Labor Day has roots that reach back well over a century ago. However over the past several decades, the holiday has been whitewashed, along with many other American holidays. Now Labor Day is simply another day you may get off from work along with a 40% discount at your local outlet malls. Labor Day's history … Continue reading Picture Books for Labor Day
Shop My Bookshelves
Though I am thankful that many of you trust my expertise and purchase books that I recommend, please avoid purchasing books from Amazon. Shop Indie and/or BIPOC bookstores as often as possible. Feel free to shop my bookshelves using the link below. Full Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a … Continue reading Shop My Bookshelves
Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
Plain old oatmeal is a bummer, but oatmeal breakfast bowls are where it's at! Topping oatmeal with fruit, nuts, and your favorite sweeteners can truly take this dish to the next level. For today's Books and Brunch I am pairing a lovely Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl with the book Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj. I … Continue reading Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are easy to make and can be filled with so many different meats, veggies, and cheeses. This variety allows us to switch up the flavor and keep this dish fun and fresh. The Only Black Girls in Town paired with a Breakfast Burrito and Berry Bowl. It doesn't take a lot of fancy … Continue reading Breakfast Burritos
The Camping Trip
The Camping Trip explores how new experiences can open our minds and offer new opportunities to do things outside of our comfort zones. Ernestine's Aunt Jackie invites her on her first camping trip and though she has never been camping, Ernestine is excited and optimistic about this new adventure. After packing all the things Aunt … Continue reading The Camping Trip
Five Musically Inspired Picture Books
Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love music. I truly believe in its therapeutic and educational abilities. I absolutely love pairing a good book with good music. Here are 5 of my favorite musically inspired picture books to read with children. You'll also find a Spotify playlist to listen to each song … Continue reading Five Musically Inspired Picture Books
Five Ways to Address Social Justice with Children
1) Books Books should include people who look like them and affirm their identity (mirrors) and people who look and live differently than them (windows).expose racism, stereotypes, and bias.include stories of people standing up to injustices.include social emotional learning. Always be sure to follow up with intentional conversations. 2) Experiences Provide opportunities for children to … Continue reading Five Ways to Address Social Justice with Children
Motivational Picture Books for Graduation Gifts
Diverse Books for Graduates After Saturday night’s national graduation, I’m sure many of you are thinking of the perfect graduation gift for family, friends, and students. When I graduated with my Master’s in Education, I was gifted Oh the Places You’ll Go with special written notes from my students in my practicum classroom. My student … Continue reading Motivational Picture Books for Graduation Gifts
Just Like a Mama
By Alice Faye Duncan, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow Just Like a Mama is a beautiful and heartfelt story. Little Carol's mother and father live far away, so she lives with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her. Mama Rose combs her hair and buttons her coats. She teaches her to make her bed, … Continue reading Just Like a Mama
Grandpa’s Stories: A Book of Remembering
This is a beautiful book portraying the love between grandparents and grandchildren. It offers a relatable take on loss and how to celebrate the life of loved ones once they are no longer with us. The story takes us through all four seasons as the main character shares beautiful memories she experienced with her grandpa. … Continue reading Grandpa’s Stories: A Book of Remembering
Little Black Book Nook 