Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by author Dee Romito and illustrator Laura Freeman

Age Range: 6 – 9 years

Publisher: little bee books

Publucation Date: Novenber 6, 2018

This picture book biography sheds light on Georgia Gilmore, a cook, who made a significant contribution to the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott by preparing meals. She worked collectively with others who were interested in raising money to purchase vehicles and fuel so that the Black community could still travel in Alabama while seeking justice by boycotting public transportation. After she testified in court about the mistreatment she experienced by a bus driver, Georgia Gilmore was fired from her job. She opened a home based restaurant. All people loved her cooking. Dr. King and other civil rights leaders often ate at Georgia’s. Illustrations are large with high contrasting colors which makes this a terrific book for children to view in a group setting. Included is an author’s note and a recipe for Georgia Gilmore’s Homemade Pound Cake. My Book Eyes finds it interesting to read about how different people worked to create civil rights changes.

Follow Me Down to Nicodemus Town

Follow Me Down to Nicodemus Town by author A. LaFaye and illustrator Nicole Tadgell

Age Range: 5 – 7 years

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Publication Date: January 1, 2019

In this picture book, the Pattons family, who sharecrop, desire to own a home and land. The daughter, Dede, sees a notice about moving to Nicodemus, Kansas where the family can make their dream come true. Through hard work and a lucky break the family is able to move to Nicodemus. The Pattons survive through diligence and assistance from neighbors and an Indian Tribe called the Osage Nation. My Book Eyes appreciates the author including how much children had to work to help their families during this time period. Working children is a universal theme for many cultures throughout history. Illustrations vary between spreads and vignettes to show a variety of actions and moods. In the back of the book, information explains exodusters and The Homestead Act of 1862.

 

The Great Santa Stakeout

The Great Santa Stakeout by author Betsy Bird and illustrator Dan Santat

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Publication Date: September 3, 2019

Just looking at the cover of this picture book with its full moon in the background and in the foreground a boy dressed in a Santa Claus suit, eyes bulging, teeth clenched and hands clamped on a Santa Claus snow globe makes My Book Eyes roar with laughter. Is he thinking, “I’m going to get you, SANTA!” Turning pages, the reader learns the boy, Freddy Melcher, not only celebrates Santa Claus during the Christmas season but all year. He is so fascinated with Santa Claus that yes he does want to get Santa. That is a selfie with Santa Claus when he visits Freddy’s house. Illustrations convince the reader of Freddy’s attraction to Santa.

 

Sweet Dreams, Zaza

Sweet Dreams, Zaza by author/illustrator Mylo Freeman

Age Range: 2 – 5 years

Publisher: Clavis

Publication Date: September 24, 2019

This picture book begins with a little girl named Zaza sitting on her bed with her five wide awake stuffed animals. Since it is bedtime, Zaza places each toy in its bed where it closes eyes. Zaza caps the experience with an endearing pat, lullaby, cuddle etc.  When it is Zaza’s turn for bed, her mother appears and shares those same forms of affection with her. Illustrations are vivid and are displayed on opposite pages from the text. Pages are thick and glossy. Sewn pages instead of glued ones gives this book a nice nostalgic feel.