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back to school books
August 24, 2023
Mrs. G

The Ultimate List of Diverse Back to School Picture Books for Kids

Looking for back to school picture books for kids?

I’ve got you covered. Have you already started scouting libraries, websites, and bookstores for the perfect “going to school” books?  Perhaps you’ve been searching for children’s book recommendations that fit into any of these (or different) categories:

  • First day jitters
  • Making new friends
  • Separation anxiety
  • Dealing with new situations, routines, and schedules
  • Helping children (and some parents) cope with feelings of anticipation, excitement, and nervousness
  • Starting Preschool or Kindergarten

Below you will find a list of “Back to School” books. I hope you’ll find these helpful and possibly a few to read to your little readers as well.

Share this list with educators, parents, and families to help them prepare their students for their first day of school. Happy Reading!

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Board Books (0-3years)
August 23, 2023
Mrs. G

Hair Love ABCs (A Book Review)

Hair Love ABCs by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Publisher: Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers
Format: Hardcover
Age Range: 0 – 3
Grade Level: Preschool

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Reflection

Inspired by the New York Times bestseller, Hair Love, Hair Love ABCs teaches toddlers and preschoolers to love their hair using the letters of the alphabet A to Z.  It’s a simple and sweet joyful celebration of Black hair!

There are several hairstyles, types of hair products, and tools mentioned throughout the book: afro, braids, conditioner, detangler, locs, twists, and more. Black and brown children will relate to each word used in the book to describe their hair. That’s especially true if they have a Wash Day routine for their hair that includes detangling, shampoo, conditioner, and styling. Growing up as a little Black girl, I yearned for books like this and Hair Love to use as a mirror. I think reading these books would have encouraged me to celebrate my natural hair, and to practice more self-love during my childhood.

For example, being taught to embrace things like shrinkage and frizz when my hair got wet would have been a game changer for me as a child. I never learned to embrace my shrinkage or frizz and always felt ashamed instead. Now I teach my kids that shrinkage is one of the things that makes our hair special and unique.

Hair Love ABCs

Vashti Harrison’s vibrant and eye-popping illustrations make this book a delight to read with young readers.

Overall, Hair Love ABCs is an adorable board book that teaches the ABCs of Black hair in an age appropriate way while also encouraging children to celebrate the beauty and versatility of their hair. It’s an ideal gift for baby showers, birthdays, holidays, and for toddlers learning their ABCs. Readers familiar with the picture book Hair Love may also notice the same father daughter duo make an appearance in this book.

Hair Love ABCs

Your turn: How do you teach the children and little ones in your life to love their hair?  Feel free to share in the comments.

About the Author


Chicago native Matthew A. Cherry is a former NFL wide receiver turned filmmaker who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and the Baltimore Ravens. In 2007 he retired and moved to LA to pursue a career in entertainment. Now, he directs music videos, television, and short films, including Hair Love, the Academy Award-winning short film based on this book.

About the Illustrator

Vashti Harrison
Vashti Harrison is the author-illustrator of the New York Times bestselling books Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, Dream Big Little One, Little Legends, and Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o. She earned her BA from the University of Virginia with a double major in Media Studies and Studio Art, and received her MFA in Film and Video from CalArts, where she snuck into animation classes to learn from Disney and Dreamworks legends. There she rekindled a love for drawing and painting. Now, utilizing both skill sets, she is passionate about crafting beautiful stories in both the film and picture book worlds.

Check out my review of the picture book Hair Love (also written by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison) here.

 

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By Age Range
July 13, 2023
Mrs. G

Diverse Picture Books for Kid’s First-Time Experiences

From the moment we are born, our lives are filled with first-time (milestone) experiences. Our first steps, the first time we learn to use the potty, the first day of school, the first trip to the zoo, and so many more. If you are a parent or caregiver, you have the chance to share new ideas and experiences with your children. Inevitably, some of their experiences will be challenging and may result in having tough conversations and a few heart-to-hearts. Hopefully, many first-time experiences for your kids will be enjoyable, although some may be filled with BIG emotions, worry, and anxiety which is all part of learning and growing.

Books are great resources that can help reassure little ones about their big worries and help them understand what to expect in certain situations. Children’s books are an important source of new language, concepts, and lessons for young children. Finding the right book can be an invaluable tool for starting a conversation and to inform children what to expect for some first-time experiences.

Below I’ve compiled a list of a few first-time (milestone) experiences that children may encounter during their lifetime. I also included a BONUS book to help remind kids (and adults) we all have things and experiences we haven’t learned yet.

First-Time Experiences featured:

  • First hospital visit
  • First airplane ride
  • First day of school
  • First time being “the new kid” in a new school
  • First haircut
  • First camping trip
  • First time riding a bike
  • First time swimming
  • First time hiking

What are some additional first-time experiences you would add to this list? Happy Reading!

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Board Books (0-3years)
April 25, 2023
Mrs. G

The Ultimate List of 100+ Diverse Children’s Books For Mother’s Day

Are you looking for a list of the best children’s books for Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day.  It’s the one day of the year when many people pay tribute to that one person who gave you life – your mother.  And while every day can be Mother’s Day, I love the idea of having one holiday set aside to honor moms.  Amidst the demanding schedule of modern day life, Mother’s Day is the most opportune moment to tell your mom what she means to you.

Mothers are often the foundation of the family, a source of sustenance and support. They are our caretakers, teachers, drill sergeants, cheerleaders, and best friends. They anchor us and inspire us to reach for the stars.

They take time off from work when we are born and have sleepless nights because we cry all night. They put food on the table, clothe us, and put a roof over our heads. When we get sick, the first thing we do is ask for our mothers. When we need advice, she will be there to give it and when we need to vent, she is there to listen. Our mothers are our best friends, even if the relationship between mother and child isn’t all that great.  As a mother, it is their job to protect us; just like it is the job of a lioness to protect her cubs. They hold our hands when we cross the road, but eventually must let us spread our wings and fly.

Below I’ve gathered a list of books that embrace various kinds of moms and highlight the precious love between a mother (or grandmother) and child.  Check these out to read with your little readers this Mother’s Day and beyond.

Your turn: What books would you add to this list?  Which ones are you looking forward to reading?

Board Books

Lullaby (for a Black Mother) by Langston Hughes
Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke
Baby, Sleepy Baby by Atinuke
Leo Loves Mommy by Anna McQuinn
Me & My Mama by Carole Boston Weatherford
Swaddled With Love by Alessandra Preziosi
In My Heart by MacKenzie Porter
Welcome Song for Baby by Richard Van Camp
You Are Home by Mackenzie Porter
Sweet, Sweet Baby! by Javaka Steptoe
Brown Sugar Baby by Kevin Lewis
My Mama is a Mechanic by Doug Cenko
Waiting for Baby by Rachel Fuller
Los Abrazos de Mamá by Karen Katz
Grandma & Me by Carole Boston Weatherford
Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Picture Books Featuring Mothers

I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner
Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan
Mommy Time by Monique James-Duncan
My Mommy Medicine by Edwidge Danticat
Strong Baby by Robin Arzón
A Night Out with Mama by Quvenzhané Wallis
One Day by Joanna Ho
My Mother’s Sari by Pooja Makhijan
Mommy Sayang by Rosana Sullivan
Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Mama’s Work Shoes by Caron Levis
Saturday by Oge Mora
A Ride on Mother’s Back by Emery Bernhard
Welcome to the Party by Gabrielle Union
Cancer Hates Kisses by Jessica Reid Sliwersk
Hair for Mama by Kelly Tinkham
Nine Months Before a Baby is Born by by Miranda Paul
How You Came to Be by Carole Gerber
Dreams for a Daughter by Carole Boston Weatherford
Strong Mama by Robin Arzón
Always With You, Always With Me by Kelly Rowland & Jessica McKay
I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know by Leslie Odom & Nicolette Robinson
I’ll Hold Your Hand by Maggie C Rudd
Let’s Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo
You Will Do Great Things by Amerie
Brave Like Mom by Monica Acker
Mama: A World of Mothers and Motherhood by Helene Delforge
You Be Mommy by Karla Clark
What is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack
Mommy’s Kisses and Cuddles by Linda Ashman
Dear Mama’s Loving Arms by Ceece Kelley
My Mommy Marches by Samantha Hawkins
All Moms by Sarah Kate Ellis
Deep In The Sahara by Kelly Cunnane
Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung N. Tran-Davies
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd
Tiara’s Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons
How Mamas Love Their Babies by Juniper Fitzgerald
Who Will You Be? by Andrea Pippins
Mama’s Belly by Kate Hosford
My Mommy is a Hero by Hannah Tolson
Hero Mom by Melinda Hardin
In My Anaana’s Amautik by Nadia Sammurtok
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Your Mama by Nonieqa Ramos
A Spoonful of Faith by Jena Holliday
My Must-Have Mom by Maudie Smith
Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi
My Name is Bana by Nana Alabed
I Love You Like Yellow by Andrea Beaty
Remember to Dream, Ebere by Cynthia Erivo
The Unbreakable Thread by Emily Joof
A Gift for Amma by Meera Sriram
Mother’s Day by Anne Rockwell
Thank You, Mama (Grey & Mama) by Linda Meeker
Mama Elizabeti by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer Brown

Picture Books Featuring Grandmothers

Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogers
A Day With Yayah by Julie Flett
My Caribbean Grandma by Sandra Campbell-Notice
How Old is Grandma? by Antoinette Simmonds
Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan
Grandmother School by Rina Singh
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker
Abuela by Arthur Dorros
Grandma’samzn.to/3ArCq72 Gift by Eric Velasquez
Nana’s Big Surprise by Amada Irma Perez
I Dream of Popo by Livia Blackburne
When Grandmama Sings by Margaree King Mitchell
I Really Want to See You Grandma by Taro Gomi
My Singing Nana by Pat Mora
Holding On by Sophia N. Lee
Amah Faraway by Margaret Chiu Greanias
Nana, Nenek & Nina by Liza Ferneyhough
Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit by Anna McQuinn
Plátanos Are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao
Joy Takes Root by Gwendolyn Wallace
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina
Grandma’s Tiny House by Janay Brown-Wood
Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom
I Hope by Monique Gray Smith
Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala by Meenal Patel
Read for Me, Mama by Vashanti Rahaman
A Ride on Mother’s Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World by Emery Bernhard
A Grandma’s Magic by Charlotte Offsay
The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
Don’t Call Me Grandma by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Superhero Gran by Timothy Knapman
Tofu Takes Time by Helen H. Wu
The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup by Hunter Liguore
When Nana Dances by Jane Yolen
Singing with Momma Lou by Larry Johnson
Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher by Becky Ray McCain
Granny’s Kitchen by Sadé Smith

LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
Stella Brings The Family by Mirian B. Schiffer
My Two Moms and Me by Michael Joosten
Mommy, Mama, and Me by Leslea Newman
In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman
My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin

For Kids With Incarcerated Mothers

See You Soon by Mariame Kaba
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Far Apart, Close in Heart: Being a Family When a Loved One is Incarcerated by Becky Birtha

For Kids Dealing with Grief or the Loss of a Mother, Grandmother or Aunt

Mouseboat by Larissa Theule
Zora, the Story Keeper by Ebony Joy Wilkins
Goodbye: A First Conversation about Grief by Jessica Ralli & Megan Madison
Holes in the Sky by Patricia Polacco
Abuela’s Super Capa by Ana Siqueira
Saturdays Are for Stella by Candy Wellins
Remembering Mom’s Kubbat Halab by Medeia Sharif
How High Is Heaven? by Linsey Davis

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By Age Range
April 22, 2023
Mrs. G

13 Picture Books to Celebrate Earth Day (Plus a Bonus Book!)

Looking for some great picture books to celebrate Earth Day?

In addition to doing Earth Day crafts and activities at home, I enjoy filling our week reading picture books. Below is a list of book titles for kids that are great for Earth Day or any time of the year. These books highlight planet Earth’s beauty, climate change, recycling, pollution, deforestation, and what we all can do to help protect our earth. Perhaps, you and your family will celebrate Earth Day everyday by keeping some of these books on your shelf year-round.

Need more Earth Day themed book recommendations for kids? Find over 100+ recommendations here!

Your turn: What other books would you add to this list?

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author interviews
April 15, 2023
Mrs. G

She Who Wins: Meet Author Renee Bauer

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I am attending the She Who Wins Summit and highly recommend this summit because I believe it will be helpful to myself and others.  Renee Bauer is trustworthy, and I know her summit will be exciting, fun, and informative. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything listed below.

Friends, have you heard? The She Who Wins Summit is coming to Connecticut!

Join me and hundreds of other women entrepreneurs April 28-29, 2023 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville Connecticut.

What is the She Who Wins Summit?
The She Who Wins Summit is a super-charged, live event where high vibing women with big dreams come together to connect and strategize and leave motivated and inspired to go all in.

If you have BIG goals and dreams, this event is for you.

Do you:

*Struggle with clarity on your “what’s next”?

*Want to find a tribe of supportive women?

*Have fears and limitations holding you back?

*Believe you are made for so much more?

*Wish you could confidently take the leap?

*Want an infusion of high energy, reinvigoration, and excitement about your future?

If that sounds like you, then don’t wait to grab a seat where you will:

*Make connections with other like-minded women.

*Get clear on your self-imposed limitations so you can bust through them into action.

*Leave behind fear and step into your most powerful and purposeful YOU.

*Learn from experts, thought leaders, and visionaries.

*Walk away transformed and ready to act.

Get to Know Renee Bauer
I had the pleasure of getting up close and personal with the She Who Wins Summit founder, Renee Bauer.  Renee is also an award-winning divorce attorney, published author, entreprenuer, and founder of the family law firm, Bauer Law Group. During my time with Renee, we talked about her background, her book, her summit, and more!

After speaking with Renee, one thing that was made abundantly clear to me is her is commitment to empowering and encouraging women to redefine their purpose and sense of worthiness. She is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs elevate and transform their businesses and their lives.

But things haven’t always been easy for Renee.  As with most entrepreneurs and business owners, there have been many days when she felt like quitting and walking away from everything. However, she’s continued to decide to keep going despite her two divorces and having some setbacks in her business. She learned how to get comfortable being vulnerable and became more vocal about talking about her shame. Renee is now happily married, and her life feels more complete, joyful, and full than ever before.

Renee spent a year focusing on talking about divorce in the Happily Ever After Podcast, then she pivoted to the She Who Wins Podcast following the success of her first summit. The first She Who Wins Summit took place in 2022 and it was a huge hit! The response and feedback from attendees were overwhelmingly positive!  It provided Renee with the confirmation and validation she needed to keep going and to host the event again the following year. Her goal? To help women realize everything they’re capable of. She knew she wanted to help women understand they can dream bigger, be bold in their decision making, have more confidence, and do all the things they have desired to do instead of putting their dreams on hold. Renee wants every woman to know that she can win!


The She Who Wins Book!
Fellas, don’t let the title of the book deter you.  She Who Wins is NOT an anti-man book.  Renee makes it clear that this book is for everyone!

In her book, She Who Wins: A Good Girl’s Guide to Breaking the Rules, (September 2023 release) Renee boldly and authentically shares her own stories and challenges in business, relationships, and life to illustrate how women can overcome adversity and take charge of their destiny. The She Who Wins book is based on the concept of the She Who Wins Summit.  How cool is that? It took her about seven months to write this book.

Some of the topics you’ll find in the book She Who Wins include:

  • How build a personal brand
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Releasing expectations
  • Divorce
  • Relationship red flags
  • Dealing with rejection
  • Blended families
  • and more!

You can check out Renee’s other books here.

Instagram is Renee’s favorite place to hang out.  You can connect with her on Instagram here and visit her website here.

Interested in attending the She Who Wins Summit? Purchase your tickets here and get all the deets you’ll need for this epic event. Hurry, before all the tickets sell out like they did last year!

 

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Board Books (0-3years)
February 13, 2023
Mrs. G

Multicultural Valentine’s Day Children’s Books About Love & Self-Love

Looking for the best multicultural and diverse Valentine’s Day books for kids?

Roses are red, violets are blue, here are some children’s book recommendations I’ve picked out for you!  With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start spreading love.  Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to let those around you know you care and give a gift that is remembered.

Check out the books I’ve rounded up below and let me know in the comments which ones resonate with you and your little readers.

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black history
February 2, 2023
Mrs. G

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better (Book Review)

Often called the “Father of Ice Cream”, Augustus Jackson is credited with inventing a better way of making ice cream.  He also figured out how to make it stay frozen longer.  His “secret” ingredient? Rock salt. Yes, Augustus Jackson revolutionized the ice cream making process we know today. His sweet legacy still lives on.

Augustus loved to cook, and he often made entire meals for his family. At the age of twelve, he used his extraordinary cooking skills to support his family. He applied for a job at the White House and he got it! It was there where Augustus learned to perfect his ice cream making skills.

By the age of 17, he worked his way up to becoming a cook at the White House. During his five years at the White House, Augustus served presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson.

When he left Washington D.C., Augustus returned to Philadelphia with a new dream. He wanted everyone to enjoy ice cream, not just the wealthy and elite. So, in 1830 he opened his own ice cream parlor where people came from near and far to taste his one-of-a-kind ice cream.

In 1832, Augustus produced the idea to add rock salt to ice cream to make it freeze more quickly. He sold his new and improved ice cream to shop owners for $1 per quart making him one of the wealthiest Black people in Philadelphia during his time. The price of the $1-a-quart tins of ice cream he sold would be equivalent to $27 a quart today.


Augustus Jackson is reported to have died in a train accident in 1852. Following his death, his daughter and other relatives continued to run his ice cream parlor.

Fun fact: The first form of ice cream was invented in China around 200 BCE. That ice cream was made from a frozen milk and rice mixture.

This book is recommended for readers ages 4-8 and up. Great for young aspiring cooks, chefs, and confectioners.

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By Age Range
January 2, 2023
Mrs. G

The Best 22 Children’s Books of 2022 to Read Over and Over Again

Looking for some of the best children’s books published in 2022?

Below I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of children’s books that I consider to be among the “best of the best” that were published in 2022.  Rest assured, my children and I have read each of these books several times together throughout the year.  I believe these are books children (and adults) will be excited to read again and again.  Let me know in the comments which of these you’ve read or are excited to read with the little readers in your life.

Honorable Mentions (not included in this list): You Have a Voice by Vera Ahiyya and Fabiana Faiallo, It’s So Difficult by Raúl Nieto Guridi, illustrated by Lawrence Schimel and Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud, illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you!

 

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Books for Adults
December 28, 2022
Mrs. G

The Ten Most Recent Additions to My Book Collection: The Books I Got for Christmas

Want to know which books I got for Christmas?  First, let me tell you about a holiday gift giving tradition that I absolutely can get behind.

Did you know that every year on Christmas Eve, Icelanders give books as holiday gifts? They call it Jólabókaflóð (Jolabokaflod) or the Christmas book flood. That’s probably one of the reasons why Iceland is currently the world’s third most literate nation. According to published data, 99% of Icelanders over the age of 15 among the island nation’s 376,000 people can read.  They LOVE books!

I read about this holiday gift giving tradition years ago in an article, but I was super excited to see a newly released picture book about it entitled The Christmas Book Flood.  That book is currently sold out everywhere and is definitely one of my favorite children’s books published in 2022. I’ll be sharing a list of my top children’s books soon, but I first wanted to let you know about ten books I received as gifts for Christmas that I’m excited to read in 2023!  Check out the list below.

Your turn: What books have you added to your collection lately? I’d love to hear in the comments if you care to share. Did you find any new books to add to your collection or check out from your local library?

Note: This blog post was inspired by Top Ten Tuesday. Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

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Board Books (0-3years)
December 27, 2022
Mrs. G

Diverse Children’s Books Publishing January 2023 Ages Birth to 12

This year, I’ve decided to announce forthcoming books on a month-by-month basis instead of creating a huge ultimate list. Longer lists become obsolete whenever publishing dates are shifted (which happens often).

Below you’ll find a list of diverse children’s books publishing in January 2023 sorted by different age categories. I hope you’ll find this list helpful when looking for book recommendations for your home, school, or public libraries.

Feel free to share in the comments which books your looking forward to checking out.  Happy Reading!

Which books should I add to this list?

 

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Christmas
November 28, 2022
Mrs. G

Black Santa Printable Coloring Sheet: 25 Reading & Writing Prompts to Prep for Santa

 

 

Looking for Black Santa children’s book recommendations?

If you’ve been following me for a while, you may know by now how passionate I am about talking about the importance of daily reading and having diversity in literature. Through years of reading and research on my own, along with my own firsthand experience being a parent of two children, I created this resource.  For years, I’ve been collaborating with other talented Black women to create useful resources that I give away (or sometimes sell), to help people and pass on the knowledge I’ve learned. Since 2015, my ultimate goal has been to help parents, caregivers, grandparents, homeschoolers, librarians, and educators create a diverse library at home or school so they can teach the children in their lives about the importance of diversity, inclusion and the power of reading. I collaborated with a talented Black female illustrator, Elisa Summiel, to bring you this FREE resource for the holidays.  Please support her and her work by checking out her website illustratedmelanin.com or following her on Instagram.

By downloading this “Black Santa Coloring Printable“, you can take your child’s reading and writing bedtime routine to the next level AND countdown the days until Christmas! Plus, you can have some fun along the way! This printable is for you if…

  • You enjoy celebrating Christmas or Kwanzaa with your family
  • You want to read children’s books that showcase a Black Santa
  • You are a parent, caregiver or expecting parent and have a desire to start or enhance a reading habit/routine with your children
  • You are an educator or librarian who wants to share this resource with your students and families for the holidays
  • You have a desire to help children understand the importance of reading books (and writing)
  • You want to have a fun way to countdown the days until Christmas with children

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you have a goal to diversify your bookshelves:

1. Start with a small subset of books if you have to, but just start. It’s okay if you start with a small, curated list of high quality books. If you can’t afford to purchase books all at once, borrow them from your local library or a discounted thrift store. Don’t worry about trying to check off all the boxes on this list at once. Curating a library takes time.

2. Keep going. Learning to embrace diversity and anti-racism is an ongoing lifelong commitment. Once you’ve started reading diverse books, one of the most important things to do is to make it a priority. Be sure to include diverse titles in your family’s ongoing reading year round. By doing this, you may find that your conversations will deepen over time and the connections between the books and your real life may grow organically. 3.

Let this be about you as much as it is about your kids or students. It’s great that parents and educators are now envisioning a more hopeful future for their children or students, but it’s important to also take this journey alongside them. Always remember, kids learn more from what we do than what we say. Be sure to invest any necessary time looking inward too. This may include diversifying your own bookshelf and expanding your immediate social circle. Relish in the journey together. Happy Reading!

Click HERE to download the printable for FREE!

You can find my other printable resources HERE.  Thanks for your support! Shop my categorized book recommendations here and here. Follow me on Instagram!

Your turn: Do you find this resource to be useful and helpful? Feel free to share in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think of it! Also, feel free to SHARE this resource with others.

 

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