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Poetry and Craft Challenge Week 1: Craft

hereweeread

I recently discovered a cute coffee shop called Cafe Amore @cafeamorehfd. It’s tucked away on a quiet corner in Hartford, CT on Main Street.

The owners, clearly poured their hearts into every detail. They have created a beautiful and clean space that feels like home.

The decor has cozy seating, soft lighting, and just enough charm to make you want to stay far longer than you planned. It’s the kind of spot where you can curl up with a good book and disappear for a while, treat yourself to something sweet, or spread out your laptop and get some work done.

Whether you’re a Hartord local or just passing through, Cafe Amore is absolutely worth finding.

#connecticutgram #ctvisit #instaconnecticut #connecticut #connecticutlife #connecticutliving #loveconnecticut #onlyinconnecticut #explorect #ctlocal #shoplocalct #bestofconnecticut #makeithere #hartfordhasit #ctfoodlovers

Children’s books that celebrate identity and belonging are under attack. Stories with Black and brown kids. Queer families. Characters who help every child feel seen. #sponsored @changedotorg

As a children’s book author and diverse books advocate, I refuse to watch representation disappear from shelves.
Every child deserves the freedom to read and the joy of finding themselves in a book.

How you can help:
Sign the petition in my bio
Share it with a friend

Protect our stories. Protect our kids.

#ad #changedotorg #changedotorgpetition #fightbookbans #bookbans #censorship #representationmatters #hereweeread #childrensbooks #kidsbookstagram

Autumn Sky is a curious six-year-old and she already sees the power of a single vote.

In I Can’t Wait To Vote, Autumn tags along with her parents to the polling place full of wonder, questions, and big dreams.

Autumn reminds readers that every voice counts (yes, even hers). She asks big questions: What are grown-ups voting for? Who decides what happens in her neighborhood? As she daydreams about being a mayor or a judge, she shows us that voting is part of caring about community, fairness, and the world you want to live in.

This book is great for beginning of a conversation about community, representation, and hope. I’d recommend it for little dreamers and their grown-ups who want to build a better tomorrow together.

Written by @livewithtiffany, illustrated by @lolikar. Recommended for ages 4-8 and up. @icantwaittovote

Kwanzaa is a joyful celebration of culture, community, and connection. ✨❤️🖤💚 Did you know this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Kwanzaa holiday?

In The Kwanzaa Story, readers follow Alliah, all grown up and teaching her kids, Daphne and Alistair, why their family celebrates Kwanzaa.

From its roots in African traditions to its birth in Los Angeles during the Civil Rights Movement, this book breaks down the history, the seven principles, the symbols, the rituals, and the meaning behind it all. It’s a great way for families of all backgrounds to learn something new together. This story guides readers through the principles of unity, purpose, creativity, and joy all season long.

Recommended for ages 7 to 10 and up. Available now wherever books are sold. Published by @quartokids. Written by @alliago.

#thekwanzaastory #kwanzaabooks #quartokids #blackbookstagram #kwanzaa2025 #kwanzaabooksforkids

SAVE this post for your next library or bookstore visit or SHARE it with a friend.

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I’m highlighting a few Black independent authors and their children’s books.

I Know I Can Be What I Want to Be is an uplifting celebration of possibility, purpose, and the power of positive affirmation. Through rhythmic “I Can” statements and vibrant illustrations, young readers follow a confident little boy who learns that his dreams can reach as high and as far as he dares to imagine.

From building cities as an architect to soaring through the clouds as a pilot, children are introduced to real-life trailblazers. Each page highlights a different profession and the inspiring Black male figures who paved the way, reminding boys everywhere that greatness lives within them too.

Rooted in encouragement and representation, this book sparks meaningful conversations about identity, ambition, and future goals.

Whether imagining themselves arguing in the courtroom like Thurgood Marshall or creating cinematic magic like Spike Lee, young readers will be reminded again and again: their dreams matter, and they are capable of achieving anything.

Part of the Amir, The Affirmation King series by Alexis Mozell, this empowering collection is crafted to nurture confidence and self-worth in young Black boys through joyful, purposeful storytelling. Learn more about the series at nurturingamir.co @nurturingamir @madam_mozell.

#smallbusinesssaturday #alexusmozell #blackbookstagram #blackauthorsofinstagram #blackauthorsmatter #iknowican #diversifyyourspending #diversifyyourbookshelf

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I’m highlighting a few Black independent authors and their children’s books.

Peyton and her friends are getting their classroom ready for the big Christmas party when a mysterious package shows up.

Inside they find a shiny golden clue that sends the whole class on an unexpected treasure hunt around the school.

With each riddle they solve, Peyton, Max, Tanya, and their classmates find themselves racing through the hallways of their school. Along the way, they laugh and work together as a team.

In the end, they discover that the real magic of Christmas is found in curiosity, community, and doing something fun together.

Recommended for ages 3-8 and up. Available now wherever books are sold.

Written by @authorpaulabanks.

Here are a few questions you can ask children after reading this book:

Which clue or location was your favorite, and why?
What did the classmates learn about teamwork during their treasure hunt?
What surprised you most about the story?
How does the treasure hunt bring the class closer together?

#peytonschristmasadventure #paulabanksauthor #smallbusinesssaturday #blacksuthorsofinstagram #blackbookstagram

Faith takes the train with her mom almost every day and this time, she’s eating one of Grandma’s delicious sandwiches. But when Isaiah, her former neighbor (who is currently unhoused) , asks for a little help, her heart starts to race. Can she really offer him a bite?

Faith Takes the Train reminds readers that kindness doesn’t have to be big to matter. It’s about noticing, caring, and being brave enough to act.

Voted one of the best children’s books of 2025 by critics like Kirkus (starred review) @kirkus_reviews and Publishers Weekly (starred review) @publisherswkly.

Perfect for reading with little ones and sparking gentle conversations about community, kindness, generosity, and how even one small sandwich can change a moment or a life.

#picturebookart #kidsbookswelove #weneeddiversebooks #newyorkcitylife #faithtakesthetrain

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