements, and rich history of HBCUs, these literary gems offer children a chance to celebrate their culture, embrace their heritage, and dream of a future where possibilities are limitless. All of the picture books featured here are written by Black authors and are perfect for celebrating HBCUs. For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book. Homecoming is a children's book that celebrates the HBCU Homecoming experience. Join this family as they head back to the yard to enjoy Homecoming festivities such as a football game, Greek life, and a marching band. FIND IT HERE There's more after an HBCU Homecoming! Learn about all the different aspects about a college campus. There is so much learn about HBCU culture. Meet new characters on the yard and the classrooms. FIND IT HERE During Spring Break, Q's aunt, Tru Evans, decides to take him to a new destination - an HBCU. As Q explores the life of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, he learns to gain meaning of the phrase "HBCU Proud". All that our protagonist knew of an HBCU is that his entire family loved Legacy University, since they're all alumni! But will Q find his own love for Black Colleges? Follow along as Q learns about the history of HBCUs, the relevance of HBCUs in our society today, and the importance for fighting to preserve our legacy. FIND IT HERE Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links This resource list is a labor of love that includes publisher's descriptions along with links for more information. Publishing dates may change for a variety of reasons. These books were submitted to us by publishers, authors, and the Helping Kids Rise community. If you notice a book that fits our mission that is not featured here, please send us an email to let us know. We'll be happy to add them to our Bookshop. Related Reading: Check out our previous lists here: Gigantic List of Diverse Books Published From the author of Not Quite Snow White comes a story about a young Muslim boy celebrating the many reasons he loves going to his local masjid in this jubilant and playful picture book perfect for fans of Mommy's Khimar and Abdul's Story. Friday is Kamal's favorite day of the week because he gets to go to the masjid for Jumu'ah prayer. The masjid is where he can be with his friends, hear the teachings of the imam, and pray with the community that he loves so dearly. He just can't help the bounce in his step, the smile on his face, or the joy bubbling up in his chest every time Friday rolls around! Inspired by the famous nursery rhyme "This Is the House That Jack Built," each spread in this buoyant picture book builds on the rhythmic list of things Kamal loves about the masjid. FIND IT HERE In her grandmother's garden, a young Black girl learns about mindfulness and herbal medicine in this soothing intergenerational story about our connection to nature. It's Joy's first summer in her grandmother's South Carolina garden--a rite of passage. In the midst of okra, spinach, and strawberries, Grammy teaches Joy that plants are friends with many uses. Herbs, for example, can be turned into medicine. There in Grammy's abundant backyard, Joy learns to listen for the heartbeat of the earth and connect it to her own as she takes deep breaths and puts her intentions into the soil. By the story's end, she learns to grow seeds in her own garden, honoring all that her grandmother taught her. With sensory-rich illustrations from award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Joy Takes Root is a blissful reminder of all that might bloom. FIND IT HERE A young child learns that even superheroes hurt too in this heartrending story about loss and love, written by debut author Kevin Johnson and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Kitt Thomas. When a child loses the person in his life that he loves more than anything, he uses his cape as protection from his grief. On the day of the funeral, he uses it to block out the pictures and stories people share, refusing to acknowledge the memories that keep bubbling up. He won't think about them. He doesn't want to. He avoids the memories, until he no longer can. He remembers then. Their laugh, their smile, the moment they gave him the cape. The cape transforms, becoming a source of comfort and strength as the child navigates the sadness and joy that these memories bring up. In Cape, Kevin Johnson has crafted an achingly beautiful and honest story about processing and redefining grief after the loss of a loved one. With evocative illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Kitt Thomas (Stacey's Extraordinary Words), Cape is a powerful, unforgettable, and necessary story. FIND IT HERE From two Coretta Scott King Honor winners comes this uplifting picture book biography about Ketanji Brown Jackson, who is making history as the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. Ketanji Brown Jackson is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. When a high school guidance counselor told her she should set her sights lower than Harvard, she decided to go to Harvard for college and law school. When she became a public defender and saw inequalities in the justice system, she used her legal skills to advocate for people who needed help, but couldn't afford an attorney. Ketanji's path to the Supreme Court was unique: She's the only current Justice to have been a public defender and one of a few who went to public school. Her story is powerful and heartening, and it's a lesson in overcoming adversity by being true to yourself. Margaret A. Edwards Award winner, Printz Honor winner, and National Book Award finalist Kekla Magoon and Coretta Scott King honoree Laura Freeman reunite to present a generation of readers with a new inspirational figure. FIND IT HERE A young girl with vitiligo celebrates her skin in this joyful picture book by debut author Lid'ya C. Rivera and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Niña Mata! This lyrical celebration of self-esteem, perseverance, and loving the skin you're in will inspire all children to appreciate their spots or what makes them different. Perfect for pairing with I Am Enough by Grace Byers, Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller, and I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes. Includes a personal letter from the author and facts about vitiligo. FIND IT HERE From the critically acclaimed author of Your Name Is a Song and the bestselling illustrator of The Proudest Blue comes a story about a Muslim boy who receives a salat (prayer) rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith. In this beautiful story of community, family, and acceptance, a boy named Muhammad receives a special salat rug on his seventh birthday. Seven is the age when Muslim children are encouraged to pray, and Muhammad is determined to do all five daily prayers on time. But one salat occurs during the school day--and he's worried about being seen praying at school. His father parks his truck to worship in public places, and people stare at and mock him. Will the same thing happen to Muhammad? In the end, with help from his teacher, he finds the perfect place to pray. Salat in Secret, by two highly acclaimed Muslim creators, is a poignant and empowering look at an important facet of Islam that many observant children cherish but might be scared to share. FIND IT HERE A potty party's coming through! Celebrate the milestone of potty training with this energetic board book that features a diverse group of children as they ditch their diapers and flush like big kids do. Going potty can be a party for everyone! Perfect for all children, this book touches on the aspects of potty training, including feeling the need to go, sitting and waiting, and picking out underwear. Get down and celebrate at toilet time with this fun and imaginative board book. FIND IT HERE All aboard! Rooted in the tradition of an African American spiritual, this mesmerizing picture book takes readers on a cosmic journey to heaven, celebrating the diversity of life at every stop along the way. The vivid illustrations and snappy text in This Train Is Bound for Glory bring the Glory Train to life as it welcomes singing passengers. The excitement is palpable as the train clicks and clacks through scenic deserts, over lush mountains, and across sparkling bridges. Under the guidance of the watchful Conductor, the heaven-bound train bops and bounces from Earth to the stars until it reaches the pearly gates, where passengers dance with thrilling joy. This train is bound for Glory--this train! This train is bound for Glory--this train! This train is bound for Glory. Everybody here is a-rocking and a-rolling. This train is bound for Glory--this train! The history of "This Train is Bound for Glory" dates back to 1922 as a popular recording. The lyrics have evolved across the ages. At the end of the book, readers are invited to write their own version of the song in a spirit of hope, joy, and love for a new generation. The world needs more light. Sing on! FIND IT HERE A quiet girl overwhelmed by her rambunctious family finds a magical land of solitude only to discover what truly makes a home a home in this lively and magical bilingual picture book that reimagines the beloved Caribbean folktale "La Cucaracha Martina." Martina does not like parties. Parties are full of tías with their flashy fashions and boom-and-bellow laughter that's too much for quiet Martina. At least with all that noise, no one notices when she slips away. She finds herself in a magical place: a warm, familiar island where she can finally play in peace and quiet. Martina is home at last--or is she? FIND IT HERE This ferociously fun read-aloud--perfect for bedtime or anytime--begins with a can't-settle-down boy who spends his naptime with wild animals that have leapt off the pages of his favorite book, and ends with a sleepy boy all played out! Sam is not ready for naptime. Momma says he has ants in his pants and that he must calm down, but Sam says "NOOOOOO!" and flies off to his bedroom. He flips open his favorite book--African Wildlife--and out jumps a herd of gazelles...followed by a pride of lions...and then a zeal of zebras. And that's just the beginning! How can Sam ever be expected to take a nap?! Amidst all the jumping and stalking and striding and prowling comes a sound louder than any other-- GRROOWWL! It's Sam's tummy, and it scares those ants right out of his pants. It must be time for a snack. But after such a wild day, how can Sam ever be expected to stay awake?! FIND IT HERE An inspiring picture book from Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde, filled with her favorite motivational words from Z to A. Perfect for your little book lover and spelling ace! When 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde became the first Black American student to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021, the world took notice. Now, this extraordinary speller, writer, and basketball champ celebrates the world of words, with 26 of Zaila's favorite words, such as KINDNESS, HOPE, and RESILIENCE, alongside Zaila's encouraging and poetic thoughts. Each bright and busy page also includes an inspiring quotation from a famous thought leader. And an afterword to the book details the fascinating origins of each word. It's an uplifting picture book packed with motivation, learning, and fun, from one of America's most promising, unique, and accomplished young people. FIND IT HERE A beautifully moving picture book that reminds us that wherever we move--across the sea or across the neighborhood--we can always keep growing . . . just like wildflowers. After being uprooted from their home in Vietnam, young Hà is happy with her new life at the refugee camp. But today is Moving Day! And while the rest of the family is excited to head to their "forever home" in America, Hà doesn't want to leave. Leaving means saying goodbye to her best friend, her loving teacher, and the beautiful wildflowers she picks daily. She's not ready for yet another change. Who will play the game Ô Ăn Quan with her? What if she can't master speaking English? Can Hà carry the best parts of her beloved camp with her? Can wildflowers grow in America too? Inspired by the author's childhood, Where Wildflowers Grow explores the emotional struggle of moving and the joy in discovering there's always hope in new beginnings. Look in the back of the book for pictures and details about the author's journey to America, as well as rules to play the game featured in the story! FIND IT HERE An empowering picture book about the importance of stepping up (and speaking up) to address injustice and effect change within our daily lives, from the author of I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids. I Am Somebody takes the reader on a journey over the course of a day, as our main character notices various forms of neglect and injustice--from trash on the sidewalk and students butting in line waiting for the bus, to not sharing on the playground and bullying about food. In each instance, the young child remarks that SOMEBODY should do something to remedy the situation(s) until, eventually, they realize that they are the person that can effect change. This powerful story reminds us that every living thing is unique and should be treated with kindness and respect and that we are ALL "somebody." FIND IT HERE Isaac can't grow a beard like his dad's, but helping his community makes him the coolest kid at the barbershop. Isaac wants to grow a beard, just like his dad, who always seems to be the coolest guy in the barbershop. Isaac uses Dad's beard oil every day for weeks, but nothing happens. Next time it's barbershop day, Isaac doesn't even want to go back--but maybe there is still a way for him to grow the coolest beard. FIND IT HERE Ready to keep your grownup busy? AND to have lots of fun? Build a kite, make a mosaic, and more in this fun-filled book, loaded with countless creative ideas, from the New York Times bestselling creators of How to Babysit a Grandpa! It's time to have some fun with your grownup! All you need are basic materials and some imagination. Get ready to see a plant drink, make ice cream in a bag, teach your mom yoga, and more in this fun-filled activity book! Enjoy family fun with science, crafts, nature and more as the kids can lead a hands-on learning experience. Share this book with grown ups, loved ones, and anyone who wants to get creative! FIND IT HERE 'Salat in Secret': As Ramadan begins, author's work shines light on Muslim children Join our community of BOOK LOVERS

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links These children's books that feature dads are perfect for Father's Day or anytime. And if you're looking for children's books that celebrate grandparents, please visit this post about Grandparents or this post about Grandparents and the yummy food they introduce to our lives. For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book. Each day is a grand family adventure with the fathers and sons in this lyrical picture book filled with lush illustrations. A young son and his father trek through trees and listen to birdsong, dig for worms and go fishing, and enjoy the breeze sitting side by side, just like Pop Pop and Daddy did, years ago. A heartfelt and hopeful tale that touches on grieving the loss of a loved one as a father and son recreate old memories and make new ones in a day-long hiking adventure. FIND IT HERE A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas--birthplace of Juneteenth--through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators. A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year--and why they celebrate their African American history! The poetic text includes selected lyrics from "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all. FIND IT HERE From the same team who brought families Girl Dad comes a picture book celebration of boy dads everywhere! A fun read-aloud written in upbeat rhyming verse, Boy Dad is a picture book that honors the loving men who raise, nurture, and uplift their boys. Share Boy Dad with the dads in your life, on Father's Day or any day. FIND IT HERE In her joyous authorial debut, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor winner Raissa Figueroa celebrates the warm love between Black fathers and their children. Capturing a child's perspective and infused with gentle humor, Raissa Figueroa's tender, insightful look at fathers is an irresistible ode to the bond between daddies and the children they love. Whether it's exploring, learning, dreaming--or anything in between--all daddies love doing things with their kids. In fact, the only thing they love more than spending time with their kids is the kids themselves! Perfect for Father's Day or any day. FIND IT HERE National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine teams up with Keith Henry Brown on this lyrical picture book that celebrates music and Black identity. Trevor's dad is a DJ, and he always picks the best music-- tunes jivin', beat drivin', high fivin'! --he's DJ Dap Daddy! But after his parents split up and Dad moves out, Trevor feels like the pitch doesn't fit between them. Trevor has his own music now--hip-hop--and Dad can't seem to let go of his old soul favorites. As the end-of-year dance approaches, Trevor and his father will have to find their new groove to get the party started. My Dad Is a DJ is a hip-hoppin', beat boppin', tunes poppin', not stoppin' story of a father and son's shared love of music and each other. FIND IT HERE This stunning, early-concept board book series features an intergenerational Black family over the course of a day at the local grocery store, as readers learn colors and numbers. When Mom realizes there are zero eggs in the house, the entire family heads to the store to pick up more. Readers can join the counting fun as the family shops and adds more items to their basket--from three bananas to five plums--amid the backdrop of a bustling market. Publishing simultaneously with The Rainbow Park, The Numbers Store studies numbers through the experience of an intergenerational Black family's trip to the local grocery store. FIND IT HERE A young girl stops to call out all the sights and sounds on her morning trip to pre-school, but that's not what makes her late--it is her dad's goodbye hug. Kate was late for preschool, but not for the reasons you might expect. It wasn't because her daddy brushed her hair into poofs, or because they slowed to say hello to neighbors on the way to the bus stop. It wasn't even because she had to wave to all the trucks, cars, and street cleaners on the road. No, Kate was late because just after they arrived at school, her daddy swooped in to give her a great big goodbye hug that lasted a very long time. Janice N. Harrington is the Ezra Jack Keats Award winning author of Going North. With Hurry Kate or You'll be Late, she has teamed up with illustrator Tiffany Rose to create a delightful picture book about a vehicle obsessed girl and her very patient father. FIND IT HERE Celebrate the creative and empowering bond between a father and his daughter in this picture book from the real-life creators of the blog Daddy Dressed Me following a single dad's sewing journey as he makes clothes to inspire his daughter. It's Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava is chosen to recite a poem! She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she's confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn't sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation. Word by word and stitch by stitch, father and daughter work together, helping each other stand tall, proud, and confident, wrapped in love. FIND IT HERE Isaac can't grow a beard like his dad's, but helping his community makes him the coolest kid at the barbershop. Isaac wants to grow a beard, just like his dad, who always seems to be the coolest guy in the barbershop. Isaac uses Dad's beard oil every day for weeks, but nothing happens. Next time it's barbershop day, Isaac doesn't even want to go back--but maybe there is still a way for him to grow the coolest beard. FIND IT HERE Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links This resource list is a labor of love that includes publisher's descriptions along with links for more information. Publishing dates may change for a variety of reasons. These books were submitted to us by publishers, authors, and the Helping Kids Rise community. If you notice a book that fits our mission that is not featured here, please send us an email to let us know. We'll be happy to add them to our Bookshop. Related Reading: Check out our previous lists here: Gigantic List of Diverse Books Published A story about a little troublemaker with a big heart from the New York Times bestselling author and noted speaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones Whoops! Little Luvvie loves her mom. She loves her sister. And she loves doing nice things for other people. But what happens when doing something nice means breaking some rules? Little Luvvie is about to find out. Written by the New York Times bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones with bright, bold art by Joey Spiotto, this funny, sweet story about a bighearted girl with the best of intentions is sure to become a family favorite. FIND IT HERE From parents and actors Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill comes a picture book filled with beautiful, inspiring affirmations reminding kiddos of their infinite wonder. Perfect for children of any age! I am worthy. I am loved. I am enough. Every child, no matter their age, needs to know how loved they are and, more importantly, should love themselves. In this gorgeously illustrated book of affirmations, young readers are told how cherished, deserving, and gifted they are. In their tender picture book, actors Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill tell children about the magic of self-love and standing firm, regardless of outside voices and doubt. Children will feel their confidence grow as they repeat the encouraging words on the page, take in the warm illustrations, and learn to believe in themselves! FIND IT HERE The follow-up to the bestselling book The Noisy Classroom, this new adventure explores how creative thinking can lead to fun and unexpected surprises. Ms. Johnson is a bit, well, odd. So when she announces she's taking the class on a field trip to the natural history museum, one young girl can't help but worry. Everyone at school already knows Ms. Johnson, but what will strangers think of her? As the day of the field trip draws nearer, the girl and her friends decide to hatch a plan for their teacher's sake. From the same award-winning team who had brought you the first book, The Noisy Classroom Goes to the Museum playfully combines science and humor in this new adventure of Ms. Johnson and her noisy class. FIND IT HERE From an award-winning author, a New York Times bestselling artist, and a Coretta Scott King Honor artist, lyrical text about how we are all one is paired with beautiful illustrations of two girls and their families. If you're a star, I'm a moon. Together we dream. When we are together, we are one. Two girls--one from a city who lives with her mom, and one who lives by the beach with her dads and brother--come together at a lantern festival in a beautiful story of how we are all one, whether near or far, friend or newcomer. From an award-winning trio, this celebration of community, friendship, and the natural world features poetic, lyrical text paired with a vibrant visual tale of two characters, each illustrated by a different artist. FIND IT HERE A Family Prayer is a beautifully illustrated children's book that celebrates all the family--biological and chosen alike--who keep us safe and teach us to dream In A Family Prayer, acclaimed novelist Shay Youngblood brings to life the prayer of a little brown girl who finds joy in asking God to keep her family safe. Young readers will celebrate every auntie, cousin, and grandmother in their life. But more than just her biological relatives, each family member is a maternal or paternal archetype, someone in her community who represents the title of mother, father, auntie, and the like. My sister is a blessing She keeps my secrets Braids my hair And helps me find my way Sisters are a blessing Keep them safe from harm My Auntie is a blessing She sings sweet songs Rocks me to sleep and whispers stories in the dark Aunties are a blessing Keep them safe from harm A Family Prayer champions the age-old wisdom that raising a family takes a village--and that the love of a community runs soul deep. FIND IT HERE A day in the park sparks an unlikely connection between a young girl and a street musician without a home. From acclaimed author-illustrator Daria Peoples, Hello, Mister Blue is a powerful picture book that emphasizes the importance of history, bravery, and community. A young girl always creates special memories when she visits her grandfather. He lets her sip his creamy coffee, they take a stroll through the park, and they play music together. But this time, something unexpected happens: she meets Papa's longtime friend, Mister Blue. Mister Blue lives outside, and he and his music have always brought Papa's community together. At the end of the day, the young girl has many questions for Papa. Is Mister Blue safe? Scared? Lonely, hungry? With her curiosity and kindness, she can change things for the better, for at least one person and one night. Featuring a lyrical text, stunning illustrations, and a resonant message, Hello, Mister Blue presents a difficult, universal topic with sensitivity and warmth for the youngest of readers. Every person belongs to a community, and generosity can make a difference for everyone. FIND IT HERE A lyrical narration and luminous illustrations tell an uplifting intergenerational story of kindness and confidence, loss and remembrance, with resonance for any child who feels other-than. "Sora means 'seashell' in Korean," her mother said. "Halmoni always said finding a perfect shell is like receiving a wonderful gift. That's why she suggested we name you Sora." Every summer, when Sora's Halmoni, or grandmother, visits from South Korea, the two of them take the bus to the beach to search for seashells. While Sora likes to take all of them back with her, Halmoni always leaves the prettiest shell for someone else to find and treasure. As summer turns to fall, Halmoni returns home and Sora starts kindergarten, where some of the kids tease her about her "weird" name. One day, Sora's parents receive a sad call about her grandmother, and Sora feels more lost than ever about who she is and how she fits in. But when her parents reveal the origin of her name, Sora channels a newfound pride and, inspired by Halmoni, combats her peers' hurtful comments by sharing her shells with everyone in her class. This story, told by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Stella Lim, based on art by Ji-Hyuk Kim, speaks to the prevailing power of kindness and will resonate with anyone who's been made to feel different. FIND IT HERE When Amy Wu learns about Chinese ribbon dancing, she can't wait to try it out herself in this charming and brightly illustrated fourth installment in the Amy Wu picture book series. Amy Wu loves to move. From wriggling to shimmying to toe-tapping, she just can't keep still, not when there's music all around her! So when Amy sees Chinese ribbon dancing for the first time, she has to try it out. Only, how can she throw the perfect dance party when she doesn't have the perfect ribbon for her dance? A special story from Mom may be just the thing to get Amy moving to the music again. Mom may be just the thing to get Amy moving to the music again. FIND IT HERE CROWNED by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt is a book designed to foster and encourage imagination, equipping young kings and queens with the creativity and ability to overcome any obstacles in their way. Filled with stunning photography, these magical tales of the diaspora bring to life past, present, and future visions of Black culture to create a society where all kids are created equal and feel empowered to move in the world as their true authentic self. Included in the collection: The Poisoned Apple Asha the Little Cinder Girl The Little Mermaid Sleeping Beauty Hansel and Gretel Little Red Riding Hood Anasi and the Three Trials Aku The Sun Maker How the Zebra Got His Stripes The Legend of Princess Yennenga John Henry, the Steel Driving Man The Cloud Princess And more! This collection is a must-have for children and parents everywhere and is a joyous celebration of Black beauty and imagination. FIND IT HERE An uplifting picture book that reminds children all over the world of God's love for them--affirming their standing in His kingdom and reinforcing their God-given identity. I am beautifully made and crowned with glory and strength! I am filled with God's power! I am building my life on Jesus, the solid rock! I am not afraid, for the Lord is always with me! Join children from Haiti, India, Korea, Rwanda, Spain, New Zealand, and many more countries as they each declare God's truth about their identities. Each page is a joyful exploration of how God has uniquely made every child to reveal His glory, but also serves as a beautiful reminder for kids about who they are--and, most important, whom they belong to. Featuring simple, biblically based affirmative statements and bold and vibrant illustrations, this inspirational celebration of a young believer's identity in Christ is a must-have for every church and Christian family. FIND IT HERE A must-read that belongs in every home and classroom, A Day With No Words invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language. The American Library Association Booklist starred review boasts, "The story is written from the boy's first-person perspective, however--a clever choice in that it gives readers a direct look into his mind and reinforces the book's crucial statement that nonverbal people have as many words and as much intelligence as anyone else. Cosgrove's art, throughout, does an amazing job of transporting readers into his perspective, employing various color tones, metaphoric imagery, and 'camera' angles to reflect the deep expressiveness contained in every page [...] through this book, neurotypicals' eyes will be opened, and everyone in Autistic Families will feel seen--and heard." A Day With No Words is a colorful and engaging picture book for young readers shares what life can look like for families who use nonverbal communication, utilizing tools to embrace their unique method of "speaking." The story highlights the bond between mother and child and follows them on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others. Written by an autistic mother of two autistic sons and the creator behind the popular @Fidgets.and.Fries social media platform and illustrated by Kate Cosgrove, A Day With No Words successfully normalizes communication methods outside of verbal speech and provides representation of neurodiversity and autism in a way that affirms and celebrates. FIND IT HERE A picture book edition of the board book about body liberation, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery to introduce the concept of BODY LIBERATION. This book serves to celebrate the uniqueness of your body and all bodies and addresses the unfair rules and ideas that currently exist about bodies. It ends with motivational action points for making the world more fair for all! While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion. FIND IT HERE Malaika learns about her father, who came to Canada as a migrant farm worker when she was just a baby and who shared her love of carnival. Malaika dreams about a man with a basket of fruit and guesses that the dream is about her father. Mummy explains that her daddy passed away long ago, and Grandma decides it's time Malaika knew more about her father's life. The family drives to a far-off farm where they receive a warm welcome and visit the orchard where Malaika's father picked fruit. The farm workers tell Malaika that her daddy had always dreamed of celebrating carnival there, just like back home. Will Malaika agree to be their Carnival Queen for the harvest festival? Nadia L. Hohn and Irene Luxbacher have created another compelling story about Malaika, who finds a way to cope with her sadness about her father through their shared love of carnival. Includes an author's note. FIND IT HERE From a New York Times bestselling and award-winning creator, this deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance. The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child's journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time. FIND IT HERE Every day is different. Some days everything goes right--you're in the groove and feeling like yourself. But some days, it's a lot harder to find happy because everything is just blah. Sometimes everything that should be fun just feels . . . flat. A young boy is having one of those dreary days, and nothing seems to help. But after trying his grandmother's way to shake the blues also fails, he discovers that happiness is easiest to find when you're not looking. This picture book gently reminds readers that it's normal to have happy and sad days and normalizes speaking about emotions and seeking help. Heartfelt and hopeful, the story models emotional intelligence and self-awareness for readers of all ages. FIND IT HERE A debut picture book that celebrates self-love, care, and resilience with one of the most widespread plants--the dandelion. Both a love letter to the dandelion and a call to love ourselves in a difficult world, Âmî Osâwâpikones reminds us that we are not defined as others see us. Following our young protagonist and the dandelions through the seasons, we are reminded that we are resilient, we are healers, we are funny, and we are loved. FIND IT HERE From Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca comes a celebration of extended family and summertime fun Summer is for cousins. Mom and Dad, Two uncles, two aunties, Thatha and Pati, Seven cousins, All of us are together. Ravi can't wait to spend summer vacation at the lake house with his family--especially his cousins! Summer vacation is for days at the beach, long hikes, paddleboarding, and--of course--ice cream. Ravi and his oldest cousin, Dhruv, had the same favorite flavor last year, but everything feels different now. Dhruv's much taller and his voice is deeper. Ravi's worried that Dhruv won't be interested in spending time with him, the little cousin. The ice cream shop doesn't even have their favorite flavor this year. But on the last night of vacation, the cousins decide to make dinner, and Ravi's in charge of dessert. He only has one special thing in mind! This picture book all about summertime fun celebrates the resilient bond between extended family members. FIND IT HERE Ty makes his I Can Read Comic debut! Featuring a bold comic styling by New York Times bestselling illustrator Niña Mata and a compelling easy-to-read text by Kelly Starling Lyons, this Level One I Can Read Comic is the perfect summertime story for beginning readers! Celebrate Ty's vivid imagination! Nonstop rain dampens the family's plans to go camping. But with a boost from Ty, the Camp-Out comes out just fine! Rhythmic text, vibrant art, family love, and Black Boy Joy shine on every page of this camping adventure. Ty's Travels: Camp-Out is a Level One I Can Read Comic, which means it's perfect for shared reading with young readers new to graphic novel storytelling. This is a Guided Reading Level (GRL) J. FIND IT HERE Children's author and illustrator Vashti Harrison on new book BIG Join our community of BOOK LOVERS

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Summer reading is an essential activity for children, offering numerous benefits for their intellectual, emotional, and social development. 5 Reasons Reading is an Essential and Beneficial Activity for Children During Summer Break Prevents the Summer Slide Prevents the "Summer Slide": Summer break often leads to a decline in academic skills known as the "summer slide." Reading during the summer helps children maintain and even enhance their reading abilities, preventing learning loss. Reduces Stress and Enhances Well-being Reading provides an escape from daily stresses, allowing children to relax, unwind, and enter new worlds. It can be a source of comfort and joy, promoting overall emotional well-being. Encourages Empathy and Understanding Reading exposes children to diverse characters and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. They learn to see the world through different eyes, developing compassion and becoming more open-minded individuals. Sparks Imagination and Creativity Through reading, children enter imaginative worlds, encountering fantastical characters and settings. This sparks their creativity and nurtures their ability to think outside the box, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity. Fosters a Lifelong Love for Reading Engaging in summer reading helps children develop a positive attitude towards books, creating a lifelong love for reading. This love for reading extends beyond the summer months and becomes a lifelong source of pleasure, knowledge, and personal growth. Summary: Incorporating regular reading into a child's summer routine is a valuable investment that nurtures their intellectual curiosity, fosters their emotional development, and prepares them for future academic success. Book Recommendations: Visit our Black History 365 Reading Challenge to gain access to dozens of book recommendations for summer reading. JOIN US: Sign up for the Helping Kids Rise Newsletter to have insider book news and the latest book releases sent to your inbox! CLICK HERE

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links In today's digital age, social media has become an essential tool for authors to connect with their readers, build their author brand, and promote their work. If you're an author looking to dive into the world of social media but don't know where to begin, this blog post is for you. Here are seven tips to help you get started and make the most of social media as an author. Social Media for Authors: Do This Before Getting Started on Social Media Define Your Goals Before jumping into social media, take a moment to define your goals. What do you hope to achieve by using social media as an author? Is it to connect with readers, promote your books, share writing tips, or build a community? Understanding your objectives will guide your social media strategy and help you create meaningful content. Choose the Right Platforms With numerous social media platforms available, it's crucial to choose the ones that align with your target audience and goals. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are popular options for authors, but it's not necessary to be on all platforms. Pick a few that resonate with your writing style and engage with your desired readership. Consistency Across Platforms Developing a consistent author brand across social media platforms is essential. Use the same profile picture, handle, and bio across all your accounts. Incorporate elements that reflect your writing genre or personal style. Consistency helps readers recognize and connect with you, building trust and familiarity. Set boundaries Social media can be a time drain. If you go online without a clear time limit or purpose, you might find that hours have passed before you look up from your device. Set social media time limits and do your best to stick to it. That might look like 15 mins in the morning and 15 minutes again in the evening. Do what works best for you but definitely set a boundary to help manage your time. Engagement Matters Social media is all about engagement, so make an effort to interact with your followers. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions promptly. Show genuine interest in your readers and their opinions. Engaging with your audience helps foster connections and can lead to loyal fans and potential book sales. Share Valuable Content Create a balance between promotional and value-added content. While it's important to promote your books, don't make every post a sales pitch. Share valuable content such as writing tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing process, book recommendations, or relevant articles. Providing value to your audience strengthens your author brand and keeps readers engaged. Post Consistently Consistency is crucial when it comes to social media. Develop a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Whether it's daily, a few times a week, or weekly, regular content keeps your audience engaged and ensures that you stay on their radar. Consider using scheduling tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to plan and automate your social media posts. You've got this! Social media presents an incredible opportunity for authors to connect with readers and grow their author brand. By defining your goals, choosing the right platforms, creating a consistent brand, engaging with your audience, sharing valuable content, utilizing visuals, and maintaining consistency, you can make a meaningful impact on social media as an author. Embrace the digital world, build relationships, and share your passion for writing with a wider audience. Remember, social media is a journey, and it's okay to start small and gradually expand your presence. Experiment, learn from your audience's feedback, and adapt your strategy accordingly. Enjoy the process, connect with fellow authors and readers, and watch your online author platform thrive. Happy social media journey, authors! Looking for more great reads? Visit these fabulous book lists: How Preorders Can Make a Huge Impact for Your Favorite Authors Library Love: Children's Books That Celebrate Libraries Ten Easy Ways to Support Your Favorite Authors 7 Tips for Avoiding Social Media Burnout for Authors JOIN US: Sign up for the Helping Kids Rise Newsletter to have the latest book releases sent to your inbox! CLICK HERE

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links In the digital age where screens dominate our lives, the simple act of reading to your child may seem outdated. However, this cherished tradition holds timeless value and plays a crucial role in a child's development. Reading aloud not only sparks a love for stories but also contributes to their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Here are five compelling reasons for parents to prioritize reading to their kids. Language and Vocabulary Development Reading aloud exposes children to a rich and varied vocabulary, expanding their language skills. As parents narrate stories, children encounter new words, sentence structures, and expressions. They absorb this linguistic richness and unconsciously incorporate it into their own vocabulary. This exposure enhances their communication skills, boosts their comprehension abilities, and lays a solid foundation for future academic success. Cognitive Stimulation and Critical Thinking Engaging children in stories stimulates their imagination and cognitive abilities. As they follow the plot, children develop essential thinking skills such as problem-solving, predicting outcomes, and understanding cause and effect. These cognitive exercises foster creativity, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. By exploring diverse narratives and characters, children develop empathy, broadening their worldview and nurturing their emotional intelligence. Bonding and Emotional Connection Reading to your child offers a unique opportunity for bonding and emotional connection. Snuggling up with a book creates a warm and secure environment, fostering a sense of intimacy and trust between parent and child. Through shared reading experiences, children feel loved, valued, and understood. It also provides an avenue for open discussions about the story's themes, characters, and lessons, encouraging children to express their thoughts and emotions. Building Concentration and Discipline In an era of constant distractions, cultivating concentration skills can be challenging for children. Reading requires focus and attention, helping kids develop these essential qualities. Regular reading sessions train their minds to concentrate on a single task for an extended period. As children learn to sit still, listen, and follow the story, they cultivate discipline and self-control. These skills transfer to other aspects of their lives, aiding academic performance and overall personal growth. Instilling a Love for Reading When parents read to their children, they ignite a love for reading that can last a lifetime. By presenting reading as an enjoyable activity, parents cultivate an intrinsic motivation for learning and exploring books. The positive associations created during shared reading experiences create a deep-rooted affection for stories and the written word. As children grow, this love for reading becomes a lifelong source of pleasure, knowledge, and personal growth. Summary: Reading aloud to your child is a powerful and meaningful investment in their future. Beyond the enchantment of stories, it enhances language skills, stimulates cognitive development, fosters emotional connection, builds concentration, and instills a lifelong love for reading. So, parents, pick up a book, snuggle with your little ones, and embark on a magical journey through the pages of storytelling. Your children will thank you for it, and the benefits will last a lifetime. JOIN US: Sign up for the Helping Kids Rise Newsletter to have insider book news and the latest book releases sent to your inbox! CLICK HERE

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links How oonuh do? is a Gullah Geechee phrase that means How are you? in standard American English. Watch the video below to learn about Gullah Geechee people, culture, and language. CHILDREN'S BOOKS Children's books are a great way to build Gullah Geechee pride and to teach others about the culture. These picture books by Black authors share stories about the foodways, language, history, and traditions of Gullah Geechee people. A gorgeous, imagination-sparking introduction to the beauty and interconnectedness of the Black diaspora. A young girl living on the coast of South Carolina dreams of her distant relatives on the shores of Africa and beyond. Indigo Dreaming is a poetic meditation between two young girls--on different sides of the sea--who wonder about how they are intricately linked by culture, even though they are separated by location. The girls' reflections come together, creating an imaginative and illuminating vision of home, as well as a celebration of the Black diaspora. This gorgeous lyrical tale engages the senses and evokes childlike curiosity and wonder. FIND IT HERE In her grandmother's garden, a young Black girl learns about mindfulness and herbal medicine in this soothing intergenerational story about our connection to nature. It's Joy's first summer in her grandmother's South Carolina garden--a rite of passage. In the midst of okra, spinach, and strawberries, Grammy teaches Joy that plants are friends with many uses. Herbs, for example, can be turned into medicine. There in Grammy's abundant backyard, Joy learns to listen for the heartbeat of the earth and connect it to her own as she takes deep breaths and puts her intentions into the soil. By the story's end, she learns to grow seeds in her own garden, honoring all that her grandmother taught her. With sensory-rich illustrations from award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Joy Takes Root is a blissful reminder of all that might bloom. (June 20, 2023) FIND IT HERE This rhythmic, joyous picture book from Natalie Daise, the co-star of the hit Nickelodeon show "Gullah Gullah Island," celebrates a special day of father-son cooking, and serves up a love letter to food, family, Gullah Geechee culture, and tradition--and includes the author's own recipe! Papa has something special planned for tonight's family dinner--and Bobo can't wait! Excited to learn how to make okra stew like his ancestors, Bobo helps Papa pick veggies from the garden, catch shrimp from the creek, rain down rice in the pot, simmer the stew, and even make a tasty side of cornbread. When the stew begins to bubble and pop, Bobo and his family gather around for a mouthwatering feast. (October 10, 2023) FIND IT HERE A heartwarming picture book about how one little girl's unique beauty has been growing for generations in her family tree. Anyiaka is in awe of her gorgeous Gullah Geechee family--she wants to be beautiful like her older sister, Sorie, a great listener like her mom, and a talented artist like her grandma. But on today's visit to her grandparents' house, Anyiaka sticks out from the rest of the family like a sore thumb. She can't seem to do anything right, and a trip to Grandma's art studio confirms just how different she is from the rest of the family. But Grandma's artwork--a special set of nesting dolls--also shows that what's on the outside doesn't always tell the whole story. While they may be distinct, together, her family's beauty and inner strength have deep roots that have been growing within each of them for generations. (October 10, 2023) FIND IT HERE Hear Ron Daise talk about his journey to embracing his Gullah Geechee heritage. Vanessa Brantley-Newton dedicated Grandma's Purse to "...my Gullah Geechee Belles who carried history in their pocketbooks." Spend the day with a grandma and granddaughter in this charming picture book about the magic found in their favorite accessory, a perfect gift this Mother's Day! When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats...and her purse. You never know what she'll have in there--fancy jewelry, tokens from around the world, or something special just for her granddaughter. It might look like a normal bag from the outside, but Mimi and her granddaughter know that it's pure magic! In this adorable, energetic ode to visits from grandma, beloved picture book creator Vanessa Brantley Newton shows how an ordinary day can become extraordinary. Hear the read aloud. FIND IT HERE Debut author Eden Royce arrives with a wondrous story of love, bravery, friendship, and family, filled to the brim with magic great and small. It's 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won't stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn eleven-- and their uncle, Doc, tells them he's going to train them in rootwork. Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations--especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family's true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs...and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it's going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through. (middle grade) FIND IT HERE From the award-winning author of Root Magic comes the story of a girl forced to spend the summer with a great-grandmother she's never met--only to discover she runs a school for Southern conjure magic. If you ask Delphinia Baker, she'd tell you she has all the family she needs. Sure, her mom passed away when she was young, her dad is often away on deployment, but even though Del has never had anyone she can call her people, she has always had her grandmother--and that's enough. Besides, having no roots just makes it that much easier when you have to move again. All of that changes, though, when Gramma falls ill and Del is sent to stay with her great-grandmother. Del has never even heard of Nana Rose, and she has no interest in spending the summer on an unbearably hot island off the South Carolina coast. And when Nana Rose starts talking about the school she runs dedicated to their family's traditions--something called "conjure magic"--Del knows she's in for a weird, awkward summer. That is, until the magic turns out to be real. Soon, Del is surrounded by teachers who call themselves witches, kids with strange abilities, creatures and ghosts who can speak to her. She has a hundred questions, but one more than any other: Why didn't Gramma ever tell her about her family, the island, this magic? As Del sets out to find her place in a world she never knew existed, she also discovers a shadowy presence on the island--and comes to believe that it all might be connected. (June 27, 2023 - middle grade) FIND IT HERE The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope. Every stand has a story. This one is mine. Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer's market. Of course, it's more than a farmer's market. Papa knows each customer's order, from Ms. Rosa's pumpkins to Mr. Johnny's peppers. And when Papa can't make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce. Heartwarming illustrations complement the lyrical text in this poignant picture book that reveals a family's pride in their work and reminds us to harvest love and hope from those around us. (January 30, 2024) FIND IT HERE G is for Gullah is a book that teaches children the alphabet while educating them about Gullah culture. Each letter represents someone or something from Gullah culture. A is for Aunt Pearlie Sue B is for Beaufort N is for Natalie and Ron Daise....and so on. Author Dr. Ebony Toussaint is on a mission to preserve Gullah culture and this picture book is one of the many ways she is doing just that. If you're looking for an engaging ABC book to both entertain and educate, G is for Gullah is a great option. FIND IT HERE A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper Today is a special day. Eli knows it's important if he's allowed to miss one second of school, his "hard-earned right." Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War. With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin' shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author's note, bibliography, timeline, and index. FIND IT HERE Robert Smalls was born enslaved in Beaufort, SC, but he refused to remain enslaved. As a young man, he made a choice that changed his life and the life of many others, forever. In the early hours of May 13, 1862, in the midst of the deadly U.S. Civil War, an enslaved man named Robert Smalls was about to carry out a perilous plan of escape. Standing at the helm of the ship, Smalls impersonated the captain as he and his crew passed heavily armed Confederate forts to enter Union territory, where escaped slaves were given shelter. The suspenseful escape of the determined crew is celebrated with beautiful artwork and insightful prose, detailing the true account of an unsung American hero. FIND IT HERE Exploring culture in children's books: Caribbean Culture in Children's Books MORE GULLAH GEECHEE RESOURCES: Ron Daise on the terms Gullah vs Geechee Sunn m'Cheaux: Gullah Teacha: In 2017, he became the first and only Gullah language instructor at Harvard University Gullah Geechee Foodways with Chef BJ Dennis A Vanishing History: Gullah Geechee Nation The Original Gullah Festival Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.