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28 Days of Black History

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Storyville Reading Journal for Kids Ages 5 – 12 and up

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Quarto Kids @quartokids sent us this fantastic box filled with 12 days of bookish surprises. There’s something for everyone on my list, plus a few surprises just for me.

For the first 12 days of December, I’ll be unwrapping each gift and sharing curated lists and links in my stories in case you see something you like.

Thanks, @quartokids!

Have you started or finished your holiday shopping yet? 👇🏾#12daysofquarto #12daysofquartobox #12daysofgifting #12daysofgifts #bookishsurprise #12daysofbookstagram

Comment “SANTA” to receive a direct link to the full list of books straight to your DMs.

The presence of a Black Santa in children’s books is more than just a seasonal touch; it’s a powerful statement of inclusion and representation. For Black children, seeing Santa - a figure synonymous with kindness, generosity, and joy - sharing their skin tone can have a profound impact on their self-esteem and sense of belonging. It’s about seeing themselves reflected in a world of magic and wonder, a reassurance that they too are deserving of the love and joy that Santa embodies. These books are more than just stories; they are mirrors in which children can see their own faces, validating their identity in a world that often overlooks it.

Moreover, having a Black Santa in children’s literature is a step towards broadening perspectives and embracing diversity. It challenges the one-dimensional portrayal often seen in mainstream media and opens up conversations about inclusivity from an early age. For children of all backgrounds, it’s an opportunity to understand and appreciate the richness of different cultures and identities. Such representation in literature, especially during a time as magical as Christmas, sends a message of unity and respect. It’s not just about changing the color of a character; it’s about reshaping narratives to create a more inclusive and empathetic world for our children.

Have you read any of these books yet? 👇🏾#blacksanta #blacksantabooks #santababy #blacksantaclaus #blacksantasmatter #christmasbookstagram #christmasbooksforkids #christmasbooks

In this heartwarming twist on the beloved song “The 12 Days of Christmas,” the tune takes a homely turn. Instead of “five golden rings,” imagine five warm embraces from Nana. Replace “eight maids a-milking” with eight steaming mugs of cocoa. It’s all about a big, joyful family making the most of Christmas Day.

On the first hour of Christmas, Santa surprises them with a kitten under the tree! The house buzzes with excitement as grandparents step in, cousins team up for snowman-building, and Uncle Lee keeps everyone laughing with his jokes. Auntie’s busy capturing these precious moments on camera. As the day unfolds, they gather for a festive feast, savoring the laughter and love that fills the room. This story, a celebration of Black Joy, rekindles the true essence of Christmas – togetherness.

Recommended for ages 4 - 8. I love the amazing illustrations by @bea.gifted. Published by @littlebrownyoungreaders.

Have you read this one yet? 👇🏾#thetwelvehoursofchristmas #beajackson

#christmasbooks #christmasbookstagram #christmasbooksforkids #thetwelvedaysofchristmas #holidaybooks #christmasisnear #blackbookstagram #blackbooksession #blackbookstagrammers #childrensbooks #childrensbookstagram #picturebookoftheday #picturebooks #picturebookstagram #readeveryday #readdaily #booksforkids #picturebooksforkids #hereweeread #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #booksforchildren #readingismagic #readmorebooks #readingisfundamental

The Magical Snowflake is a celebration of winter, community, family, and the joy of friendship, perfect for reading aloud during the holiday season.

In a town longing for winter’s first snow, young Ori and her friends eagerly await the chance to play outside. Then, with a sincere wish from Ori, a single magical snowflake transforms the town, spreading happiness everywhere.

Follow Ori’s enchanting adventure and find yourself humming along to the merry tune of “We wish you a merry winter.” Get ready to add a new favorite to your collection of timeless holiday stories for kids.

Have you read this one yet? 👇🏾

Recommended for ages 4-8 and up. #themagicalsnowflake @unionsqandco @boxerbooksltd @brooklyndolly.

#childrensbooks #childrensbookstagram #picturebookoftheday #picturebooks #picturebookstagram #readeveryday #readdaily #booksforkids #picturebooksforkids #hereweeread #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #booksforchildren #readingismagic #readmorebooks #readingisfundamental #holidaybooks #holidaybooksforkids #booksaboutsnow #magicalsnowflake #blackbooksession #blackbookstagram #blackbookstagrammers

Danielito is thrilled about Janucá, especially when he gets to play with his dreidel. This year is extra special because he’s finally old enough to go see his Bobe all by himself.

As he arrives, he notices colorful piñatas swaying from the trees, and all the local kids are busy spinning Mexican tops called trompos. Danielito feels a bit out of place without a trompo, but he has his dreidel.

The other kids, curious about his unique toy, crowd around him asking, “What is that?” “¿Qué es eso?” They invite him to join in their game, and soon enough, the trompos are whirling alongside Danielito’s dreidel, creating a joyful dance through the neighborhood.

Feeling the warmth of friendship, Danielito invites his new amigos over to Bobe’s house to join in the Janucá celebrations.

Mexican dreidels aren’t really a thing in the traditional sense. In the story The Mexican Dreidel, Danielito brings a dreidel, a top used in the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, into a Mexican setting where kids are playing with trompos, which are spinning tops popular in Mexico.

So, while “Mexican dreidels” don’t exist, the idea represents a beautiful merging of two cultures – the Jewish tradition of the dreidel and the Mexican custom of playing with trompos. It’s like a little symbol of how different cultures can come together, share their unique traditions, and create something joyful and new. Isn’t that a lovely thought?

Have you read this one yet? 👇🏾#themexicandreidel

Recommended for ages 4-8 and up. @kar_benpublishing @ilanstavans @madoucepatrie

Jennifer Jones @rockette_jenn holds a special place in history as the first Black woman to become a Rockette. She’s a trailblazer who opened doors and showed that dreams can come true for everyone, no matter their background.

Jennifer worked very hard, practicing her dance steps every day. She had a dream to dance at Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette, a group known for their amazing dance performances. But back then, not everyone was allowed to be a Rockette, especially if they looked “different”.

Jennifer didn’t give up. She believed in herself and knew she could be a great Rockette. Her determination and skillful dancing eventually paid off, and she made history. This was a big deal! It showed that anyone, no matter their color, could achieve their dreams if they work hard and believe in themselves.

Jennifer Jones is like a real-life superhero who danced her way into history. She teaches us that with dedication and belief in ourselves, we can break barriers and make the world a more inclusive place. Her story is a reminder to always chase our dreams and be proud of who we are.

Have you read this one yet? 👇🏾

Recommended for ages 4-8 and up. Published by @harperkids. @platanosgowitheverything #blackbookstagram #blackbookstagrammers #blackbooksession #blackbooksforkids