In our on-going Diverse Kids’ Books guides, here’s a handful of new titles I wanted to share with you…
01. Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd; illustrations by Christian Robinson – This beautiful book holds illustrations with such texture and unique power that perfectly accompany the strong story of Nina Simone’s rise to popularity and her devotion to the Civil Rights Movement.
02. Making a Great Exhibition by Doro Globus and Rose Blake – A really fun and interesting look into how art makes it into exhibitions like museums and studios. The authors do a beautiful job of tracking the process from inspiration for the original piece to hanging, showing, celebrating, and even publishing the work. It’s a great way to show kids how hard people have worked to put art in places so the public can appreciate it.
03. Clayton Parker Really Really Really has to Pee by Cinco Paul; illustrations by Gladys Jose – This is a funny book about Clayton on a field trip who really has to pee. The rhyming scheme is lots of fun and will be sure to make your kids (and you!) laugh.
04. A Bear to Share by Jessica Alba, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Norah Weinstein; illustrations by Alicia Más – Tiana’s old teddy bear Bach has been loved well and looks a little worn down. When her mom tries to replace him, she doesn’t understand and asks her friend Timothy about it. When Tiana finds out Timothy has never owned toys, she learns about how some families have extra money for toys and others don’t. And the best thing we can do with our extras is share. (P.S. This book benefits Baby2Baby – a favorite local LA charity providing necessities to children in need.)
05. The Old Truck by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey – The brothers Pumphrey have beautiful illustrations to tell and simple and wonderful story about the lives of hard workers and dreamers. (P.S. They did a collection with West Elm based on the book – check it out!)
06. Where Three Oceans Meet by Rajani Larocca; Illustrations by Archana Sreenivasan – A heart-warming book of a trip taken by three generations – grandmother, mother and daughter. The trip takes them to the tip of India – where the three oceans meet. And along the way, reminds us all to cherish our heritage and celebrate others.
07. Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman; illustrations by Loren Long – This beautiful poetry speaks to the hope we have for our children to be the change and the light our world and future deserve. I couldn’t read it without tearing up.
P.S. See the past guides here!
