Hello my friends!
Can you believe the Christmas holiday is just around the corner? Where did this year go? I don’t usually consider myself a hater, but I’m not quite over the fact yet that we’ve had to exchange the squishy warmth of sand between our toes for the bunchy bulk of winter coats and knee length boots. But alas, here were are.
It’s not all for naught really since Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. I’m sure many of us have been engaging in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping as of late. There’s plenty of cooking, baking and prepping to go around. And I know all too well the temptation to go all out with gift giving.
Even in this, a tradition has recently taken root with each birthday and Christmas that rolls around for my nephews. No matter the toy-related occasion, we are always sure to also give each boy a book featuring African American characters. I’m sure by now, my kids are already used to the passion I have in exposing them to characters who look like them. But I’m so glad for the opportunity to now celebrate our brilliant blackness with my nephews as well!
In this same vein, I wanted to give a gift that will keep on giving to you, my readers, in this holiday season. So without further ado, here is another installment in my ever growing Brown Kids’ Booklist. This time it’s the Stocking Stuffer Edition!
I hope you’re able to find some goodies and I look forward to talking with you soon!
Oh, and feel free to “borrow” my tradition for yourself this holiday season! 😉
1.) Let’s Bake!: Ladi, Liz & Cam by Julia Lassa, Illustrated by Merve Terzi
This little cutie of a book is the second in the Ladi, Liz & Cam series. With Ladi a girl, Liz a lizard and Cam a chameleon…oh, and did I mention baking, what could possibly go wrong? This delightful story of friendship and reptiles is perfect timing to inspire some holiday baking!
2.) The Swift Walker series by Verlyn Tarlton, Illustrated by Allejandro Chamberlain
Swift Walker’s speedy legs take him on adventures no kid would want to miss, while learning real life facts along the way! This series is everything you’d want in a textbook minus the boring text!
3.) Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale by Josh Funk, Illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo
I remember the excitement of receiving my first pen pal letter when I was a young girl. Now as a parent, I get to witness the joy of my own girls when they receive letters from their pen pals. In Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale you’ll meet two of the most unlikely pen pals to ever pick up a pen! This unique children’s book tells the story of George and Blaise, pen pals who have no clue one is a dragon and the other is a human! Read on to see what happens when they finally meet.
4.) The Princess Truly series by Kelly Greenawalt, Illustrated by Amariah Rauscher
Princess Truly is truly a princess! With magical hair and a personality to match, she’s the delight of all. She loves to read but especially loves to solve problems with the help of her pug, Sir Noodles. Princess Truly would be a fantastic addition to your home library. Trust me, your little princess will thank you later!
5.) Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Ever grow weary of your child’s endless questions? Well, don’t dismay, Ada Twist, Scientist has the answers! And when she doesn’t, she digs for more. In this fun-loving nod to female scientists who have gone before her, Ada Twist, Scientist is sure to be a winner with her curiosity. Trust me, it doesn’t kill the cat!
6.) I’m a Pretty Little Black Girl by Betty K. Bynum, Illustrated by Claire Armstrong Parod
Betty K. Bynum’s I’m a Girl Collection has already won over countless girls everywhere! I’m a Pretty Little Black Girl is a welcomed addition to this series and it won’t disappoint. In it, readers are introduced to Mia, an energetic, friendly (and don’t forget pretty) little black girl shows us what confidence in simply being YOU can really mean! My girls and I loved this book and we know you’ll love it too!
7.) I’m a Brilliant Little Black Boy by Joshua B. Drummond and Betty K. Bynum, Illustrated by Brian McGhee
We can’t leave out our black boys now, can we? The story of Joshua in I’m a Brillaint Little Black Boy ensures just that. Joshua has big dreams to match his brilliant mind! He shows us that hard work, kindness and a great imagination can go the distance in achieving our aspirations.
8.) Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
What a fun take on the timeless Mother Goose rhyme, Mary Had a Little Lamb! In this glammed up remix, Mary knows a lot about fashion and even more about style! So when she must help her now fashion forward friends find out what to wear for recess, she knows exactly what to do! Join Mary and a few of her other beloved children’s classic characters on this fashionable ride. You will be amazed at Mary’s keen eye for fashion!
9.) Christmas Makes Me Think by Tony Medina, Illustrated Chandra Cox
Christmas is such an exciting time for children all over the world! The lights, the wonder and the presents makes it the best time of year. In this thoughtful tale, a young boy shares the same anticipation for what he will get and what he will do during this season of joy. But then, he begins to think about the people who may not have the same Christmas experience. Christmas Makes Me Think is a good reminder that for many, this time of year may not be as shiny or new but with love and care and a little thoughtfulness, we can make a difference!
10.) The Snowman Shuffle by Christianne C. Jones, Illustrated by Emma Randall
Why not end with a little dance and jig to round out our Brown Kids Booklist: Stocking Suffer Edition? When I saw this book I just had to include it! If you know me, you know that I live for having fun. Well, with The Snowman Shuffle, you’ll be doing just that as we enter into this season of wintery weather. So get ready to move because you’ll be in for a good time!
I hope you’ll make all these books a part of your home library collection this holiday season! They are well worth their weight in gold. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanza and the happiest of holidays to you all!
Blessings,
Courtney
2 Comments
Thank you for sharing these great books! I started the same tradition for my girls and my nephews.
Awesome! Yes, it’s so necessary and really fun actually to find books that represent us. Glad you enjoyed the list. I’m looking forward to posting more in the near future. Thanks for the feedback sis! Hope all is well with you and the fam!
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