#bookpets

Thank you so much to the @simonkids team for sending us such an incredible selection of Black stories. Check out summaries for all of the books below and swipe through for a close up of their covers and some silly faces from the Book Ferret Doodle, Archer Basilton. <3 Board Books and Picture Books (ages 0–6) Sulweby Lupita Nyongo: From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within. On Her Wingsby Jerdine Nolen: Discover the early life and legacy of groundbreaking American writer Toni Morrison in this beautifully illustrated and “awe-inspiring” (School Library Journal, starred review) nonfiction picture book biography. Your Special Voice by Temi Adamolekun: This empowering board book inspires young readers to use their own special voice to make a difference in the world. There Was a Party for Langstonby Jason Reynolds: New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds’s debut picture book is a snappy, joyous ode to Word King, literary genius, and glass-ceiling smasher Langston Hughes and the luminaries he inspired Fighting with Love by Lesa Cline-Ransome: The “informative, resounding” (Booklist, starred review), and “inspiring” (The Horn Book, starred review) story of a groundbreaking civil rights leader John Lewis comes to life in this compelling and beautifully told, “excellent” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) nonfiction picture book by the award-winning team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome. Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan: Coretta Scott King Award–winning creator Ashley Bryan’s adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia is now available in board book format, featuring Bryan’s cut-paper artwork. Hairstory by Sope Martins: Joy hums from this “glorious…beautifully styled” (Booklist, starred review) picture book celebration of the richness of the African heritage behind braids, locs, cornrows, and all manner of crowning glory, from ancient times to present day. Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. William (on shelves 2/3): From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award winner Alicia D. Williams comes a rhythmic picture book about an irrepressible little drummer determined to outwit the grumpy, noise-hating Lion. Where They Gather by Teresa Rodrigues (on shelves 2/24): As a tree grows, so too does a strong and loving Black family over generations in this gorgeous and lyrical picture book spanning centuries of persistence and hope. Chapter Books and Ready-to-Reads (ages 5–8) Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama by Maisha Oso (on shelves 1/6): Fans of Amelia Bedelia and Dory Fantasmagory will laugh themselves silly at Venus Washington’s misunderstanding about her grandma’s secret recipe in this first book in a hilarious new chapter book series! Middle Grade (ages 8–12) Kin by Carol Boston Weatherford: An “imaginative and moving” (The Horn Book, starred review) portrait of a Black family tree shaped by enslavement and freedom, rendered in searing poems by ALSC Children’s Literature Legacy Award winner Carole Boston Weatherford and stunning art by her son Jeffery Boston Weatherford. Ida B. Wells by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Candace Buford: Meet journalist and activist Ida B. Wells in this second vibrant middle grade biography in the Rise. Risk. Remember. Incredible Stories series spotlighting Black women who left their mark on history from acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Candace Buford.