Picture Books

 Picture Books

The King of Kindergarten, Written by Derrick Barnes & Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

As a teacher of young children, it makes sense for me to talk about The King of Kindergarten. What a great book to read on the first day of school to your kids or your own child! This book tells a story about a boy who is about to start kindergarten. Starting kindergarten is a big step; this book's hero is ready to make his mark. He's already dressed himself and eaten a lot of pancakes. He can't wait to meet a whole new group of kids. The day will be full, but he's up to the task. He's excited about new things and takes them in stride.

Barnes, D. (2019, July 2). The King of Kindergarten. Penguin.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, Written by Margot Lee Shetterly & illustrated by Laura Freeman

Christine Darden, Mary Jackson, Katherine Vaughan, and Dorothy Vaughan were all exceptional mathematicians. They contributed to NASA's biggest achievements, such as figuring out how to get Americans into space. And they did it at a time when being both black and a woman severely restricted their options. Yet, they toiled away. They kept at it. And they put their superior intellects to work to effect global change. A beautifully illustrated children’s book that depicts the very true story in American history about the four black women and the space race!

Shetterly, M. L. (2018, January 16). Hidden Figures. HarperCollins.

Crown: An ode to the fresh haircut, Written by Derrick Barnes & Illustrated by Gordon C. James

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is an upbeat, interesting ode to the lovely, raw, certain humanity of black guys and the way they view themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror. This rhyming read-aloud title is an unrestrained celebration of the pride, confidence, and swagger boys feel after leaving the barber's chair, a ritual that places on their heads a crown gleaming with jewels that confirm their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a huge step toward caring how they present themselves to the world.

Barnes, D. (2017, October 10). Crown. Agate Publishing.

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Evertt Just, Written by Melina Mangal and Illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Everett Ernest, Ernest Simply put, he was unlike the other scientists at the time. Others could only see pieces, but he saw the full picture. He picked up on nuances that were missed by others. As an African American, he faced discrimination and was given less opportunities than other people, yet he persisted in his studies anyway. His careful observations of marine life uncovered previously unknown information regarding egg cells and the beginnings of life.

Mangal, M. (2018, January 1). The Vast Wonder of the World. Millbrook Press (Tm).

The Year We Learned to Fly, Written by Jacqueline Woodson & Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

On a rainy day, when they were cooped up inside, a brother and sister decided to take their grandmother's recommendation to heart and put their "beautiful and brilliant minds" to use. Raise your arms, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths as you believe in something. Someone, sometime, and someplace else has experienced the same level of boredom that you are experiencing right now. Then, before they even realize it, their imaginations help them rise above their tedium and break free from it.

Woodson, J. (2022, January 4). The Year We Learned to Fly. Penguin.