5 BOOKS YOU HAVE TO ADD TO YOUR CHILDREN'S LIBRARY

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass. 

Education has always been a core fundamental principle in my family and one that I strive to instill in my son.  When I found out I was pregnant I was ecstatic.  One of the first things I purchased for my little one was a book.  (The actual first thing I purchased for my baby was a set of onesies with Star Trek themes as a way to announce my pregnancy to my father).

I constantly search for books for my little one that will appeal to him, grow his vocabulary, and provide him with new exposures and cultures.  I also look for books where he can find himself represented and reflected in the stories.   It is so important for me that the stories be authentic and imaginative.  I don’t look for the stereotypical story about slavery, segregation, and black historical figures I search beyond that.  I search and long for stories that will engage my son and spark his imagination, cultivate his sense of wonderment.

Here are a few that I’ve collected:

THE KING OF TOO MANY THINGS

The King of Too Many Things By: Laurel Snyder Illustrated by Aurore Damant

Right now this is Jeremey’s favorite one at bedtime. Initially he did not want to sit still as I read it because he was so used to short board books. However, when I started doing the voices he was initially intrigued and then when he actually looked at the pictures which are very colorful he was hooked. Now as we read he points out the characters and we count the kittens and other items in the book.

I found this book quite by accident while I was shopping on Zulily. WHO KNEW THEY SOMETIMES HAD CHILDREN’S BOOKS 🤦🏾‍♀️!

As a parent I love the fact that he is seeing a main character that is of his complexion and hue. I also adore the messages of the story that sometimes more is not better and when you are in a hole the best thing to do is to stop digging 👍🏾.

A LULLABY OF SUMMER THINGS

A Lullaby of Summer Things By: Natalie R. Ziarnik Illustrated by Madeline Valentine


Again this is another find I stumbled across on Zulily. (Don’t sleep on Zulily—it make take a few + weeks for you to get things but if you aren’t in a rush there there is no problem). Jeremy like this story as do I. The rhymes and the cadence appeal to our sing song time. The illustrations are so adorable and detailed. I love pointing at items and having Jeremy tell me what they are. It’s another way I help build up his vocabulary.

CHOCOLATE ME!

Chocolate Me! By Taye Diggs Illustrated by Shane W. Evans


This book about self acceptance was a must for our little family. The message that no matter what others say how you feel about you is key is a message that I want resonating in his mind for all time. The illustrations are vibrant which definitely attracts Jeremy and when we get to the cupcakes…that’s all I hear about for 2 hours…Cupcakes Cupcakes Cupcakes!

WHOSE KNEES ARE THESE

Whose Knees Are These By Jabari Asim Illustrated by LeUyen Pham


I love this little board book. Jeremy actually picked it out at the library and it’s such a hit that I’ve ordered it from Barnes and Noble for it be part of our collection. The rhyming lyrics are cute as well as the illustrations. I love the fact that all you see are the knees for most of the book until almost the end.

THE WORLD IS AWAKE

The World is Awake By: Linsey Davis with Joseph Bottum Illustrated by Lucy Fleming

This book is definitely a wonderful find. I enjoy the different perspective on celebrating creation in all it's wonder.  The illustrations are vibrant and inviting with a level of detail that allows us to go beyond the words and marvel at the pictures.