And That’s Why She’s My Mama by Tiarra Nazario

Reading Age: 7 – 8 years

Publisher: Tiarra Nazario

Publication Date: March 15, 2018

In this rhyming picture book, the reader learns why mamas are special. Whether they encompass getting ready in the morning, going off to school, accepting wins and loses, taking care of the sick, helping to make treats to name a few, mamas are there. This book depicts mothers and children with different ages, abilities, skin tones, and hair textures/colors which are realities for many families whether they are biologically related, adopted or foster families. This book is a must in libraries.

The Teachers March!: How Selma’s Teachers Changed History by authors Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace and illustrator Charly Palmer

Reading Age: 7 – 10 years

Grade Level: 2-5

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Publication Date: September 29, 2020

In the 1960s when blacks were not allowed to vote but were allowed to teach about the Constitution of the United States in the segregated south, Reverend F. D. Reese, also a high school science teacher, wanted change. He was familiar with being chased away from the courthouse when he and protesters marched there. Frustrated, he had an idea to get teachers to march for voting rights. After all, teachers were looked highly upon in the community. Educators feared loosing their jobs however with so many of them marching, could they all be fired? Especially when marching was against the law in Selma, Alabama. A visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assured marchers that they were on the right path. During the Civil Rights Era many groups marched. The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965. My Book Eyes liked the drama and tension in the text and illustrations that beckoned pages to turn. Included in this nonfiction picture book are an author’s note, illustrator’s note, Timeline, Selected Bibliography, a list of In-Person Visits and a Learn More About the Teachers’ March section.

ABC What Can She Be?

ABC What Can She Be? by author Sugar Snap Studio and author/illustrator Jessie Ford

Age Range: 2 – 5 years

Publisher: Walter Foster Jr.

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

In this board book each page depicts an alphabet letter, career name and description as well as  an  illustration of  the professional in her  habitat. Many occupations shown in this book have not been viewed by My Book Eyes in children’s books for this age level. For example, keyboardist, quantum physicist, UN ambassador to name a few. Jobs not typically associated with females are shown i.e. firefighter, referee and mechanic. There are also careers typically associated with females such as hair stylist, teacher, and librarian. While this book focuses on girls in vocations of course males  perform these same jobs in society.  Four careers in this book can be found in the companion book, ABC What Can He Be? by Sugar Snap Studio and Jessie Ford. Illustrations are upbeat and appropriate for this age range.

Thank You, Omu!

Thank You, Omu! by author/ illustrator Oge Mora

Age Range: 4 – 7 years

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

A woman named Omu cooks up a fragrant stew. The aroma alerts the olfactory senses of many townspeople. Each person follows the scent to Omu’s house. She graciously gives visitors portions of her stew which eventually leaves her without any for herself. The townspeople show Omu similar kindness. The collage illustrations show varieties in occupations and ethnicities. My Book Eyes marveled at discussions that this book could generate including collaboration, helping others, occupations to name a few.

Oge Mora plans to be at Children’s Day at the Brooklyn Book Festival on September 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM. Click on EVENTS above for information about Brooklyn Book Festival.

Thank You, Omu! was selected by Jumpstart Read for the Record 2019 to be read nationally on November 7, 2019. https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record/

L is for Love: A Heartfelt Alphabet

L is for Love: A Heartfelt Alphabet by author/illustrator Greg Paprocki

Age Range:  toddler and up

Publisher: Gibbs Smith

Publication Date: December 4, 2018

In this alphabet board book, words and illustrations represent deeds  linked to care and connection throughout all 26  letters. Important lessons learned in few words. Illustrations are vibrant and diverse. Wonderful gift for any age.

 

 

 

 

Women Make Their Mark

The books below are some recent (2016-2018) compilations of women who move people to make a difference.

Little Leaders: Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison

Age Range: 8 – 11 years

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: November 6, 2018

Dream Big, Little One (Board Book) by Vashti Harrison

Age Range: 2 – 4 years

Publisher: LB Kids

Publication Date: October 16, 2018

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by author Catherine Thimmesh and illustrator Melissa Sweet

Age Range: 10 – 12 years

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Publication Date:  October 9, 2018     

She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History by author Chelsea Clinton and illustrator Alexandra Boiger

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by author Susan Hood and a variety of illustrators 

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: January 23, 2018

Poems with illustrations by a variety of artists

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by author Margot Lee Shetterly and illustrator Laura Freeman

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: January 16, 2018

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

Age Range: 8 – 11 years

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: December 5, 2017

Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels by author Linda Skeers and illustrator Livi Gosling

Age Range: 8 – 14 years

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Publication Date: September 5, 2017

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win by Rachel Ignotofsky

Age Range: Grades 4 and up

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Publication Date: July 18, 2017

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by author Chelsea Clinton and illustrator Alexandra Boiger

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: May 30, 2017

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

Age Range: Grades 4 and up

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Publication Date: July 26, 2016

A Lullaby of Summer Things

A Lullaby of Summer Things by author Natalie Ziarnik and illustrator Madeline Valentine

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade

Publication Date: May 15, 2018

With summer still upon us, My Book Eyes couldn’t resist reading this rhyming picture book.  At dusk, a dad returns home from the beach with his four children who vary in ages. Mom beckons them with a wave as they approach the porch. Many spotlights are on one sibling’s recollections although all family members and their pet dog are depicted as they engage in their nightly routines that end in bedtime.  Words are carefully chosen and are enjoyable to read. Illustrations show loving and active folks with different skin tones, hair color and textures which are often seen amongst relatives.

This Is NOT a Valentine

This Is Not a Valentine by author Carter Higgins and illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher:  Chronicle Books

Publication Date: December 26, 2017

In this picture book, it appears as if a girl gives out valentines to her peers at school. One of the students has a crush on the girl and thinks of inexpensive and thoughtful things to give her in return. MY BOOK EYES enjoyed reading a sweet story that embraces everyday school experiences i.e. markers that don’t work. The illustrations are appealing and large enough to see details. The book’s size makes it easy to carry around.