The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter

Written & Illustrated by: Shabazz Larkin For Ages: 3-7 years Language: English Topics Covered: Black Culture & Identity, Bees, Nature, Pollination, Family, Poetry, Fear, Social-Emotional Learning. Summary: Here’s the thing, folx, I’m obsessed with this book. Not only is the artwork stunningly gorgeous, but it’s an ode to a creature that I love dearly: the…

When Grandpa Gives You a Toolbox

Written By: Jamie L.B. Deenihan Illustrated by: Lorraine Rocha For Ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Intergenerational Stories, BIPOC Protagonists, STEM, Etiquette, Social-Emotional Learning. Summary: I’m so excited that this book came out! I love the way that the narrator humorously includes etiquette, practical skills, and the subversion of gender norms. Our main character…

Shy Ones [released August 4th 2020]

Written & Illustrated by: Simona Ciraolo For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Anxiety, Shyness, Social-Emotional Learning, Friendship, Ocean Animals. Summary:  This book is super sweet, and I’ve been really looking forward to sharing it! It’s been a hot minute since I shared an animal book, but social-emotional learning is one area where I think animal protagonists can…

Girls Resist! A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution

Written & Illustrated By: KaeLyn Rich For Ages: YA Middle grades & up Language: English Topics Covered: Feminism, Activism, Community Organizing, Education, Critical Thinking, Growing Up, Social-Emotional Learning, Grassroots Change. Summary: Spoiler: this book is AMAZING! It was perfect for this week’s edition of #sweetsandsocialjustice for which I made apple berry galette. Why, do you…

The Pirate Tree

Written by: Brigita Orel Illustrated by: Jennie Poh For ages: 3 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Friendship, Social-Emotional Learning, Immigration, Imagination, African Culture & Identity, Girls Outdoors, Global Community. Summary:  This is a sweet book about friendship told from the perspective of a tree that some children are playing on.  Agu has just moved to where the tree is…

Always be You

Written By: Ioana Stoian Illustrated by: Dawn M. Cardona For ages: Infant & Up (Board Book)  Language: English Topics Covered: Acceptance, Self-Esteem, Love Summary: This is a sweet board book with gorgeous paper-cut illustrations (the author actually made the paper for the illustrator to use in the book!). I really love the book’s words speaking directly to…

The Proudest Blue

Written by: Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali Illustrated by: Hatem Aly For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Muslim Identity, Islamophobia, Family, Growing Up, Siblings, Own Voices, Lived Experiences, POC-Centric Narratives, Resilience, Strength.  Summary: The Proudest Blue is a story about Asiya’s first day hijab, which she has chosen because it’s the color of the sky.  Faizah, Asiya’s younger sister, is our narrator…

The Gift of Ramadan

Written by: Rabiah York Lumbard Illustrated by: Laura K. Horton For ages: 4-8 years Language: English, some Arabic. Topics Covered: Muslim Experience, Holidays, Ramadan, Islam, Family, Love, Social-Emotional Learning.  Summary:  This is a lovely introduction book to the holiday of Ramadan, told through main character Sophia’s eyes.  We are so pleased to have already seen a handful of book reviews…

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh

Written by: Supriya Kelkar Illustrated by: Alea Marley For ages: 3-7 years Language: English Topics Covered: Social-Emotional Learning, POC-Centric Narratives, Sikhism, Global Community. Summary:  We are so flattered to have been contacted by the fantastic @littlefeministbookclub about becoming a part of their influencer program and receiving an affiliate code!  This group is doing such fantastic work bringing quality and diverse books…

A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal

Written by: Carmen Oliver Illustrated by: Katy Dockrill For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Environmental Activism, Historic Figure, Social-Emotional Growth, Shyness, Environmental Protection, Nature, Natural World. Summary: This story is based on David Simon Jackson, a person who organized for the safety and preservation of a rare type of black bear called the spirit bear.  It follows David…