Books

This joyful and affirming picture book from author LaRonda Gardner Middlemiss and New York Times–bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown invites young readers to dream boldly, live proudly, and embrace their superpower: seeing themselves as they truly are.

Do you see me?
Yes, I do.
I see a child whose heart is true.

Follow a young girl and her mother on a blustery afternoon’s adventure as they discover the power of community and the wonders of self-reflection.

Through rhythmic repetition and warm affirmations, this picture book celebrates the beauty and strength that exist within every child: their courage, their drive, their minds―free and wild . . .

From literary powerhouse and Coretta Scott King Honor- and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor-winning author of The Parker Inheritance Varian Johnson comes a heartwarming father-son story about the importance of stepping up...and finding time to play.

Elijah can't wait to take his brand-new kite for its first flight! But with a new baby in the family, Daddy has to work this weekend. Elijah finds a clever way to help out and pitch in with his family while also reminding his dad how to still have a little fun.

Beloved children's book author, Varian Johnson's debut picture book audio highlights the fun journey of a young child building his confidence as he steps up into the big kid role, specifically as the little big man of the house.

We all have the power to make meaningful change! This story about one step in the civil rights movement – the Montgomery Bus Boycott – follows one boy's day walking the walk.

Dexter and his Papa have a long walk ahead to Dex's piano lessons. Dex sure wants to ride one of those buses that keep on passing by-just this once. But when it comes to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and standing up to segregation, Papa always says you can't just talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk, or else they'll keep moving you to the back of the bus. So Dex and Papa keep on walking to the beat of the street, marveling at the sights and the people they see, and discover that their destination is closer than they think.

Including engaging backmatter, this timely, accessible picture book demonstrates how ordinary people-like these characters-can walk the walk through their community as part of a movement to make meaningful change, and will inspire new generations of activists ready to walk the walk. Exciting new author R.J. Owens and New York Times bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown craft an engaging and relevant picture book about the ways we can all work to make change.

A vibrant and relatable picture book about first-day-of-school nerves that encourages young readers to celebrate new experiences and the big buddies they're sure to make along the way. 

It’s the first day of school and everywhere our small hero looks there are big kids!  Big kids are shouting, playing, and high-fiving each other. Big kids are crowding the halls and hanging out on the playground. It all feels a bit overwhelming. And since it’s Buddy Day, the big kids are pairing off with little kids. But maybe having a big buddy won’t be so bad—he shows him where to find his classroom and where to hang his coat. He even uses his big kid arms to reach the chocolate pudding! Maybe big kids aren't so scary after all?

With K. L. Going's insightful text and Reggie Brown's energetic art, this perfect back-to-school read shines humor and empathy on that intimidating feeling every kid experiences starting at a new school!

A fun, lyrical debut picture book, Kicks is an essential read for sneaker fans of all ages, from award-winning poet Van G. Garrett and New York Times bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown.

This is a love letter to sneakers. But not just any sneakers. Only the flyest, floatiest, you-est kicks you can get—the ones that let you soar!

This colorful, rhythmic adventure has something to offer anyone who prizes a great pair of shoes and any reader who loves to play with words.

Fun, lyrical, and electric, Specs is the follow-up picture book to the beloved Kicks, from award-winning poet Van G. Garrett and New York Times bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown.

This is a love letter to glasses. But not just any glasses. Only the shiniest, flyest, you-est specs you can find—the ones that let you see things in a whole new way!

In this playful and joyful ode to specs of all kinds, young readers follow one girl on her journey of acceptance and join the fun of picking the perfect pair of glasses. 

In this cozy winter story, a six-hundred-year-old snowman and a ten-and-a-half-year-old girl strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to bring an end to the longest winter ever.

Article II of the Snowman Code: A snowman always helps a child in need.

It’s March, but the ground is still covered in snow, the lake in the park is still frozen over, and ten-and-a-half-year-old Blessing has three problems:

Problem #1: Blessing hasn’t gone to school in months. She just can’t stand those bullies, the Driplet Triplets, so her only solution to avoiding them is to pretend she and her mom moved to Australia.

Problem #2: Blessing’s mom gets sad in the winter. So sad she doesn’t go to work and sometimes doesn’t get out of bed.

Problem #3: The city is experiencing its longest ever winter, with no end in sight. And the longer it goes on, the longer her mom’s sadness does too. If spring doesn’t come soon and other grown-ups find out her mom is too sad, they’ll be separated again.

Just as Blessing starts to lose hope, she meets an unexpected new friend: Albert Framlington, a six-hundred-year-old snowman who just might hold the key to solving all three of her problems. But Albert has a problem of his own he may need a human’s help to solve.

Can this unlikely duo find a way to defeat Blessing’s bullies, win back Albert’s long-lost love, and overcome the never-ending winter before it’s too late? They have to try—that’s the Snowman Code after all.

Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the social media sensation Garden Marcus, shows kids the lessons he learned in his grandma's garden when he was growing up.

Grandma's favorite place is her garden. It seems like she could stay there forever! Marcus wants to know why--so they set about exploring it together. From shells protecting seeds (like Marcus's helmet protects his head!) to a small seed eventually growing into something big (also just like Marcus!), there are so many amazing connections to be made in this wonderful place. Day after day, Marcus delights in realizing how much he has in common with the plants--he drinks water every day, too, and he gets haircuts just like the plants get pruned. As his grandma says, there's a whole world to explore in a garden, and Marcus likes thinking about it as a playground for all the snails, birds, bugs, and worms. And one of its many beauties is the bounty they are rewarded with after all the love and care they pour into it!

A celebration of childhood from an award-winning author, this upbeat day in the life of a bunch of friends was inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme that spurred a movement.

From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best lives freely in their community. ­With confidence and a touch of swag, these friends do everything with one another: build a time machine, tend to the community garden, roleplay in the park, read, take a group selfie, and play basketball. With simple, spare text from celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and colorful, playful art from Reggie Brown capturing the pleasures of boyhood and friendship, Bros affirms the truth that Black boys deserve and are worthy of a childhood full of joy and free of risk, just as much as anyone. Timely and buoyant, it’s a story sure to be enjoyed by anyone who knows what it is to be surrounded by friends with a day of adventure ahead of you.

ABOUT TACKO FALL: TO NEW HEIGHTS

The inspiring true story of basketball phenom Tacko Fall—and his journey from West Africa to the NBA—will inspire young people to dream and do.

Relatable and engaging. . . the honesty with which Fall expresses the emotional points of his journey is refreshing and touching. Brown’s illustrations represent Fall’s comparative height without caricature, and the variety of scenes and vignettes with animation-style pictures gives the feeling of a humorous graphic novel, in the best way. . . .Triumphant and inspiring, this autobiographical piece will thrill fans and charm all readers.
—Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT HEY YOU!

This remarkable picture book is a lyrical, inspirational exploration of growing up Black, written by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, and brought to life by some of the most exciting Black artists of today.

Remember to dream your own dreams
   Love your beautiful skin
   You always have a choice
 
This book addresses–honestly, yet hopefully–the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism, as well as providing hope for the future and delivering a message of empowerment to a new generation of dreamers. It’s a message that is both urgent and timeless–and offers a rich and rewarding reading experience for every child. To mirror the rich variety of the Black diaspora, this book showcases artwork from Dapo Adeola and eighteen more incredible Black illustrators in one remarkable and cohesive reading experience.

“An affirmation of Black talent, creativity. and achievement. . . . The challenge and the pride in being Black is the focus of the text. . . . While the illustrations come from a collective effort, they flow successfully from page to page while honoring the diversity of the Black experience in all its beautiful hair styles, skin tones, and body shapes. This title stands out for its call to young readers to embrace their ancestral past and set high expectations for themselves and their future endeavors. Bright, diverse illustrations honor the past and affirm a bright future for Black children called to live out their dreams, whatever they may be, in this highly recommended book.”–School Library Journal

“Equal parts motivational talk, mantra, and prayer, this love letter to Black children across the African diaspora is enhanced by the contributions of nineteen illustrators from around the world. Though the artistic styles are varied, the upbeat text’s theme of joyful hope shines through every page. Through Adeola’s inspiring words and the illustrations’ different perspectives, children are encouraged to see their greatness and revel in the diversity of Blackness. This is a vibrant invitation to celebrate uniqueness in a world of limitations.”–Horn Book

“Adeola’s picture book aims to lift up and encourage Black children to understand their potential, express their creativity, and to follow their dreams. Affirming phrases . . . appear throughout, providing great self-esteem boosts for children. Smaller text accompanies these statements, acknowledging unpleasant truths along with the positive. . . . The images are vibrant and showcase the illustrators’ varied styles, as well as a range of scenes that include joyful moments between young children and their parents, teens showing pride in their heritage and culture, and young adults participating in a Black Lives Matter protest. . . . Inspiring messages.”–Booklist

“A sincere ode to Black childhood. . . . Exuberant and varied illustrations . . . accompany this celebration of growing up Black. . . . Adeola was motivated by the question, ‘What might have been different had I felt more confident and assured in my skin at a younger age—if I’d seen my story told?’ His uplifting text is bookended by images of beautiful Black babies. In between, he imparts life lessons, urging Black children to ‘be curious’ and ‘keep searching’ while assuring them that ‘happiness, love and laughter will find you on your journey.’ . . . Heartfelt, hopeful, and honest.”—Kirkus Reviews

This inspiring picture book by New York Times bestselling author Bakari Sellers is a tribute to the family and community that help make us who we are. Perfect for sharing and gifting.

When you meet someone for the first time, they might ask, "Who are your people?" and "Where are you from?"

Children are shaped by their ancestors, and this book celebrates the village it takes to raise a child.

In the vein of I Am Enough and Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, this powerful picture book with beautiful illustrations by Reggie Brown is a joyful recognition of the people and places that help define young readers and adults alike.

Don't miss this picture book debut from Bakari Sellers, author of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller My Vanishing Country: A Memoir.

* Instant New York Times Bestseller! *

Reviews:

• “Inspirational. A motivational story of knowing and embracing family birthright, this book is great for every collection for kids.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

  “A tale steeped in pride, centering two Black children learning about their familial and cultural legacy. Consistently affirming.” — Publishers Weekly

  “Affirming. [Does] an excellent job of blending moments from the past with the present, subtly reinforcing their continued importance on life today.” — Booklist

  “The cultural values shared by many Black Americans are related in beautiful prose. Recommended for teachers and librarians who want to explore the meaning of historical legacies in families.”  — ALA Booklist review

Santa in the City

A little girl's belief in Santa is restored in this ode to the magic of Christmas. This is a holiday gift readers will treasure for years to come!

It's two weeks before Christmas, and Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her--after all, as a city kid, she doesn't have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer! But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.

With bold, colorful illustrations that capture the joy of the holidays, this picture book from award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson and illustrator Reggie Brown is not to be missed.

A 2021 Black Caucus American Library Association Best of the Best Booklist selection

* “The representation in this work will win the hearts of many children looking to see themselves in Christmas stories…A winner for Santa skeptics and believers alike.” –Booklist, starred review
 
* “A delightful holiday story… Brown’s cartoon-style illustrations are awash in purples, blues, and grays—not colors one would typically associate with a holiday story, but that fit perfectly in a book about Christmas in the city.”  –SLJ, starred review

“Warm [and] imaginative…[a] reassuring book for any child who’s ever worried about Santa’s magic reaching them.” –PW

“Lively digital illustrations portray a close-knit Black family and urban community in a story that will reassure kids with the same concerns as Deja’s.” –Horn Book

The Magnificent Makers #1: How to Test a Friendship

BOOM! SNAP! WHIZ! ZAP! The Magnificent Makers series is filled with science, adventure, and characters that readers will love! A modern-day Magic School Bus for chapter book readers!

This book includes two science activities kids can do at home! These quick educational activities (30 minutes or less) use items you probably already have on hand!

Violet and Pablo are best friends who love science! So when they discover a riddle that opens a magic portal in the Science Space at school, they can’t wait to check it out! Along with their new classmate, Deepak, the friends discover a magical makerspace called the Maker Maze. It’s a laboratory full of robots, 3D printers, an antigravity chamber, and more. Doors line the walls of the makerspace, with a new science adventure waiting behind each one.

With the help of a hilarious and odd scientist, the Magnificent Makers embark on out-of-this-world adventures that help them master the science concepts they are learning in school. This series will cover several scientific topics (at an age-appropriate level) ranging from human biology to ecology, while also exploring issues such as managing failure, teamwork, courage, and jealousy.

THE MAGNIFICENT MAKERS #2: BRAIN TROUBLE

BOOM! SNAP! WHIZ! ZAP! The Magnificent Makers series is filled with science, adventure, and characters that readers will love! A modern-day Magic School Bus for chapter book readers!

This book includes two science activities kids can do at home! These quick educational activities (30 minutes or less) use items you probably already have on hand–or can easily order if needed!

Violet and Pablo are best friends who love science! So when they discover a riddle that opens a magic portal in the brain fair at school, they can’t wait to check it out! In this adventure, the friends enter the Maker Maze–a magical makerspace–along with a set of twins who are interested in learning all about the brain. The kids can’t wait to solve science puzzles . . . if first, they can learn to work together! 

THE MAGNIFICENT MAKERS #3: RIDING SOUND WAVES

Boom! Snap! Whiz! Zap! The Magnificent Makers chapter book series is filled with science, adventure, and characters kids will love! Every book includes two science activities kids can do at home! 

A modern day Magic School Bus for the chapter book reader!

A wacky scientist, Dr. Crisp loves to invite students to the her Maker Maze for a STEM-filled adventure! Just solve a riddle and the portal to the Maze will appear! But there's a catch...if the kids don't complete a challenge fast enough, they can never come back to the Maze!

Pablo and Violet are on a field trip to the science museum and today they're paired up with a classmate they don't know very well--Henry. As they enter the Maze and learn about touch, hearing, and vision, Pablo and Violet learn that there's more to Henry and his odd behavior than meets the eye - Henry has a sensory processing disorder. Together they'll learn a little something about feelings (literally!), acceptance, and what makes us special.

ABOUT THE MAGNIFICENT MAKERS #4: THE GREAT GERM HUNT

Boom! Snap! Whiz! Zap! The Magnificent Makers chapter book series is filled with science, adventure, and characters kids will love! Every book includes two science activities kids can do at home!

This series is a modern day Magic School Bus for the chapter book reader!

In class, Violet and Pablo have been learning about the icky world of germs! Violet has been out sick, and is excited she’s feeling better… achoo! Well, she’s mostly feeling better. She and Pablo are paired up with another classmate, Aria, who is a bit nervous that Violet keeps sneezing.
 
When another riddle appears to transport them back to the Maker Maze–a magical makerspace–to learn all about bacteria, viruses, and fungi, Violet and Pablo find out why Aria is so nervous. Aria’s body has more trouble fighting off illnesses than their bodies do. Together they learn all about good and bad germs, and why staying home until you’re 100% recovered is really important.
 
Don’t miss any books in this STEM-tastic series!

Baby goes to her first soccer game in this adorable board book that’s a must-have for soccer fans of all ages!

Baby loves soccer, the black and white ball
The field and the goal posts—she loves it all!

Baby is at her first soccer game! From watching the players run downfield, to cheering for a goal, baby loves it all. So when the game is over and the day is done, baby can’t wait to have more fun—by learning how to play soccer, too!

Baseball Baby -Board Book

This fun, rhyming board book about baby’s first baseball game features energetic and eye-catching illustrations, making it an adorable must-have for baseball fans of all ages!

Baby loves baseball, the bat and the ball,
the players and stadium—he loves it all!

In this adorable book, perfect for all baseball fans, baby goes to his first baseball game! From singing along with the crowd in the stadium to eating sweet baseball treats to watching the players hit the ball, baby just loves it all. So, when the game is over and the day is done, baby can’t wait to have more fun—by learning how to play baseball, too