Five Fab Picture Books: African American Children (Preschool)

Jabari Jumps

Gaia Cornwall, author and illustrator

Publisher Summary:  

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board.

He’s finished his swimming lessons.  He’s passed his swim test.  It’s just…maybe he should do some stretches first. 

Why It’s Fabulous:

The text and illustrations successfully depict the fear of trying something new and often seemingly scary.  The father is shown being affectionate and involved with his children.  However, he allows his son to work through his fears on his own for a while, but then steps in with wise advice when he is needed.  Jabari not only overcomes his fear, but he wants to continue being adventurous.   

Hank’s Big Day:  The Story of a Bug

Evan Kuhlman, author

Chuck Groenink

Publisher Summary:

Open this book if you want to meet a pill bug named Hank who is best friends with a girl names Amelia.  To the amazing story…

Why It’s Fabulous:

Young readers see the world from the perspective of the pill bug (Hank) as he passes a curious cricket, a weird worm, an industrial ant, a scary grasshopper, and an array of inanimate objects so he can meet up with his best friend, Amelia.  His day with her is a spunky backyard romp full of adventure, imagination, and fun.  As the day comes to a close, the perspective moves back to Hank’s world as he returns home to go to sleep.  The creative mixed media illustrations and the playful text make this tale of friendship a memorable story time selection.

Lola Gets a Cat

Anna McQuinn, author

Rosalind Beardshaw, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Lola really wants a cat.  But Mommy says pets are a lot of work.  Lola is eager to find out more. 

She reads all about cats at the library.  She takes extra good care of her stuffed cat toys.  When Lola finally gets to adopt a cat of her own, she knows just what to do.

Why It’s Fabulous:

Lola works to prove she is responsible and knowledgeable before her parents agree to grant her wish for a pet.  When they decide to add a furry member to their family, they adopt one from a shelter.  As the cat adjusts to her new home, Lola is patient and kind. Not only does she play and snuggle with her cat, she helps take care of her.  This sweet story is a wonderful addition to the Lola series. 

Grandma’s Tiny House: A Counting Story

JaNay Brown-Wood, author

Priscilla, Burris, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

One grandma waits in her big easy chair, while TWO turkeys send scrumptious smells through the air…

It’s time to celebrate!  Count the festive foods, family, and friends at Granma’s feast.

Why It’s Fabulous:

Youngsters can count a long (1-15) as they listen to the smooth poetic text.  Lively people—young and old—and lots of delicious food fill each page.  When the house becomes overcrowded, a clever child comes up with the perfect solution. This celebration of family and friends proves it is the size of the heart, not the home that matters. 

Read and Rise

Sandra L. Pinkney, author

Myles C. Pinkney, photographer-illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Children can be anything they want to be through the power of reading.  Through the Read and Rise literacy campaign, Scholastics teams up with the National Urban League to inspire African-American children to achieve their dreams.

Why It’s Fabulous:
The book begins with a poem by Maya Angelou.  A key line is, “Reading is the river to your liberty for all your life to come.” This theme is carried through on each page of photographs depicting children engaged in imaginative play and reading activities.  They are shown cuddled up with family members like fathers, mothers, and grandfathers reading and interacting.  The photographs are accompanied by lyrical text and interspersed with the refrain “read and rise.” This book is a wonderful celebration of the act and importance of reading. 

Penguins Love Their ABC’s (Sarah Aspinall)

Title: Penguins Love Their ABC’s

Author:  Sarah Aspinall

Illustrator:  Sarah Aspinall

Target Ages:  1-6

Genre: Concept Picture Book—Alphabet

Publisher Summary:

It’s an alphabet hunt!  Join the fun as six playful penguins follow simple clues that lead them to find each little letter of the alphabet.

First Lines:

Once there were six little penguins—

six little penguins who loved to play

games with the alphabet.

Today they had put on their special

hide-and-seek glasses because…

Memorable Moment:

“We love our abc’s, and we love alphabet soup,” said the little penguins.  “But not as much as we love… Mama Penguin.”

Evaluation: 

As soon as I saw the cover, I had to read this book!  The penguins pulled me in like a girl to a platter of chocolates. The illustrations inside do not disappoint!  Lively penguins roll off the pages and into the hearts of readers of all ages!  The pictures alone are enough to cause children to beg to read this book over and over.  

The text is highly engaging.  For instance, children are asked questions, like what color they like best and which letter comes next. Also, they are encouraged to make predictions, such as how the penguins should carry the letters back to mama and what’s for supper. There are additional opportunities built in for parents or teachers to encourage responses. For instance, each letter has the same sentence pattern:  ___ is for ___ (h is for heart). A penguin is holding the item near the sentence. Children can figure out the answers with the visual context clues. Finally, the story has humor (imagine penguins in their underwear) and heart (see memorable moment quote).   

Penguins Love Their ABC’s is the perfect early childhood read.  You can check it out at the library, but I think it is worth buying for your personal bookshelf.

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Food Fun: Make alphabet soup together: Alphabet Soup Recipe.
• Art:  Penguin Crafts here and here.
• Letter Sounds:  List of activity ideas here.
• Science:  Read some juvenile non-fiction about penguins.
• Letters:  Practice identifying letters using flashcards or other creative activities.
• Games:  Play hide and seek.
• Writing:  Write out this sentence from the book: ___ is for ___.  Either pick the letter or allow the child to pick the letter.  Then, instruct the children to write a word or draw a picture to go with the letter.  Older children can write out the sentence themselves.

Potty Animals (by Joy Hope Vestergaard)

Potty Animals:  What to Know When You’ve Gotta Go!  (Joy Hope Vestergaard)

(from the book flap)

Know any kids who are afraid to flush?  Or maybe a few with really bad aim?  Wish you could help them remember not to drink too much water before—uh oh!—nap time? Have no fear, the potty animals from Sycamore Preschool are here to help little ones everywhere be in the know when it’s time to go!

Evaluation:

Potty Animals is broken down into 11 bad habits and silly fears that young children often have, such as forgetting to close the door, to wash hands, and to wipe well.  The text is written in an amusing poetic verse that resonates both truth and laughter:

Agnes has a problem

with bubbles in her belly.

When they come out (and they come),

the room can get quite smelly.

Agnes just can’t help it,

she has to let them out.

But after several episodes,

it makes her classmates shout:

Excuse yourself, Agnes!

This book made me laugh out loud as it prompted me to think about some of the “animals” in my life who need some reminders.J   Preschoolers will love the adorable animals and whimsical illustrations by Valerie Petrone.  The experiences of the characters reflect ones that children will relate too—going on field trips, playing outside, and interacting in a classroom.  Short phrases are used for each “potty” situation that can be used at home or school:  Plan ahead!  Knock first!  Flush & zip!  and Always turn out the light!

I recommend this for parents and teachers working this preschool or early grade school aged children.  Potty Animals is sure to make adults and children giggle while teaching some important hygiene and social lessons.  

Back to School: Toddlers and Early Childhood

To prepare toddlers for school in the near or distant future, there are a couple adorable selections from beloved authors.  

Eric Hill, author of the Spot series, has created a flap book called Spot Goes to School.   When Spot arrives at school with his mother, the child-listener opens a door flap, revealing the teacher and a group of students welcoming him.  This depiction allows children to see that school is a safe and friendly place.  Next, Spot feels a little apprehensive during song time (something he feels he is not prepared to do).  The child-listener opens a flap to see him hiding under a table with the caption, “I can’t sing…”  This situation is ideal for discussing a child’s fears about school or strategies for dealing with uncomfortable moments.  Then, the youngsters play dress-up, build with block, and paint on easels.  Each page has a flap where the child-listener can “find” Spot having fun with his classmates.  Other activities that are depicted are story time, recess, and show and tell.  Parents can talk about the various fun activities (such as the ones pictured) that the child can look forward to.  When Spot’s mom arrives to take him home, he is so involved in all the excitement of the day that he does not want to leave!   

Lauren Thompson, creator of Mouse’s First series, has a wonderful book called Mouse’s First Day of School.    Mouse crawls into a new hiding place:  A backpack.  He ends up in a new place to explore.  Using vivid colors and endearing illustrations, mouse finds many wonderful objects in the classroom.  He jumps down and finds blocks,  a car, and a drum.  He scurries up on the shelf where he discovers books and plants.   In a corner, there are shapes and puzzles.  All around the room there are thrilling sights!  Thompson also utilizes onomatopoeia in many of her descriptions, such as “Sssip, slurp, crunch snacks!” and “Clang, bang, stir pots!”  Other pictures have wonderful descriptive words like “Viny, climby, twiny plants!” and “Feathery, floppy, boppy hats!”  The best part of the room is that it is full of “wiggly, giggly, best of all friends!”   Mouse’s First Day of School is a wonderful book for developing early language and reading skills as parents can point out rhyming words, alliteration, sound words (onomatopoeia), action words, and much more!  The simple poetic text makes it fun for children to read along.  Ultimately, the book  portrays school as a stimulating and lively place.  

Back to School: First Day Anxiety

This time of year, many families are getting ready to send their youngsters to school for the first time.  For some children (and parents), there is a mix of emotions—ranging from excitement to apprehension.  Books are wonderful springboards for discussing these feelings and building up enthusiasm for the big day.   Local public libraries have a large selection of books for this important milestone as well as other related areas.  Topics to search in the card catalog are First Day of School, Nursery Schools, Schools, School Buses, and Kindergarten. 

It is tough to divide the books available into categories because there is so much overlap.  For this post, the focus is on the anxiety related to the first day, such as separating from parents, experiencing a new place/routine, avoiding embarrassing moments, and making new friends.   Most of these stories can be used with either preschool and kindergarten children. 

My First Day at Nursery School (by Becky Edwards)

The narrative opens with a young girl eating breakfast and thinking about the very important day ahead of her.  It is her first day of nursery school.  When she arrives at school though, she has second thoughts about staying.  Despite the colorful environment and warm people, only one thing is on this young girl’s mind: “I want my mommy.”  She becomes distracted by the various new toys all around her.  After a while, she begins missing her mommy again—but not for long.  Painting with her classmates quickly and positively redirects her attentions.  Her longing for mother continues to creep up, each time with less intensity as those feelings are replaced with the wonder and energy of classroom exploration.  When her mommy comes to pick her up, the young girl has one thing on her mind:  “I want to stay at nursery school.”  This book beautifully depicts those mixed emotions that many children feel during this vital transition into independence.  The colorful pictures are appealing and active.  My First Day at Nursery School is the perfect way to prepare your preschooler for this new adventure. 

What Did You Do Today? (by Toby Forward)

Mother and son pack their lunches together on the first day of school.   After one last hug, they separate.  The narrative shows the corresponding experiences of the pair.  While the child is learning his classmates’ names, his mother is greeting her co-workers by name.  As the boy practices his letters, his mother is at her computer typing and working.  During clean-up at school, mother is washing up her coffee cup in the break room.  As their routines come to a close, the mother rushes to pick her son up.  They walk away hand-in-hand, talking about the day.  The narrative is general enough it can apply to either preschool or kindergarten. The parallel activities make this story an enriching read.  The child listener can see that his/her routine has many similarities to the adult work world.  Also, it is clear that even though they are apart, the mother often thinks of her son and she can’t wait to be reunited with him.  This depiction assures children that they remain close in heart, if not in proximity. 

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School (Lauren Child)

Lola does not believe she is big enough to go to school.   Besides, she could hardly find the time to go with everything there is to do at home.  Charlie, her older brother, attempts to entice her with the idea of school by sharing with her everything she will learn, such as her numbers up to 100 (which she does not need to know because there is no reason to have to count further than 10) and her letters (which she does believes is unnecessary because she can call people on the phone instead of writing).  Charlie creates entertaining scenarios for why she needs to learn these skills.  Then, she expresses her fears on what to wear, making friends, and eating in the cafeteria.  Lola’s fears are evaded with a little big brother wisdom.  She has a successful first day…she even brings home a new friend.  I Am Too Absolutely Small for School tackles many first day anxieties with sensitivity and humor.

Dinosaur Starts School (by Pamela Duncan Edwards)

The format of this picture book is different from all the others I reviewed.  The roles are reversed.  A young boy receives some "coaching” on how to prepare his dinosaur friend for his first day of school.   Hypothetical questions are asked and answered.  For example: 

“What if you got to the school gates, but Dinosaur wrapped his sharp claws around the fence and said in his timid dinosaur voice, ‘But it’s too big.  I’ll get lost.’ 

You’d say, ‘Don’t be silly!  You can’t get lost because our classroom is just the right size for dinosaurs.’”

Several common fears are addressed in a similar manner with a positive outlook and entertaining illustrations portraying typical school preparation and activities.   Dinosaur Starts School effectively uses humor and a child “expert” to help navigate the first day nervousness felt by many children. 

Further Reading:

I Am Not Going to School Today (by Robie H. Harris)

I Don’t Want to Go to School! (by Stephanie Blake)

My First Day of School (by Nancy Skarmeas)
Tinyflock Nursery School (by Suzy-Jane Tanner)

Will I Have a Friend? (by Miriam Cohen)