Christmas Picture Books for BIPOC Kids

Welcome Back, Booklovers! The past few years I've been keeping track of Christmas picture books for Black Children and have even bought many for the kids in my family. My family loves Christmas but it's harder to find images of Christmas that aren't only white. So seeing more released in recent years has been a treat. So check out this post for a few of my favorites and if you want more check out my idea list.

Jayylen's Christmas Wish

This is a heartwarming story about a little boy named Jayylen who tries to raise money so their family can visit his brother for Christmas when he has to stay at the base instead of coming home for holidays. This is very relatable to so many young children who have a family member in the military.

Santa's Gotta Go!

This is a fun picture book where Santa has to spend a few extra days with a family when his slay won't restart after delivering all the gifts. But they soon find out Santa's not the idea houseguest and are ready for him to go!

A Piece of Black Cake for Santa

This is a fun book about sharing different cultural traditions and food around Christmastime. The book includes a recipe for black cake!

Carla and the Christmas Cornbread

Carla's favorite holiday tradition is making cornbread with her grandma. And when Carla accidentally eats Santa’s Christmas cookie, the cornbread is there to save the day!

The Holly-day After

When all the gifts are delivered Santa and his family have their own special celebration the day after.

La Noche Before Three Kings Day

It's a The Night Before Christmas inspired story centered around Three Kings Day. A family comes together and prepares for the three kings to come bearing gifts.

Happy All-idays!

A book highlighting how different families celebrate winter holidays

Twelve Dinging Doorbells

An all holidays carol celebrating the family getting together

Dreams of Green: A Three King's Day Story

A story about celebrating Dia de Los Reyes in a new place

Countdown for Nochebuena

Celebrating Nochebuena, a holiday tradition for Latinx families on Christmas Eve

Earth Day Book Recommendations

Welcome Back, Booklovers! Earth Day is right around the corner and I am all for talking about respecting the Earth from a young age. For Easter I gave all the young children in my family their own grow kits so they can try growing something of their own. I wanted to recommend some children's books that features kids caring about the Earth.

Zandi's Song

Zandi was always thinking and dreaming about the ocean. Then, one special day, the ocean calls for her. Zandi tentatively approaches the water—and that’s when her adventure begins! She soon finds herself transformed into a mermaid and on an unforgettable underwater journey, where she hears the song of the ocean.

But there is something threatening this magical world. Is the key to protecting it buried in stories from the past? Join Zandi in her mission to protect our beloved oceans, in this inspiring story written by South Africa’s first Black female free diving instructor.

Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps

When Kenzie slips on her mermaid tail, she becomes Mermaid Kenzie, protector of the deeps. One day as Kenzie snorkels around a shipwreck, she discovers more plastic bags than fish. Grabbing her spear and mermaid net, she begins to clean up the water and the shore--inspiring other kids to help. 

Miguel’s Community Garden

Miguel is throwing a party at his community garden for all of his friends, and he needs help searching for sunflowers to complete the celebration. What do we know about sunflowers? They're tall with petals and leaves—and, hold on, is that a sunflower? No, that's an artichoke. Where, oh, where could those sunflowers be? Can you help Miguel find them in time for his party?

Jayden’s Impossible Garden 

Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama doesn’t believe there’s nature in the city. So Jayden sets out to help Mama see what he sees. With the help of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden plants the seeds of a community garden and brings together his neighbors—and Mama—to show them the magic of nature in the middle of the city.

Rocket Says Clean Up!

Rocket, is off to the islands to visit her grandparents. Her family loves nothing better than to beach comb and surf together...but the beach is clogged with trash! When she finds a turtle tangled in a net, Rocket decides that something must be done! Like a mini Greta Thunberg, our young activist's enthusiasm brings everyone together...to clean up the beach and prevent plastics from spoiling nature. 

Earthbred: This Light Of Mine

We all have special ways of being, thinking, feeling and doing that help to make you, YOU!

Emi loves her special connection to the earth, but learns to hide her skills after being teased at school. Can she learn how to learn to let it go? Will she learn how to celebrate her own unique talents before it’s too late for her garden?

Sadiq and the Community Garden

On the way to the library, Sadiq and his family pass an empty lot in their neighborhood. It looks like it could use some attention. Sadiq and his brothers and sisters come up with ideas for what the lot could be. A playground? A skatepark? Then a science unit about plants at school gives Sadiq and Hooyo another idea--a community garden! But where to begin? And how to get people involved? It's up to Sadiq and his classmates to "dig in" and make the community garden a success!

As the Seas Rise: Nicole Hernández Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice

This inspiring picture book biography introduces environmental scientist Nicole Hernández Hammer, who was recognized by former first lady Michelle Obama at the 2015 State of the Union Address for her efforts to partner with vulnerable communities threatened by climate change.

Nicole had seen many sides of nature,

but nature was changing.

The climate was changing.

Bigger storms were brewing,

and she wanted to know why.

As a baby, Nicole survived an earthquake in Guatemala. She grew up in Guatemala’s beautiful jungles. Throughout her life, Nicole witnessed the power and wonder of nature. But she soon realized nature was in trouble. Her own community in Florida was struggling. And everyone needed to become resilient.

Picture Book Roundup!

Welcome Back, Booklovers! There's a lot of great picture books that have released over the past two months and some good ones I've read that are coming up. So I wanted to share some of them here.

The Last Stand

This is a love letter to Black farmer's as a little boy helps his grandfather run the last stand left at the Farmer's Market. You can purchase it here. 

Love Lah Lah

This is Nailah Blackman's ode to Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and soca music. You can get your copy here.

Zandi's Song

Zandi transforms into a mermaid and explores the ocean in Zandile Ndhlovu's picture book that shares an important message about ocean conservation. You can order it here. 

Summer is Here

This was an ode to perfect summer days spent at the pool or chasing down the ice cream truck. It's out in May but you can preorder here.

Your Voice, Your Vote

This book does a great job connecting the past with the present to showcase the trials Black people have been through in the US when it comes to voting and why it's important to use our voices today. Get it here.  

Yumbo Gumbo

A family uses data to determine what kind of gumbo they should make for dinner. This one just released so check it out here and then look into the rest of the Storytelling Math books.

My Block Looks Like

And ode to The Bronx and the culture and history within it. With beautiful illustrations that capture the heart of the neighborhood. Get My Block Looks Like. 

2023 Bookish Holiday Gift Guide Part 2

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I'm back with part 2 of my Bookish Holiday Gift Guide and this part will be focusing on gifts for young readers. I have some great picture book suggestions so continue reading.

Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

Every year, Delphine Denise Debreaux and her friends ride their bikes together in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. But this year, there's a shiny prize for best float--and Delphine Denise just has to win it. How can her friends remind Delphine Denise what the parade is really all about?

This joyful picture book, inspired by the author's own experience celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans as a child, explores the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday. Full of vibrant and festive illustrations, this story reminds readers that winning isn't everything, and the best way to let the good times roll is in the company of friends.

Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena

On the night before Christmas, a spark of magic lights up Lita's Pastelería, and Esperanza Caramelo blinks open her eyes. Esperanza is a spun-sugar ornament, meant to sit atop the Nochebuena cake—but tonight she whirls through the bakery, singing and dancing, throwing a fiesta with all the other ornaments until . . . disaster strikes!

Can the cake be saved in time for Christmas? The clock is ticking, but on Nochebuena, anything is possible—and Esperanza never gives up hope.

Countdown for Nochebuena

This charming, bouncy text that alternates between English and Spanish and counts holiday elements like dancers, singers, and special foods up to twelve—to midnight, when Christmas Eve turns to Christmas and presents are opened!—and back down again, pairs perfectly with its illustrative context clues. In this story, family members young and old are excited to gather in their best festive clothes to celebrate Nochebuena, a Christmas Eve celebration for Latine people around the world. Simple yet lyrical text inspired by the author-illustrator's Cuban American heritage combines with a warm art style perfect for celebrating the holiday.

Brown Sugar Baby 

"Brown sugar baby, dark eyes spark bright with glee...Pie of my eye, stay right here with me." This lyrical first book in the Brown Sugar Baby series is a celebration of the powerful love and protective, comforting instincts of a mother for her child. Its soothing rhythm and tender rhymes are highlighted by whimsical and charming illustrations that are perfect for storytime.

Shhh! The Baby's Asleep

Baby is finally asleep. But everyone is much too loud! Can Mom, Daddy, Grammy, Pop Pop, Shae, Dante, Rover the dog, and even the neighbor keep quiet? Just when they think they can rest—oh no. The baby's awake. One savvy little narrator knows just the way to make his baby sister fall back asleep: by reading her a good book!

A hilarious cast of characters will keep readers laughing throughout this amusing celebration of early literacy and intergenerational family relationships.

Together We Swim

Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms there’s no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.

Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite!

The Coolest Beard

Isaac wants to grow a beard, just like his dad, who always seems to be the coolest guy in the barbershop. Isaac uses Dad’s beard oil every day for weeks, but nothing happens. Next time it’s barbershop day, Isaac doesn’t even want to go back―but maybe there is still a way for him to grow the coolest beard.

All Good in the Hood

Today is June 19th, Juneteenth’s what they say and for my family, it’s a very special day.

But sometimes the hood feels scary when we’re walking around. I wish I could stay home where it’s safe and sound. Where the dogs aren’t BARKING, and the cars aren’t HONKING, and the streetlights aren’t FLICKERING.

But when Big Bro tells me it will all be okay, I know the noises can’t hurt me and ruin my day.

It's Diwali!

Count up to ten and back down again to the tune of “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” while learning about the traditions that make Diwali a fun-filled festival! Celebrated during autumn harvest, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. From sweet treats to intricate henna designs to exciting firework displays, kids will delight in this vibrant glimpse into the Festival of Lights.

Fried Rice and Marinara

Birthday parties are so much fun: the friends, the family, the games, the gifts, and, of course, the food! But what type of food do you serve at a birthday party when your family is from two different cultures? Young Mikey Yam is having a hard time choosing between the Italian food of his mother's side and the Chinese cuisine of his dad's. So, he turns to his grannies, Bahboo and Nonna, for advice.

"Ravioli or Dumplings? Linguine or Lo Mein? All of these options were hurting his brain."

Join Young Mikey as he decides which type of food to have for his birthday party, and the important life lesson he learns along the way.

Twelve Dinging Doorbells

Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact. The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there’s no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise. 

Big Kids Don't Get Butterflies 

The little kid rides only go 'round and 'round, but the big kid rides take you up to the skies! Is there any reason to be afraid? No! Big kids DON'T get butterflies. Or do they? A child learns that growing up doesn't mean giving up the things you love. Enjoy this fun themed, coming-of-age story for all of your child's milestones.

Picture Book Roundup

Welcome Back Booklovers! Today I thought it would be a good idea to do a blog post about recent picture books I read for review. I'm always discovering new picture books and I don't always post about them here because my reviews are usually just few sentences. But these are books I think people need to hear about.

Ballet With Heart: Written by Emily Joof, Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud

This is a fun story about a brother and sister who start ballet classes for the first time. It's also filled with some extras about ballet dancers of color and inclusive ballet houses. 

The Together Tree: Written by Aisha Saeed, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham 

A picture book that tells children about the power they have to stand up against intolerance and making a classmate who's different feel welcome.

Fudgesicle: Written by Tinee Furbert, Illustrated by Gherdai Hassell

Novi's mother tells her about all the varying shades of brown within their family and neighborhood by relating them to the sweet treats at the local ice cream shop. Also features locations familiar to Bermuda. 

Platanos Go With Everything: Written by Lissette Norman, Illustrated by Sara Palacios

A Dominican family shows their love through food in this ode to platanos!

Babajoon's Treasure: Written by Farnaz Esnaashari, Illustrated by Nabi H. Ali 

A girl spends the day with her grandfather. While they go around town she sees him speak a different language, collect treasures, use special coins an assumes he must be a pirate.

Caribbean Picture Book Recommendations

Welcome Back, Booklovers! As a Caribbean-American child I didn't see a lot of books for children like me on the shelves. We didn't have access to the books the children in the islands and there wasn't a big push in US Publishing either. But in the past couple of years I've been seeing a little bit more and It makes me because I share them with my nieces and godchildren. Special shout out to the indies out here doing it big! So here is my list of recommended picture books by authors from the Caribbean and Diaspora.

                                                Under the Mango Tree (St. Vincent)

Under a full mango tree, they play, dream, and plan for a future spent together, always. However, life can change quickly, and the girls must face the challenge of separation when Vee moves away.

Join Vee and Sanaa as they learn how powerful friendship can be and how far it can reach.

The Ocean Lives There (Haiti)

Imane is a curious young girl with a big question. What is behind the magic door inside her house? Her sister Caroline says it’s a door that goes everywhere and nowhere. Sometimes it’s red. Sometimes it’s blue, and it smells like coffee beans and the ocean. Imane can only imagine what’s on the other side: a beautiful Caribbean Island full of magic, music, and fun. But Momma keeps the door locked tight, and no one is allowed to open it!

The Legend of the Spirit Serpent (Dominica)

This modern retelling of a traditional Kalinago legend from the Caribbean island of Dominica recounts the story of a huge serpent who once guarded the indigenous.

To Carnival!: A Celebration in Saint Lucia (St. Lucia)

The sights, sounds and tastes of vibrant Saint Lucia come to life in this cumulative tale of a girl’s journey to Carnival. When a series of unexpected delays disrupts her journey to the big parade, Melba must adjust both her expectations and her route to the festivities. Who will she meet and what will she learn along the way?

Plátanos Go with Everything (Dominican Republic)

Plátanos are Yesenia’s favorite food. They can be sweet and sugary, or salty and savory. And they’re a part of almost every meal her Dominican family makes. 

Stop by her apartment and find out why plátanos go with everything—especially love!

Taíno Tales: The Legend of Coquí (Puerto Rico)

It's been said...

The son of a Taíno chief would fish late at night and while he did, he'd sing a special song to Caguana, the spirit of love. The goddess grew fond of him and his daily visits brought her great joy...but everything changed when Juracán, an evil spirit, grew jealous of the pair. And so begins the Taíno legend of how the coquí frog came to be.

A Grand Place (Grenada)

While Zora waits for Grandma to return, she explores what it means to have a home away from home. This nostalgic love letter to Grenada is a joyful celebration of Caribbean culture and all the forms it has taken over generations. Join Zora on her journey through this heart-warming tale of love, family and home.

The Carnival Prince (Trinidad and Tobago)

It's Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago! Come join the stubby antlered boy as he explores and frolics and befriends animals and mythical creatures alike. Young readers will be taken on a magical adventure to save Carnival season for everyone!

Granny's Kitchen (Jamaica)

Shelly-Ann lives with her Granny on the beautiful island of Jamaica. When Shelly-Ann becomes hungry, she asks her Granny for something to eat. Granny tells her “Gyal, you betta can cook!” and teaches Shelly-Ann how to get in touch with her Jamaican roots through the process of cooking.

The Masquerade Dance( St. Kitts and Nevis)

Would you like to dance to the drum drum drum of the masquerades? 

Well, it is carnival time in St. Kitts-Nevis’ carnival and Saulo is excited to see the masquerades perform and dance, and to hear their music. He dreams of dancing the masquerade one day but when the masquerades get too close for comfort, Saulo isn’t sure he is ready for his big debut.