Review of The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer

 

In this New York Times Bestseller, B is for Beautiful, Brave, and Bright! And for a Book that takes a Bold journey through the alphabet of Black history and culture. ​

Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy.

It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love.

In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc.

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**My thoughts**

Black history is our history. Period. And too often, a lot of it has been purposely hidden in an effort to try to erase it. I love learning about history, so I've been enjoying learning more about Black history through a variety of means. I do this for personal growth, but to also improve myself as an educator. This is a great one to use with children ages 5 and up.

With your younger children, enjoy the vibrantly colored pictures and rhyming verse as poet Rio Cortez takes us through Black history and culture. As you're reading it, you're going to recognize how much of it is actually also a part of your own life.

With children who are a little older, you can dig more into the lives of the various historical figures and events that are depicted in the story. The beginning of the book offers some great resources. The back of the book goes into a bit more detail about each the people, events, and terms associated with each letter of the alphabet. That index is a great way to look up which topics pique your interest at the moment. You'll come back to it again and again. It even inspires me to dig more deeply into some historical events.

Not every topic is going to be comfortable to dive into. But without a bit of discomfort, growth and change cannot happen. And like it or not, this IS history. These topics ARE relevant right now. So approach them with children at their level to help them also learn and grow, and not just in February for Black History Month.

I noticed that this duo has also created a book for Women's history, and I can't wait to dive into that one as well!

Review of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

 

A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love"

"I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. We need this."
- Jordan Peele, Actor & Filmmaker

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.

Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!

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**My thoughts**

Hair Love is probably one of my favorite picture books to have come out in the last several years. It's based on the Academy Award-winning film short of the same name. In the film, Zuri is determined to have her hair look absolutely perfect for a very special day: her mom is coming home following cancer treatment. She tries to do it herself, following a very special someone's video instructions online. It's too much of a struggle, so her father gives in and helps her do it. 

I defy anyone to not cry watching that film.

The book is a little bit lighter, but just as moving. Zuri shows off different hairstyles that she has worn in the past and talks about how they make her feel. But on this special day, Zuri needs her hair to be absolutely perfect. Daddy offers to help, but of course has a few struggles along the way. And then, perfection, just in time for Mom to come back home.

I still get emotional reading this and was even before I finally got around to watching the film. 

It's acknowledging feeling good in the natural hair you're in. It's about the bond between father and daughter. It's about appreciation and love for a mother. The little girls in my classrooms look at this book and like to compare their own hairstyles to the ones Daddy tries. They see themselves in the book, which is so important. 

Some schools have banned this book. While I have read their supposed reasons behind doing so, I simply do not understand them. This book is absolutely beautiful and belongs on all the bookshelves.

Review of Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe by Kate Messner, Margaret E. Powell, illustrated by Erin K. Robinson

 

An inspiring picture book biography of the amazing Anne Lowe, the first nationally-known African American fashion designer!

A careful snip, a delicate fold.
Fabric the color of new petals.
Skirts that flare like upside-down blossoms.
A garden bursts into bloom!

There is no "good enough."
For Ann, only the best will do.

Award-winning author Kate Messner, costume historian Margaret E. Powell, and fashion designer and illustrator Erin Robinson tell the powerful story of the ground-breaking Ann Lowe, who grew up in a small Alabama dress shop and became the first nationally-known African American fashion designer. Sought after by millionaires and movie stars, her designs walked the red carpet and graced the wedding of Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier.

At a time when the world around her thought African Americans deserved no more than second-class treatment, Ann expects no less of herself, and no less FOR herself, than the BEST.

THE FIRST, FAMED BLACK FASHION DESIGNER: Although she faced many hardships, Anne's spirit, talent, and belief in herself always shone through. This story provides an empowering, real-life role model for young girls—and especially Black girls—to relate to and see themselves in, at an age when building self-confidence is more important than ever!

ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY AND PERSERVERENCE: Full of interesting details about how Anne came up with her designs, and how she always forged ahead in spite of setbacks, this true story will captivate aspiring artists and young creative thinkers alike.

SURE OF HER OWN WORTH: This book makes a perfect gift for anyone looking to celebrate, empower, and inspire the women in their lives—whether daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins, or friends. Ann Lowe stands as a testament to the power of knowing we're both capable of and deserve ONLY THE BEST.

BEAUTIFUL, IMMERSIVE PROSE: Wonderful, vivacious writing by award-winning author Kate Messner and expert historian Margaret E. Powell brings Anne's pride in herself and her work to life in rich detail!

Perfect for:

• Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
• Teachers and librarians
• Readers who loved Little Leaders and Parker Looks Up
• The vast #WeNeedDiverseBooks community
• Anyone seeking books about Black excellence, female empowerment, or Black history
• Gift-givers looking for a beautiful, inspirational book for the girls (or women) in their lives

Available on Amazon

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**My thoughts**

I came across this title in a February Black History Month listing of children's books. I was fascinated by this story of Ann Lowe. I am not very into fashion, but still like to learn about influential people in history. I was especially fascinated by the fact that she created Jacqueline Bouvier's dress for her wedding to John F. Kennedy. And when you look at the painstaking way she created all of those individual decorations, you cannot help but be blown away. I don't know how she did it all and so quickly!

Ann's tenacity and drive are inspiring, even to this middle-aged woman. I would love to recapture some of that drive and passion in my own life. I can see children being inspired by her story, wanting to become fashion designers in their own right. You could use this book for Black History Month or Women's History Month. Of course, I am a fan of learning about both of these topics on a year-round basis. 

You'll be able to touch on American history and oppression, as it talks about how Ann created designs, but her employers would take all of the credit. She had to sit by herself in a room while taking classes, because no other Black woman had ever been at that school before. Ann serves as inspiration for standing up for yourself, such as when she is at first denied entrance into the senator's home via the front door. She serves as inspiration for regrouping and pushing through tough times, like when a flood ruined several pieces right before the wedding. And those who are interested in art can take a deeper dive into her creations as well as the stunning illustrations by Erin K. Robinson. In a time of mostly computer-generated art flooding the children's book world, it's refreshing to see original, painstaking work using a variety of media.

I would recommend this for kindergarten and older. And as always, have conversations with the children as they are reading it.

Review of Little Blue Truck Makes a Friend: A Friendship Book for Kids by Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry

 

Welcome a new friend to the farm with the #1 New York Times bestselling Little Blue Truck!

Beep! Beep! Have you heard the news? There is someone new on the farm!

All the animals are curious and cautious about the newcomer—what will he be like? Does he neigh like a horse or oink like a pig? Does he have fur or feathers? Does he swim? Does he fly?

Luckily, Blue knows just the thing to help his friends, old and new, feel at home!

Buy on Amazon

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***My thoughts***

I randomly stumbled upon this book on Kindle Unlimited, and I'm glad I did. I have read it a couple of times now, and like it more and more each time. It's probably because this is the time of year when we have a lot of new children joining our program. Luckily, the kids we have right now are extremely welcoming and friendly to new students. But this book is a great reminder to give new people a chance, even if at first they seem to be different.

This would also be a fun book to include in a unit about farms and animals, as they travel across the farm and make all of their sounds. It's definitely a fun one to read out loud with its rhymes.

I also love the illustrations, because they are more old school. I'm not a huge fan of the newer computer-generated art. These look like they were done by hand and make me nostalgic for my childhood, visiting the family farms.

I'm definitely going to be visiting the other books in the series now.

Rocketship Ride by Franco D'Auria

 

The best way to travel at a young age is to use your imagination! Take a sneak peek inside this picture book of two brothers doing just that and then follow the tour for even more from Franco D'Aurio's Rocketship Ride. Best of luck entering the great giveaway!

Review of Dancing With Trees and Waving With Leaves by S.M. Jackson

 

Dancing With Trees and Waving With Leaves by S.M. Jackson is a sweet new picture book. Take a peek inside and read my thoughts. Follow the tour for even more. And then best of luck entering the giveaway!

$76 National Geographic Kids Hop Into Spring Book Prize Pack Giveaway! Ends 5/27

 

Springtime means time for new things, so of course that has to include books! It's time for yet another Nat Geo Kids book giveaway. These are some great titles again! Check them out! Purchase extras for friends and family. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Review of Hoppin' Hankaroo by Janet Earnest Jenkins

 

 
Join Kathy and Hankaroo on their trip to the zoo where they meet some silly animals and make a new friend who is the funniest bird they've ever seen! Appropriate for ages 0-6 years, Hoppin' Hankaroo is a rhyming book, which makes it easier for little ones to remember the words. The illustrations are done in crayon as if a child colored them. A great learning tool and fun story, your child will want to read this humorous picture book again and again!

Goodreads * Kindle * Paperback * Hardcover

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**My thoughts**

This is a cute story about a little girl going to the zoo with her dog to see all of the animals and have some adventures. There's a bit of a mix of what you would actually expect to see at the zoo and then some playful imaginary happenings. All of it is told in rhyme, which is actually fun to read out loud. The end of the story hints at future titles continuing the adventures of Kathy with a K.

As described in the book blurb, the illustrations are done in crayon and look like an older child has drawn them. I am personally not a fan of this style of illustration, but I know it speaks to some readers. I think this is the kind of book that could inspire children to create their own books and made-up adventures. I get the impression it was created because of a child's idea. Kudos to this grandmother for fulfilling that dream!

I received a requested review copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



  
About the author:

Janet lives in Bonneau, SC and is the grandmother of five. She loves creating stories and writing fun poetry for early readers. Her stories keep the young imagination entertained and tickle the funny bone.

Review of Angry Octopus Color Me Happy Color Me Calm by Lori Lite

 

Angry Octopus Color Me Happy, Color Me Calm is a light-hearted, self-help, mindful coloring book designed to guide 4-11-year-olds and their parents, teachers, or counselors through simple everyday techniques that can be used to control anger, reduce stress, and increase happiness. This interactive coloring book is filled with simple strategies to self-soothe, manage anger, and improve emotional intelligence. Children are empowered to manage their BIG feelings while coloring 76 illustrations. Each mindful page motivates children to express themselves peacefully without having a tantrum, meltdown, or outburst.

Angry Octopus is a kid-friendly character that children around the world relate to. He made his television debut on ABC’s Shark Tank.

Goodreads * Paperback

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**My thoughts*

I have been a fan of Lori Lite's books for a long time now. I am absolutely delighted that there is a coloring book to go with Angry Octopus. It leads the reader and artist through affirmations and words of hope to help you cope with the stress in your life. And while it does feature the characters from one of Lori's children's books, you don't absolutely have to read the book to be able to follow the words in this coloring book. And I can guarantee that adults would benefit from these words and the process of coloring at least as much as children would. I know for me, I'm not a huge fan of those meticulous fine-point coloring books that are often marketed to adults. I want larger areas to color because I find that to be more relaxing. I'm all over this book! I'd love to see even more!

I received a requested review copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author:

Lori Lite is a mom, parenting stress expert and author. Lori has created an award-winning line of books, CDs, and lesson plans designed to help children, teens, and parents decrease stress, lower anxiety, and control anger. Her sought-after practical tips provide parents with real-time solutions. Lori shares her own experiences as a stressed-out mom in an honest and accessible way. Her personal parenting challenges with getting her children to sleep were the catalyst for her stories. She has the unique ability of communicating how to integrate stress management techniques and self-esteem building activities into your family’s life. You can read more about Lori on her website at https://stressfreekids.com or on her Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lori_Lite

Review of Angry Octopus (A Relaxation Story) by Lori Lite

  

The Angry Octopus story featured on ABC's Shark Tank, teaches children relaxation techniques for controlling anger and negative emotions. It helps kids to calm down and lower stress and anxiety levels by focusing awareness on various muscle groups to create a complete resting of the mind and body. Muscular relaxation can lower anxiety levels and be used to decrease pain.

These effective stress and anger management techniques are woven into this award-winning story. Your child will learn the technique as they read the story.

Children relate to the angry octopus in this beautifully illustrated book as the sea child shows him how to manage his anger, remain calm and see things more clearly. This engaging story quiets the mind and relaxes the body so your child can let go of anger and fall asleep peacefully.

Angry Octopus is one of four stories featured on the Indigo Ocean Dreams audiobook and is available in several formats. The Spanish version of El Pulpo Enojado (ISBN: 9781937985011) and Angry Octopus Color Me Happy, Color Me Calm (ISBN: 9781937985332) compliment this story.

Goodreads * Amazon

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**My thoughts**

Once upon a time when I was teaching preschool and kindergarten, Lori Lite's books were a staple in my classroom. My students were in love with the stories and illustrations and found benefits in the lessons contained within. Lori Lite was a forerunner in the social-emotional children's book realm, well before they became so popular. I recently revisited Angry Octopus and still love it. 

I like the description of the octopus getting angry and squirting out dark ink so that he can't see what is going on around him. That's a great metaphor for what it's like when you get angry. 

And then there is the beautiful sea child who teaches the octopus how to lie back and find relaxation to let go of the anger. It's a technique that therapists teach us to use, where you tense up a part of your body and then breathe it loose again, one little part at a time from your head to your toes. You can act this out while reading the story - even as an adult - and feel the anger and tension start to slip away. I know I try to use these techniques for myself. And the kids in my class would often act this book out and practiced when they were feeling angry or out of sorts. 

It is also a great book to have at home. The whole series is fantastic.

I received a requested review copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author:

Lori Lite is a mom, parenting stress expert and an author. Lori has created an award-winning line of books, CDs, and lesson plans designed to help children, teens, and parents decrease stress, lower anxiety, and control anger. Her sought-after practical tips provide parents with real-time solutions. Lori shares her own experiences as a stressed-out mom in an honest and accessible way. Her personal parenting challenges with getting her children to sleep were the catalyst for her stories. She has the unique ability of communicating how to integrate stress management techniques and self-esteem building activities into your family’s life. You can read more about Lori on her website at https://stressfreekids.com or on her Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lori_Lite