Reviewed by Tammie Benham
February is Black History Month. Introducing the accomplishments of some of our descendants to children when they are very young is a good way to honor these extraordinary Americans. I took a look at offerings from the Children’s Department at Joplin Public Library and chose some old and new favorites to consider using.
Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler is a rhythmic, melodic romp through a day with a baby not yet old enough to walk. “Mama sings high. Daddy sings low. Snazz-jazzy Baby says, “Go, Man, Go!”” The story is written almost as a lyric and captivates young audiences, which is magnified by the energy of the reader.
What’s Special About Me, Mama? By Kristina Evans features a young child who sees himself in the faces of his family and wants to be told what makes him special. His questioning is answered in a loving way by his mother, who reminds him that all the little things about him add up to the special person he is.
Hey Black Child, by Useni Eugene Perkins reminds children that being who they want to be is within their reach, that perceived limits are meant to be surmounted and it is within the power of every child to make the world into a better
Little People, Big Dreams: Maya Angelou, by Lisbeth Kaiser introduces the life of Maya Angelou in straight forward age-appropriate prose. The books touches on her accomplishments, highlighting the impact she had on the world through her perseverance and unrelenting hope.
This Jazz Man, by Karen Ehrhardt plays with the rhythm and sounds of jazz, translating music into sound so that read aloud, the story becomes music. The accompanying CD for this book features performance from legendary Jazz Men, who are also featured in the end pages.
A Night Out with Mama, is written by Quvenzhane Wallis, who is written also the main character in the book. Quevenzhane is the youngest person ever to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This multi-talented young woman wrote of her experience attending the Oscars with her mother. Her fresh, authentic voices comes roaring through in this simple story of accomplishment and celebration.
Want more ideas for pictures books to share during the month? Check out Scott Woods list at his blog, “Scott Makes Lists,” at https://scottwoodsmakeslists.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/28-more-black-picture-books-that-arent-about-boycotts-buses-or-basketball-2018/