Every Night Is Pizza Night by author J. Kenji Lopez-Alt and illustrator Gianna Ruggiero

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

Publisher: Norton Young Readers

Publication Date: September 1, 2020

A finicky eater named Pipo only wants to consume pizza for dinner. She believes pizza is the best food. Pipo visits and assists neighbors while they prepare their treasured dishes. Initially some of the ingredients seem repelling to her however upon tasting the finished products, she discovers that these meals are delicious. Inclusion of foods that are not typically found in childrens’ books increases knowledge of various cultures and foods i.e. tagine, red beans and rice and bibimbap. The more known dumpling is also included. Illustrations show colorful details and add diverse culinary shops for eyes to peruse. Readers may be enticed to try new cuisines after reading this picture book. A pizza recipe is included.

Let’s Dance by author Valerie Bolling and illustrator Maine Diaz

Age Range: 3 – 7 years

Publisher: Boyd Mills Press

Publication Date: March 3, 2020

In this picture book, readers travel to learn through rhyme and illustrations about dances and traditional dress that accompany select dances of Africa, China, Cuba, India, Ireland, Spain, and United States to name many. Children depict their cultural maneuvers with exuberance. Text concentrates on action, inviting onlookers to try steps. In the back matter the author briefly elaborates on each dance.

Harlem Week

Dates: August 16 – August 23, 2020

Where: Partake in events virtually

Website: http://www.harlemweek.com

Popsicle Cookbook Healthy and Easy Ice Pop Recipes for Kids and Adults by Kaitlyn Donnelly

Publication Date: May 5, 2019

With the warm weather upon us, it is nice to snack on something cooling. These popsicles are a tasty and chilly treat. This cookbook features helpful hints for making popsicles in its basic section. The author discusses popsicle molds, fruit, chocolate, berries, yogurt and vegetables in recipes. Popsicles for adult palates are added. Conversion tables are inside this cookbook.

CHOO-CHOO SCHOOL by author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Mike Yamada

Age Range: 3 – 7 years

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: July 14, 2020

Little train cars travel to school in this picture book. Their names are Engine, Sleeper, Diner, Caboose, Flatcar, Boxcar, and Tank Car. When the book’s front cover is opened, pictures of each little train car with their names are seen. These personified train cars go through school routines to suit their train lifestyles which are reminiscent of children’s school routines. Their day is filled with lessons to learn and small problems to solve by helping one another. Rhyming and wit remind readers of Amy’s style in past books. Illustrations will keep children entertained and learning about the train cars’ day. Children that cannot read words independently will enjoy reading the pictures.

Shirley Chisolm Is a Verb by author Veronica Chambers and illustrator Rachelle Baker

Age Range: 4 years – 8 years

Publisher: Dial Books

Publication Date: July 28, 2020

This picture book biography enlightens the audience about the life of political figure Shirley Chisolm. She was the daughter of immigrant parents who like many, had to work hard to purchase a piece of the American dream. Unfortunately, in order to continue with their arduous work schedules, Shirley’s parents sent Shirley and her two sisters to live with their maternal grandparent in Barbados. After 6 years, Shirley returned to Brooklyn, New York and attended public schools. She went to college and became a preschool teacher. Wanting to cast her net wider in helping others, she was instrumental in beginning head start programs. Shirley found that entering the political arena was where she could influence society the most. Ms. Chisolm was elected to New York State Assembly then to Congress. She was the Democratic Party nomination for United States president. Shirley was an action oriented person who helped make changes for the betterment of the less fortunate. Throughout this book are verbs highlighted in blue that will improve vocabulary and lead to interesting projects. Illustrations are realistic and match the tone of the book.