Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family and Freedom by author Glenda Armand and illustrator Steffi Walthall

Reading Age: 4-8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 6, 2022

A girl named Frances learns about the history of many foods traditionally prepared by African Americans during her stay with her grandparents for a New Year’s celebration. An informative account from the Atlantic Slave Trade to the Emancipation Proclamation for young readers. Illustrations are detailed and a wonderful addition to the story. My Book Eyes liked seeing information in sidebars about foods. A recipe for pralines, authors note, sources and further reading are included.

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose by author Lauren Tarshis and illustrator Lisa Bronson Mezoff

Reading Age: 3 – 5 years

Publisher: Orchard Books

Publication Date: October 19, 2021

In this picture book a big brother confesses to what he does i.e. Shares toys,well maybe not all of them. Eats his broccoli well maybe not all of it. He never splashes in the tub, well maybe his dinosaur does etc. Throughout the only witness to this child’s antics is his dog. This is a funny book. Illustrations are cute.

Anansi and the Golden Pot by author Taiye Selasi and illustrator Tinuke Fagborun

Reading Age: 3 -5 years

Publisher: DK Children

Publication Date: February 15, 2022

A young boy nicknamed Anansi goes to Ghana with his family during a winter vacation. While Anansi the boy sips from a coconut, a spider named Anansi magically turns a coconut shell into a golden pot. The spider imparts wise words for the boy to adhere to however the boy does not adhere. Every time the boy says a magic chant, his favorite food appears in the pot. He eats so much that he gets a stomachache. His grandmother shares her wisdom. The boy changes his ways. In this picture book , generosity wins over greed. This is a charming book with luscious illustrations that could be shared with children up to 8 years of age. My Book Eyes feels transported to a warm and pleasant vacation when looking at the pictures.

One Thursday Afternoon by Barbara DiLorenzo

Grade Level: 1 -2 

Publisher: Flyaway Books

Publication Date: September 5, 2022 

After school, a grandad picks up his granddaughter, Ava. She is sad . The two go on a picnic. It isn’t until grandad takes out his art supplies and shares some artist tips that Ava discusses that she was afraid during a school lockdown drill. Grandad shares his experience in school that was similar and scary to Ava’s school lockdown. She further divulges that she is upset by the media. Grandad didn’t have to deal with media reminders in his youth. The fall illustrations are beautiful. This picture book shows a close relationship that can be compared and contrasted between a grandfather and grandchild and be used in therapeutic and non therapeutic settings to confront ways of dealing with life’s difficult times. A Note from the author/Illustrator includes recommendations for coping with difficult situations.