Written By: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrated by: Nina Mata
For Ages: 5-7 (Early chapter book)
Language: English
Topics Covered: Social-Emotional Learning, Early Readers, Black Protagonists, Family, Imagination, Own Voices.
Summary: This series of early chapter books are really sweet, and centers around Ty. Ty is a young Black boy with a big imagination. The two books in the series we happen to have are All Aboard! and Zip, Zoom!
The books focus on modeling social-emotional learning aspects (like perseverance and imaginative play), and are pure Black Boy Joy. In All Aboard! Ty must occupy himself for a bit while the rest of his family finish up some chores, so he decides to do what kids do best-make a cardboard box adventure! In Zip, Zoom! Ty perseveres through frustration and learns to both zip and zoom on his scooter.
These books are both super cute and perfect for beginning readers to master by themselves. I love the illustrations, and young readers will be able to identify with Ty and his adventures.
These two books were kindly sent by Harper Kids, but all opinions and decision to post are my own!
Kelly Starling Lyons
Kelly Starling Lyons began her journey to become a children’s book author in her hometown of Pittsburgh. She learned the art of storytelling from her mom who took her to productions at a children’s theater, wrote plays and made up bedtime tales. Her grandparents, who showed their imagination through cooking and gardening, taught her to honor the magic of history and home. Surrounded by creativity, Lyons began to write. Now a children’s book author, her mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery.
Her books include chapter book, NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal; CCBC Choices-honored picture book One Million Men and Me; Ellen’s Broom, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award Book and Junior Library Guild and Bank Street Best selection; Tea Cakes for Tosh and Hope’s Gift, Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People and One More Dino on the Floor, a Scholastic Reading Club pick. Her chapter book series debuted in September 2017 with two titles – Jada Jones: Rock Star and Jada Jones: Class Act. Forthcoming 2019 titles include: Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist, Jada Jones: Dancing Queen, Going Down Home with Daddy and Sing a Song.
Nina Mata is the #1New York Times Bestselling Illustrator of “I Promise” by LeBron James and“She’s Got This” by Laurie Hernandez. Nina grew up a typical latchkey kid in Queens, New York. Her family emigrated from the Philippines when she was 6 years old. Because her parents worked and went to night school, Nina spent a lot (like a whole lot) of time drawing. Her after school activities usually involved watching Bob Ross, Reading Rainbow and looking for adventures in the library (which she still does).
Nina studied Illustration at The Fashion Institute of Technology of NY. During her editorial internship at Sesame Workshop, Nina discovered her love of children’s books. She now creates illustrations for childrens publishing and is passionate about representing the beauty and diversity of the world.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, their daughter and Tabi, the cat.