This month’s Children’s Book Corner blog post is dedicated to shining a light on outstanding children’s books by people of color and offering resources for sharing their books with readers.
Picture Book
Big Papa and the Time Machine
by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2020.
Our young narrator is scared. He doesn’t want to go to school. Big Papa understands. He knows a thing or two about being scared, about being brave, and about love. Here, woven between and beyond the being scared is the tender story thoughtful caregiver Big Papa and the time machine (or his beloved car), and the wisdom he imparts to the boy in his care.
Just Like a Mama
by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow; A Denene Millner Book/Simon & Schuster, 2020.
Just Like a Mama is a tender tale chronicling a foster child’s every-child activities framed by her relationship with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her. Though we do not learn of blood ties (or lack thereof) linking the two characters, readers are left with no doubt of the bond of love they share.
Hosea Plays On
by Kathleen M. Blasi, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; Sterling, 2019.
This picture book shines a light on Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr. a musician with a mission. He was successful at engaging young children in his hometown of Rochester, New York with his skills at playing the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and flute. But he did more than that. He shared his passion for music–and for community service–by offering free music lessons and purchasing instruments for children. He led by example, bettering the lives of those with whom he interacted.
I Am Love: A Book of Compassion
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; Abrams, 2019.
The latest in a series of picture books (I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human) by the dynamic duo, Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, I Am Love: A Book of Compassion encourages expressions of kindness and caring toward others and oneself.
Moon! Earth’s Best Friend
by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis; Holt, 2019.
From the flyleaves forward, you get the idea. Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is going to be learning fun. The third in the Our Universe series that began with Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, followed by Sun! One in A Billion, Moon: Earth’s Best Friend continues the theme of introducing space in an intriguing, entertaining—and accessible—way to preschoolers and primary graders.