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Mama, Is It Summer Yet?

Nikki McClure

In this charming book, one little boy can’t wait for summer to arrive. He keeps asking, “Mama, is it summer yet?” Mama responds saying, ”Not yet,” but there are plenty of signs that indicate spring is changing into summer: The earth is soft and there are seeds to plant, birds singing, ducklings in the pond, and pink blossoms blooming. The young boy even wears his bathing suit and carries a beach pail in preparation, but will it ever be summer?

The text is a wonderful celebration of the change of seasons and showcases Nikki’s images of nature and the joys of family and community.

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This Book Is Dangerous! (A Narwhal and Jelly Picture Book #1)

Ben Clanton

Take the plunge into this interactive picture book spin-off of the bestselling Narwhal and Jelly series starring everyone’s favorite anxious jellyfish. Help Jelly attempt to safely navigate through the dangerous ocean and this book — with hilarious results! Features a glow-in-the-dark cover!

Did the title just say that this book is dangerous? Jelly doesn't do dangerous. Can you help Jelly find a way out? Just don't move a muscle or make any loud noises, okay? And definitely DON'T touch anything!

While everything seems to come sunny-side up for Narwhal on their adventures, Jelly has more than a few worries about the many dangers out there in the ocean: sea serpents, pirate crabs, circus cannons, lost porcupines, and spiky things of any kind could be lurking around each turn of the page! In the tradition of interactive classics like The Monster at the End of This Book, Jelly has got to find a way out of this book, and it's up to the reader to help this little jellyfish . . . or not!

WARNING: This book is dangerously fun!

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Together We Swim

Valerie Bolling

A joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son's relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first swimming lessons.

Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom's steady arms there's no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family's cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.

Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite!

VIBRANT & JOYFUL: Rhythmic text paired with dynamically illustrated kicks, flutters, and splashes against a palette of deep blue create a bright portrait that is both encouraging and warm for any child learning to swim.

A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR NEW SWIMMERS: The perfect book for any child facing nervous excitement or trepidation about learning to swim!

THE JOY OF A FIRST SWIM LESSON: Who can forget the first time they learned how to swim? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to swim.

A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story time in any household.

PERFECT GIFT FOR MOM: If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift or a birthday gift for mom, look no further! She will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!

Perfect for:

  • Mother's Day gift giving
  • Going-to-the-pool book for little ones approaching the big milestone of learning to swim
  • Parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for books about swimming for kids
  • Teachers, educators, and librarians
  • Readers who enjoyed Jabari Jumps, Llama Llama Learns to Swim, and Hair Love
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Heatwave

Lauren Redniss

A picture book from an award-winning artist that uses vibrant reds and blues to stunningly evoke the intensity of a heatwave and the refreshing relief that comes with an unexpected downpour of a cooling rain.

A NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A KIRKUS REVIEWS, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, AND HORN BOOK BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Sweltering. Sweating. It’s 100 degrees… even in the shade.
Games are canceled, temperatures reach record highs. The sun is hot.

Finally, a wind picks up. One rain drop. Then another. A downpour. The sun sets and the moon rises, Relief at last.

Heatwave is a book that vividly evokes a universal feeling--when the air is so hot and heavy you can barely move, when the sun is so bright your eyes play tricks on you. Renowned artist, writer and MacArthur genuis grant recipient, Lauren Redniss’s choice to use just two vibrant and contrasting colors in her artwork and spare text makes for a bold and interesting exploration of extreme weather. Even the book itself is saturated in red as if the book itself is burning up.

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On a Summer Night

Deborah Hopkinson

Step into the quiet magic of this celebration of summer nighttime and the mystery of a world lit differently by the moon.

On a summer night, the world is still. Even the crickets think it’s too hot to sing. But all at once, a girl wakes. In the kitchen, the cat rolls onto its soft paws. A neighbor’s small white dog yaps, a brown rabbit peeks from a hedge, and the leaves of a cherry tree begin to stir in the breeze. Readers witness and wonder: Who has woken them all? In this soothing bedtime story, the quiet of a warm summer night is brought to vivid, magical life with the soft steps of bare feet, the padding of paws, and the bright, golden light of the moon. One by one, each creature is roused and then gently returned to sleep in a lovely and lyrical exploration of wakefulness, restfulness, and the mysterious calm of the night.

PERFECT FOR BEDTIME . . . OR ANYTIME: This beautifully illustrated children's book is ideal for soothing young readers to sleep—or encouraging a contemplative break in an energetic day. The story’s engagement with the wonders of nighttime will help children feel comforted by the dark and the prospect of going to sleep rather than afraid of them.

READ-ALOUD READINESS: With its lyricism and short refrains, this gentle story is just right for sharing.

CONNECTION TO NATURE: This magical book gradually reveals the moon as a character as it wakes girl, cat, dog, rabbit, tree, air, and cloud in turn—and connects them to one another through the welcoming quiet and wonder of a world gilded by moonlight.

THE POWER OF SLOWING DOWN: Picture books are often wonderful excuses to slow down and share a moment of gentleness in kids' (and parents') busy lives; this book feels like a deep breath and offers a chance to wonder and reflect.

Perfect for:

  • Kids who can't sleep on hot summer nights
  • Parents, grandparents, and caregivers seeking a sweet bedtime book
  • Librarians and storytime leaders looking for a summer read-aloud
  • Gift givers who want to share a beautiful, lyrical book with someone special
  • Readers of such classic bedtime stories for kids as Goodnight Moon and The Going to Bed Book
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Our Pool

Lucy Ruth Cummins

On a hot day, people come from all over the city to spend the day at the pool in this joyful picture book that’s a love song to summer, the city, community, and staying cool!

Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family. Kids and grandparents. Big bodies and small bodies. Everybody is welcome at our pool! Get ready for swimming and splashing, zigzagging and dunking, and racing and laughing.

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Trucks on Vacation

Jodie Parachini

Digby and the trucks have been working hard under the scorching sun. It's time for a vacation!

On a hot summer day, temperatures are rising, both outside and among the crew. Digby has an idea to cool things off: a beach day, right at the construction site! In comes the sand, beach balls, and sunglasses. But the best part is yet to come—the jingle of an ice cream truck. Yum!

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Summer Is Here

Renée Watson

Celebrate iconic childhood joys in this love letter to summer featuring bright, sun-drenched art, from New York Times bestselling creators Renée Watson and Bea Jackson.

Summer is here!
No dark clouds in the sky,
it's a perfect day for play.
What joy will summer bring me today?

Summer is finally here, and she's bringing the most perfect day! From sunup to sundown, there's so much to do on this lovely summer day. With summer comes fresh fruit, sweet and tangy, jump ropes for leaping and dancing, and friends at the pool swimming and floating. Summer brings family cookouts under shady trees, gardens overflowing, and the familiar song of the ice-cream truck. This beautiful ode to all the season's sensations follows one girl's perfect day in an exploration of joy, family, friendship, sunshine, and wonder.

Her stars shimmer like spilled glitter across the sky.
I whisper a wish and say goodbye to the day.
I wish summer would stay.

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One Hot Summer Day

Nina Crews

"An effervescent city child dances through a hot summer day until a thunderstorm brings welcome relief. Executed in collages made from color photographs, imaginatively redefined in unexpected juxtaposition....A wonderful concept book, grounded in ordinary events yet touched with magic, that will strike a familiar chord with preschool audiences while enlarging their perceptions. An auspicious debut!"--Horn Book.

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Build a House

Rhiannon Giddens

Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens celebrates Black history and culture in her unflinching, uplifting, and gorgeously illustrated picture book debut. 

I learned your words and wrote my song. I put my story down.

As an acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, and cofounder of the traditional African American string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rhiannon Giddens has long used her art to mine America’s musical past and manifest its future, passionately recovering lost voices and reconstructing a nation’s musical heritage. Written as a song to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth—which was originally performed with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma—and paired here with bold illustrations by painter Monica Mikai, Build a House tells the moving story of a people who would not be moved and the music that sustained them. Steeped in sorrow and joy, resilience and resolve, turmoil and transcendence, this dramatic debut offers a proud view of history and a vital message for readers of all ages: honor your heritage, express your truth, and let your voice soar, even—or perhaps especially—when your heart is heaviest.

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The Story of Juneteenth

Dorena Williamson

Introduce little learners to the Juneteenth holiday with this 250-word board book about its origins and traditions.



What are the origins of America's newest national holiday? With simple, age-appropriate language and colorful illustrations, this little board book introduces children to the events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the people of Texas that all enslaved people were declared free and the Civil War had ended. The book also connects those events to today's celebrations. Thoroughly researched and historically accurate, The Story of Juneteenth distills a pivotal moment in U.S. history and creates an opportunity for further conversation between parent or caregiver and child.

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Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom

Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader.

On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered. Order Number 3 was read, proclaiming that they were no longer enslaved--they were free. People danced, wept tears of joy, and began to plan their new lives. Juneteenth became an annual celebration that is observed by more and more Americans with parades, picnics, family gatherings, and reflection on the words of historical figures, to mark the day when freedom truly rang for all.

Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots and popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.

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Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free

Alice Faye Duncan

Booklist starred review

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic--a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865--over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person's voice make a difference Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.

Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:

  • all people are created equal
  • the power of bravery and using your voice for change
  • the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today
  • no one is free unless everyone is free
  • fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way

Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

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What Is Juneteenth?

Kirsti Jewel

Discover more about Juneteenth, the important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered around a Union solder and listened as he read the most remarkable words they would ever hear. They were no longer enslaved: they were free. The inhumane practice of forced labor with no pay was now illegal in all of the United States. This news was cause for celebration, so the group of people jumped in excitement, danced, and wept tears of joy. They did not know it at the time, but their joyous celebration of freedom would become a holiday--Juneteenth--that is observed each year by more and more Americans.

Author Kirsti Jewel shares stories from Juneteenth celebrations, both past and present, and chronicles the history that led to the creation of this joyous day.

With 80 black-and-white illustrations and an engaging 16-page photo insert, readers will be excited to read this latest addition to Who HQ!

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Watermelon and Red Birds

Nicole A. Taylor

The very first cookbook to celebrate Juneteenth, from food writer and cookbook author Nicole A. Taylor—who draws on her decade of experiences observing the holiday.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order Number 3, informing the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free. A year later, in 1866, Black Texans congregated with music, dance, and BBQs—Juneteenth celebrations. 

All-day cook-outs with artful salads, bounteous dessert spreads, and raised glasses of “red drink” are essential to Juneteenth gatherings. In Watermelon and Red Birds, Nicole puts jubilation on the main stage. As a master storyteller and cook, she bridges the traditional African-American table and 21st-century flavors in stories and recipes. Nicole synthesizes all the places we’ve been, all the people we have come from, all the people we have become, and all the culinary ideas we have embraced. 

Watermelon and Red Birds contains over 75 recipes, including drinks like Afro Egg Cream and Marigold Gin Sour, dishes like Beef Ribs with Fermented Harissa Sauce, Peach Jam and Molasses Glazed Chicken Thighs, Southern-ish Potato Salad and Cantaloupe and Feta Salad, and desserts like Roasted Nectarine Sundae, and Radish and Ginger Pound Cake. Taylor also provides a resource to guide readers to BIPOC-owned hot sauces, jams, spice, and waffle mixes companies and lists fun gadgets to make your Juneteenth special. These recipes and essays will inspire parties to salute one of the most important American holidays, and moments to savor joy all year round.

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Free at Last

Sojourner Kincaid Rolle

This lyrical celebration of Juneteenth, deeply rooted in Black American history, spans centuries and reverberates loudly and proudly today.



After 300 years of forced bondage;

hands bound, descendants of Africa

picked up their souls--all that they owned--

leaving shackles where they fell on the ground,

headed for the nearest resting place to be found.



Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas.

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Juneteenth

Kevin P. Winn

The Racial Justice in America: Histories series explores moments and eras in America's history that have been ignored or misrepresented in education due to racial bias. Juneteenth explores the history around the celebration in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. Developed in conjunction with educator, advocate, and author Kelisa Wing to reach children of all races and encourage them to approach our history with open eyes and minds. Books include 21st Century Skills and content, as well as activities created by Wing. Also includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, sidebars, educational matter, and activities.

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Recipes for Change

Michael Platt

Teen chef and food justice advocate Michael Platt's Recipes for Change "beautifully weaves together important Black history with delicious recipes" (Kwame Onwuachi, James Beard Award winner and Top Chef contestant)--featuring beautiful illustrations by Alleanna Harris.



From the Montgomery bus boycott to the Black Lives Matter movement, food has played a vital role in strengthening and shaping Black empowerment.



Join Michael Platt on a stunning visual journey as he retells moving and authentic accounts of 12 months in Black history. Featuring mouthwatering recipes accompanied by biographies of important figures, Recipes for Change will inspire leaders of the future with real stories of trailblazers who helped to change the world.



Recipes include:

  • The Black Panther Party's Creamy Grits
  • The Greensboro Sit-In's Cherry Protest Pie
  • The Selma March's Carry-On Cornbread
  • The Underground Railroad's Freedom Fish
  • The Freedom Riders' Gumbo
  • Juneteenth's Red Ice Pops
  • Bakers Against Racism's Sweet Potato Hand Pie
  • Martin Luther King's Favorite Pecan Pie
  • Paschal's Fried Chicken
  • The Black Power Salute's Olympic Gold Cookies
  • The Christmas Sacrifice's Banana Pudding
  • The Montgomery Bus Boycott's Pound Cake
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Juneteenth

Rebecca Sabelko

From learning about history to enjoying a barbecue, there is a lot to do on Juneteenth! Young readers can learn about this important holiday, from when it started to today's traditions in this engaging title. Simple, predictable text and vibrant photos guide readers while special features offer additional support. Students who are just starting to read independently will find freedom with this title on Freedom Day!

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The Real History of Juneteenth

Elliott Smith

Juneteenth is the celebration of the day enslaved people in Texas were told they were freed--two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Explore Juneteenth's little-told history, from the first Jubilee to the making of a national holiday.

Have you ever considered what's missing from history books? In Left Out of History, explore the misunderstood and underexamined past in this engaging series. Compelling photographs and primary sources help bring previously buried history to light.



Read Woke(tm) Books are created in partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke librarian. Inspired by a belief that knowledge is power, Read Woke Books seek to amplify the voices of people of the global majority (people who are of African, Arab, Asian, and Latin American descent and identify as not white), provide information about groups that have been disenfranchised, share perspectives of people who have been underrepresented or oppressed, challenge social norms and disrupt the status quo, and encourage readers to take action in their community.

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Juneteenth

Van G. Garrett

A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas--birthplace of Juneteenth--through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.

A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year--and why they celebrate their African American history!

The poetic text includes selected lyrics from "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.

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Celebrating Juneteenth

Seth Lynch

"At its center, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom. It's a holiday that connects Black Americans with the history of enslaved people in the United States. It encourages them to come together and work toward a future where freedom means more than just not being enslaved. It means equality"--

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A Flag for Juneteenth

Kim Taylor

Expert quilter Kim Taylor shares a unique and powerful story of the celebration of the first Juneteenth, from the perspective of a young girl.

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army delivered the message that African Americans in Texas were free. Since then, Juneteenth, as the day has come to be known, has steadily gained recognition throughout the United States. ln 2020,a powerful wave of protests and demonstrations calling for racial justice and equality brought new awareness to the significance of the holiday.

A Flag for Juneteenth depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is to be made that all enslaved people are free. Young Huldah, who is preparing to celebrate her tenth birthday, can’t possibly anticipate how much her life will change that Juneteenth morning. The story follows Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag. 

Debut author and artist Kim Taylor sets this story apart by applying her skills as an expert quilter. Each of the illustrations has been lovingly hand sewn and quilted, giving the book a homespun, tactile quality that is altogether unique. 

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

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Summer Crafts Across Cultures

Megan Borgert-Spaniol

"Summer is a season of celebration! Join the fun with thirteen festive crafts that celebrate holidays from around the world. Create a hibiscus straw to commemorate Juneteenth. Braid puzzle piece friendship bracelets to mark the International Day of Friendship. It's always the season for crafting!"--

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The Night Before Freedom

Glenda Armand

This moving picture book tells the story of Juneteenth with all the care and reverence such a holiday deserves. The rhyming text and stunning illustrations will teach children about this historic day in history.

'Twas the night before freedom, and all through the South,
long-whispered rumors had, spread word of mouth.
"It’s coming! It’s coming!" I heard people say.
"Emancipation is coming our way."

Eight-year-old David and his family gather at Grandma’s house in Galveston, Texas, for a cherished family tradition: Grandma’s annual retelling of the story of Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln meant that all enslaved persons within the rebellious states would be free as of January 1, 1863. However, people in Texas did not receive the news of their emancipation until two and a half years later—on June 19, 1865. 

Grandma tells the story of anticipation, emancipation, and jubilation just as it was told to her many years before by her own grandmother, Mom Bess. As a six-year-old, Bess had experienced the very first Juneteenth. Before that day, she could only imagine what liberty would look like. But once freedom arrived, would it live up to a little girl’s dreams?

The story is written in the same meter as Clement C. Moore's The Night Before Christmas, making it a perfect book for parents and kids to read together.

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The Juneteenth Cookbook

Alliah L. Agostini

*As Featured on Oprah Daily*
*2024 Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year*
*A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL) Best Multicultural Book of 2024*

 
Celebrate Juneteenth and radiate #BlackJoy through traditional food and cultural activities.

A commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, the Juneteenth holiday has been observed in the Black community for over 150 years. In The Juneteenth Cookbook, Alliah L. Agostini, author of the popular children’s book The Juneteenth Story—which won the 2022 Black Kid Lit Award for Best Historical title—brings the tradition to your home through historically accurate recipes and educational family activities.

With captivating illustrations of 18 quick and easy recipes, follow along with little Alliah and her grandparents as they explore the historical origins of the holiday through food. Make, share, and enjoy kid-friendly takes on some of the most popular Juneteenth celebration foods, including:

  • Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches
  • Frances Price’s Calico Potato Salad
  • Saucy Pulled Chicken Sliders with Bangin’ Barbeque Sauce
  • Freedom Fizz (homemade red pop)
  • Hot Links & Chow Chow Relish
  • Corn Muffins with Hot Honey Butter
  • Mac ’n’ Please
  • Sweet Potato Pie Bars
  • And more!


All recipes use simple and accessible ingredients, which can be easily substituted for a variety of diets and preferences. Each recipe can also easily be multiplied for larger groups, and the instructions are written with families in mind so everyone from toddler to grandparent can participate in crafting the ultimate Juneteenth celebration spread! Alongside all the delicious recipes, you’ll also learn a brief history of barbeque and it’s importance to the Juneteenth holiday and Black culture in America.

Keep the celebration going with five fun and educational activity sections that include crafting projects (creating an African medallion necklace and designing your own Juneteenth gear with block printing); table and field games (playing mancala and having relay races); on-site or virtual field trips (visiting museums and historic locations or joining Juneteenth celebrations in culturally important American cities); and dancing to the music of the holiday with Alliah’s Cookout DJ 101 tutorial. These activities are perfect for families, community groups, or classes and bring elements of the road to emancipation and Juneteenth’s history to life.

Comprised of 90 percent cooking and 10 percent family and community engagement, The Juneteenth Cookbook brings kids and families a sensory-rich, hands-on exploration of this important and historic American holiday.

The Holiday Celebration series from becker&mayer! kids honors the diverse holidays and milestones that shape the cultural fabric of the United States. Though these traditions may have originated elsewhere, brought to our shores by ancestors from around the world, they have endured and evolved to weave the vibrant tapestry of American life. The series includes picture books and their companion kid-friendly cookbooks that share stories uniquely representative of the American experience—an experience that is multilayered, eclectic, inclusive, and joyfully beautiful.

Also available from the series:The Juneteenth Story, The Dia de Los Muertos Story, The Dia de Los Muertos Cookbook, and The Kwanzaa Story.

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J Is for Juneteenth

Jamariah Cross

J is for Justice. U is for Union Army.

J Is for Juneteenth was written by three young writers as part of a collaborative youth writing competition hosted by Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. By spelling out the word "Juneteenth," the authors lead young readers through a joyful and thoughtful celebration of the history of this important holiday.

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They Built Me for Freedom

Tonya Duncan Ellis

A moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas--and the origins of Juneteenth.

When people visit me, they are free--to run, play, gather, and rejoice.

They built me to remember.

On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.

In the voice and memory of the park itself--its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people--the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text and vibrant artwork, Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America--and the promise of a people to remember.

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DK Super Readers Level 2 Juneteenth

Sarah Fuentes

Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about what makes Juneteenth so special with this fun-filled nonfiction reader, carefully leveled to help children progress.

DK Super Readers Level 2 Juneteenth will introduce kids to the events of June 19th, 1965, and how and why people celebrate on this festive day. This learn-to-read book is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading. 

DK Super Readers take children on a journey through the wonderful world of nonfiction covering topics such as: the ending of slavery in the USA, traveling back to the time of dinosaurs, learning about animals, exploring natural wonders, and more, all while developing vital nonfiction reading skills and progressing from first words to reading confidently. 

The DK Super Readers series can help your child practice reading by:

- Covering engaging, motivating, curriculum-aligned topics.
- Building knowledge while progressing Grades 2 and 3 reading skills.
- Developing subject vocabulary on topics such as inventions, inventors, and history.
- Boosting understanding and retention through comprehension quizzes.

Each title, which has been leveled using MetaMetrics®: The Lexile Framework for Reading, integrates science, geography, history, and nature topics so there's something for all children's interests. The books and online content perfectly supplement core literacy programs and are mapped to the Common Core Standards. Children will love powering up their nonfiction reading skills and becoming reading heroes. 

DK Super Readers Level 2 titles are visually engaging and expand subject knowledge and vocabulary for young readers who want to learn more about the world around them. Perfect for children ages 7 to 9 (Grades 2 and 3) who are confident readers ready for a challenge.

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Juneteenth Is

Natasha Tripplett

2024 Golden Poppy Award Winner



An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of a family and a community. 



Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another.



This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. With poignant text and vivid illustrations, Juneteenth Is offers a window and a mirror for readers, resonating with kids who will see themselves reflected in its pages and those who hope to understand experiences beyond their own.



CELEBRATES BLACK JOY: At its root, this is a story of family and community. Vibrant illustrations capture the warmth and unity of Black families and Black communities in a portrait of beautiful joy.



REMEMBERING A LEGACY: Both a story of celebration and a commemoration of freedom, this book honors a past of struggle, resilience, and triumph. It recognizes Juneteenth not just as a holiday but as a cultural legacy. An author's note also explains the significance of the color red to Juneteenth--its use as a symbol of African American endurance and the ways Black communities weave the color into modern-day celebrations through food and clothing.



BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY: Juneteenth marks an undeniable truth of American history and remains a cultural touchstone for many Black Americans, making it important for all Americans to understand. Much-needed in this time of growing representation and discussion about equity and social justice, this book is a strong resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce Black history and encourage respectful conversations.



Perfect for:

  • Anyone looking for diverse picture books
  • Teachers and librarians
  • Gift-giving for Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month, or classroom bookshelf
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Freedom Celebration: a Juneteenth Party

Angela Dalton

Gloria and her relatives celebrate Juneteenth and share the history and significance of this freedom celebration in a Level 3 I Can Read.

The Morris family celebrates Juneteenth together every year with a barbeque including red food and drinks. Gloria and Grandma Daisy explain why Juneteenth is called Freedom Day and why we celebrate this important date.

Angela Dalton's explanation of Juneteenth through the lively voice of young Gloria makes this I Can Read an accessible, engaging introduction to this national holiday. Keisha Morris's pitch-perfect illustrations of both our past and present perfectly capture this freedom celebration. This Level Three I Can Read book focuses on history and family with some complex themes and is written for early independent readers.

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Juneteenth with Yasmin

Saadia Faruqi

It's Juneteenth! Yasmin and her parents want to learn more about this holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. During a trip to a Black history museum, Yasmin is so amazed by the exhibits that she gets lost! As Yasmin looks for help, she discovers that family togetherness is an important part of celebrating Juneteenth.

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Ready to Sign: Baby Signs

Poppy Partridge

Babies have a lot to say! Help strengthen your bond and enhance communication with your little one through this delightful introduction to sign language. Each page introduces three to four first signs that will help you teach your baby to express what they are feeling and what they want. Lift the tab for a description of how to make each sign. Then read and sign the simple story. Charming pictures reinforce the meaning for your toddler. Using baby sign language helps reduce frustration for both parents and children. Parents who learn sign language alongside their baby can be more responsive to their baby's needs, which can foster a closer bond.

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Kids in the Kitchen

Rossini Perez

Kids in the Kitchen is the ultimate cooking companion for your budding little chefs!

Say hello to a world of hands-on fun that will ignite a passion for cooking and creativity in your kids. No more kitchen boredom- it's time to let their culinary imaginations run wild! Let their kitchen dreams take flight with our carefully curated healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, anddrinks that not only tantalize taste buds but also foster independence and confidence. You'll also find fun facts about different food favorites such as bagels, lemonades, chocolate, and empanadas, among much more, as well as nutritional facts, kitchen term definitions, and advice for picky eaters. 

Get ready to cultivate a new generation of confident cooks and enthusiastic eaters with our delicious and kid-friendly recipes.

 Here are some yummy examples:

  • Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Muffins: Whip up a batch of these delightful and nutritious treats that will have your little chefs beaming with pride as they conquer the art of baking.
  • Rainbow Fried Rice: Watch as your kitchen transforms into a palette of vibrant colors and flavors with this whimsical take on the classic fried rice. It's not just a meal; it's a masterpiece in the making!
  • Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas: Ignite the spirit of culinary adventure with these scrumptious, handheld delights that will have your little ones feeling like kitchen superheroes.
  • Easy One Pot Mac and Cheese: Unleash the magic of simplicity and taste with this creamy, cheesy classic that's perfect for their solo kitchen escapades.
  • Strawberry Drink Refresher: Let their creativity flow as they concoct their own refreshing and fruity beverage that's as delightful to make as it is to sip.
  • 2-Ingredient Red Velvet Cake: Unveil the secret to baking wizardry with this unbelievably easy yet stunning red velvet cake that will leave everyone in awe of their newfound kitchen skills.
  • Pear and Apple Nachos: Transform snack time into a gourmet adventure with these fruity and fun nachos that are as fun to make as they are to munch on.

Join us on a cooking journey that sparks creativity,builds confidence, and nurtures a love for cooking. Kids in the Kitchen is not just a cookbook; it's a gateway to a world of endless possibilities and unforgettable food adventures. Let the kitchen magic begin!

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Rising

Sidura Ludwig

A quiet, joyful story celebrating a Jewish mother's tradition of making challah with her child merges a lyrical text with stunning illustrations--and includes the author's favorite recipe.

Melt into the nooks and crannies of this book's unhurried pages, offering a place to rest and a pregnant pause for counting your many blessings--current and imminent! Here, a child and a mother measure, mix, knead, shape, and tuck their dough under a towel like a sleeping baby. Then, as they do every week, they wait while their dough rises, soon to be baked and gratefully shared at a Shabbat gathering with loved ones. Author Sidura Ludwig's poetic narration captures the experience of a Jewish family as they make challah--a lesson in patience, slowing down, faith, and family. Illustrator Sophia Vincent Guy brings light and warmth to the scene, from a sun-bleached, gossamer curtain to the rising steam from the bread, all rendered in delicate, decorative patterns. Whatever their background, readers will be happy to find the author's go-to recipe for challah at the end, along with a glossary and an author's note describing the personal meaning of her family's weekly ritual.

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Tierra, Tierrita / Earth, Little Earth

Jorge Argueta

“My name is Earth / but people call me Little Earth.” In the fourth installment of their award-winning Madre Tierra / Mother Earth series of trilingual picture books about the natural world, Jorge Argueta and Felipe Ugalde Alcantara collaborate again to introduce Mother Earth, who is “full of all the colors / and all the flavors.” She is the mother of water, fire, wind and earth. Some call her planet, others nature or creation. “I am Mother Earth / a globe spinning around the sun, / creating sunrises, sunsets and nights.” She is the song of all the plants and animals, she is “dew, snow, heat,” she is life. A Junior Library Guild selection, this book about Mother Earth reflects Argueta’s indigenous roots and his appreciation for the natural world. Felipe Ugalde Alcantara’s stunning illustrations depict streams, mountains and wildlife in their habitat. Containing the English and Spanish text on each page, the entire poem appears at the end in Nahuat, the language of Argueta’s Pipil-Nahua ancestors. This is an excellent choice to encourage children to write their own poems about nature and to begin conversations about the interconnected web of life.

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Pete the Cat

Eric Litwin

Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as we steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries and other big messes! But no matter what color his shoes are are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good.

Ages: 3 - 7

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The Wishing Flower

A.J. Irving

An LGBTQ-inclusive story about understanding your peers, your feelings, and yourself, The Wishing Flower is a love letter to longing, belonging, and longing to belong.

Birdie finds comfort in nature and books, but more than anything she longs for connection, to be understood. At school, Birdie feels like an outsider. Quiet and shy, she prefers to read by herself, rather than jump rope or swing with the other kids. That all changes when Sunny, the new girl, comes along. Like Birdie, Sunny has a nature name. She also likes to read, and loves to rescue bugs. And when Sunny smiles at her, Birdie’s heart balloons like a parachute.

From the acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, with stunning illustrations by Kip Alizadeh, this book will inspire readers to honor their wishes and show the world their truest selves.

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Ruby's Tools for Making Friends

Apryl Stott

A little fox uses tools to overcome anxiety and make friends at her new school in this heartfelt picture book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light!

It’s Ruby the fox’s first day at a new school. She’s a little nervous, but luckily, she has her tools to help: a tape measure to count her breaths if she feels overwhelmed, pliers to remind her to be flexible, and safety goggles to see things in a new way.

When Ruby finds out her class is having an egg drop competition, she wants to share her ideas, but she feels shy surrounded by all her talkative classmates. Can she use her tools to find the confidence to speak up, and maybe even make some new friends?

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Daddy Dressed Me

Michael Gardner

Celebrate the creative and empowering bond between a father and his daughter in this picture book that “exudes creativity, joy, and daddy-daughter love” (Kirkus Reviews) from the real-life creators of the blog Daddy Dressed Me following a single dad’s sewing journey as he makes clothes to inspire his daughter.

It’s Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava is chosen to recite a poem! She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she’s confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn’t sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation.

Word by word and stitch by stitch, father and daughter work together, helping each other stand tall, proud, and confident, wrapped in love.

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The Little Book of Joy

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Nobel Peace Prize winners His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share their own childhood struggles to show young readers how they can thrive and find joy even during the most challenging times in this picture book adaptation of the international bestseller The Book of Joy.

If you just focus on the thing that is making you sad, then the sadness is all you see. But if you look around, you will see that joy is everywhere.
 
In their only collaboration for children, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu use their childhood stories to show young people how to find joy even in hard times and why sharing joy with others makes it grow. The two spiritual masters tell a simple story, vibrantly brought to life by bestselling illustrator Rafael López, of how every child has joy inside them, even when it sometimes hides, and how we can find it, keep it close, and grow it by sharing it with the world.
 
Sprung from the friendship, humor, and deep affection between these holy men, the book is a perfectly timed and important gift from two revered spiritual leaders to children. It is a reminder that joy is abundant—no matter what challenges we face—and has the power to transform the world around us even in the darkest of times.

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Yasmin the Director

Saadia Faruqi

Cut! Yasmin's class is putting on a play, and her job as director is turning out to be harder than she thought. The actors aren't happy, and Yasmin is quickly losing control. Then Yasmin realizes the director is in charge, so she directs some big changes to the save the play! Best-selling author Saadia Faruqi shares another delightful story featuring Yasmin and her multigenerational Pakistani American family.

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Mara Hears in Style

Terri Clemmons

Mara takes on the world with her flashy purple hearing aids and sassy, hot pink earmolds.

Mara's first day at her new school is filled with ups and downs surrounding her hearing aids: her teacher doesn't remember to turn on her microphone, the lunchroom is too chaotic for lip-reading, and she keeps reading the same question over and over on her classmates' lips: "What's in her ears?" After a morning spent navigating these challenges, Mara makes a connection on the playground and finds that her hearing aid superpowers are perfect for making new friends.

Accessible and engaging, Mara Hears in Style will encourage readers to respect hearing differences and inspire kids who worry about making new friends. The book is filled with American Sign Language depictions--including a full alphabet spread--so readers can sign alongside Mara as they discover new ways to bridge communication gaps in their own communities.

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Piper Chen Sings

Phillipa Soo

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An empowering story about a girl who turns her performance jitters into confidence when faced with singing a solo at her school concert. Inspired by the childhood experience of award-winning actress Phillipa Soo who originated the role of Eliza in HamiltonPiper Chen loves nothing more than to sing. She sings to the sun, and she sings to the moon. She sings to her stuffed animals and with the birds outside her window. So, when her music teacher asks if Piper would like to sing a solo in her school’s Spring Sing, all she can say is “yes!” But as practice continues, doubt and worry creep in and Piper’s confidence wavers. She feels like butterflies are having a dance party in her belly. At home, Piper finds Nai Nai, her grandmother, at the piano. They’ve always shared a love of music, and Piper knows if anyone can help her through the unsettling feeling in her stomach and to shine her brightest at the Spring Concert, it’s Nai Nai.

First time picture book writers and sisters-in-law, Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran along with acclaimed illustrator Qin Leng have created a cheerful intergenerational and stunning story that inspires confidence in the face of nervousness

 

 

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Eva for President: a Branches Book (Owl Diaries #19)

Rebecca Elliott

In the next installment of this New York Times bestselling early chapter book series, Eva runs for class president!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

It's a special week at Treetop Elementary because it's time to choose a class president! Eva is excited because she loves to make choices and vote for things! But when Sue announces she's running for president, no one else steps up to run against her. So Eva makes a quick game-time decision to run for president herself! Who will win the big vote to become president of the class?

With speech bubbles, easy-to-read text, and adorable characters, this New York Times bestselling series is perfect for newly independent readers!

 

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Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level

Emily Calandrelli

#1 New York Times Best Seller

The national-bestselling, must-have science experiment series is back! MIT engineer Emily Calandrelli, host of Netflix's Emily's Wonder Lab and FOX's Xploration Outer Space, is taking curiosity to the next level with 50 big, bold, brand-new experiments that sparkle, bubble, and explode.

With this follow-up to the national bestseller Stay Curious and Keep Exploring, scientists of all ages will have a blast learning about STEAM concepts, playing, discovering spectacular Did You Know? facts, and being introduced to Who to Know, diverse biographies of rock stars in the science and technology world.

Using easy-to-find items you'll learn to think like a scientist and conduct jaw-dropping experiments, including:

 

 

 

 

  • Color-changing slimes to discover if dogs really do see the world in black and white
  • A glow-in-the-dark jellyfish to explore the science behind bioluminescence
  • An unpoppable bubble to learn about why toothpaste never dries out
  • Egg geodes to play with supersaturated liquids and crystallization
  • And more!


Get ready to explore subjects like Superhero Science, Kitchen Science Lab, and Science in Color. This latest installment of the Stay Curious and Keep Exploring series is sure to light sparks of curiosity and fuel a passion for science.

EVERYONE LOVES EMILY: Common Sense Media calls Emily Calandrelli "the science teacher we all wish we had as young kids." And Bill Nye the Science Guy celebrated the first Stay Curious book with these words: "Here are 50, count 'em, 50 home experiments you can count on. Each is a crowd, or home experimenter, pleaser. Emily wrote this book for kids of all ages, and it's full of references to women who changed the world--with science. It doesn't matter where you start--be curious; open to any page; take some notes; Emily will keep you exploring." This new volume features 50 brand-new experiments to keep the fun and learning going.


GREAT FOR SCIENCE FAIR & HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM: A must-have for parents and homeschool educators! Colorful illustrations accompany every experiment, along with instructions and materials you'll need to get started, sections to record notes, and real-life examples connecting your STEAM experiment to the world around you. There are also fascinating facts about important people to know in science history.


GIFT FOR SCIENCE KIDS & NON-SCIENCE KIDS: With experiments that use supplies that can be easily found at home or online, this book makes a fantastic gift for parents, kids, clubs, schools, and teachers for events from playdates and birthday parties to rainy-day indoor activities.


Perfect for:

 

 

 

  • Fans of Emily's Wonder Lab, Emily Calandrelli and her social media channels, and Stay Curious and Keep Exploring looking for their next experiment book
  • Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers looking for engaging activities and STEAM projects for kids ages 5-12
  • Birthday, graduation, holiday, or summer activity gift for kids and families interested in science and encouraging STEAM learning
  • Classroom guide or gift for teachers
  • Readers of The Daring Book for Girls, The Dangerous Book for Boys, Geek Dad, and Awesome Science Experiments for Kids
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All is Nat Lost

Maria Scrivan

The fifth book in the New York Times bestselling series that began with Nat Enough!

 

Nat's class trip is a bigger adventure than she imagined!

 

Nat is on an overnight class trip to Philadelphia, which is her first time in a big city without her parents. And it's a big deal because Nat's mom and dad are finally giving her the independence she's been longing for. But the trip is off to a bad start -- with one disaster after another -- and if things keep up, Nat's on track to lose her newfound freedom for good!

 

Can she turn things around in time, or will her first chance with liberty be her last?

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Emergency Quarters

Carlos Matias

Author Carlos Matias and Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator Gracey Zhang deliver a stunning picture book based on a finalist in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary "Best of the Year," about a young boy in the city who tries his best to avoid spending his precious quarters on tempting local treats in case of an "emergency." A poignant, playful tale for fans of Matt de La Peña, Antwan Eady, and Jacqueline Woodson.

 

 

Ernesto has waited his whoooole life to become a niño grande. A big boy. Now he's finally old enough to walk the six blocks to school without his parents.

Every morning, his mom hands him a shiny new quarter and reminds him they're for emergencies. If Ernesto needs her, she's only a pay phone call away. But each day reveals a tempting new treat to enjoy with his friends: crisp packs of baseball cards, arcade games, hot tamales, and fresh juices! Ernesto has the coins jingling in his pocket, so how will he choose to spend them

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Swim School: A Bluey Storybook

Penguin Young Readers Licenses

Go to swim school with Bluey and her family in this fun storybook based on the successful animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+

Bluey and her family are playing Swim School! But their swimming lessons are proving to be difficult. Can Mum, Dad, and Bingo pass without dobbing on each other? Read along to find out!

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S Is for Sea Glass

Richard Michelson

The tickle of sand on the bottom of bare feet... the taste of salt from a spray of water... the rumble-roar as waves come ashore. These are just a few of the many sensory experiences a day at the beach can bring. S is for Sea Glass: A Beach Alphabet uses a variety of poetry forms such as free verse, haiku, and ode in this celebration of the beach and seaside life. From a walk down the boardwalk to collecting sea glass to imagining the life of a shell's former occupant, poet Richard Michelson reminds beach-lovers of all ages the many reasons why we're drawn to the shore.

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If You Plant a Seed

Kadir Nelson

Kadir Nelson, acclaimed author of Baby Bear and winner of the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Awards, presents a resonant, gently humorous story about the power of even the smallest acts and the rewards of compassion and generosity.

With spare text and breathtaking oil paintings, If You Plant a Seed demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.

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Beach Day

Karen Roosa

In this charming picture book, a cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. Buoyant verse just right for reading aloud and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch of fried chicken and deviled eggs. This book is a captivating introduction to the beach for young children and an irresistible gift for beach lovers of any age.

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Summer Song

Kevin Henkes

"A vibrant and sophisticated ode to nature." --Kirkus (starred review)

From Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes and acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, the bestselling and award-winning creators of Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and In the Middle of Fall, this book about summer celebrates the sights, sounds, and smells of the season.

Bees buzz, birds sing, and children roll in the grass and feel the heat of the summer sun. With striking verbal imagery, repetition, and alliteration, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts of language and the summer season. Laura Dronzek's glowing paintings beautifully illustrate the wonders of summer.

In the Middle of Fall, Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and Summer Song make for a beautiful quartet of seasonal-theme picture books to share at home or in the classroom. Ideal for introducing the season, for story time, and for bedtime reading.

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Summer Color!

Diana Murray

A celebration of the wonder and colors of every child's favorite season--summer!

In this celebration of the outdoors, two rambunctious children take off on an adventure from their own backyard. In each new scene they discover the wondrous details--and beautiful colors--of nature. Even when a little summer rain threatens to dampen their grand adventure, the fun continues as woodland scenes come to life in a whole new way.

Diana Murray's spirited verse paired with Zoe Persico's charming illustrations hits a wonderful balance of sophisticated and sweet, with details that young children will immediately relate to and layered verse that will enchant readers of all ages.

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Our Pool

Lucy Ruth Cummins

On a hot day, people come from all over the city to spend the day at the pool in this joyful picture book that’s a love song to summer, the city, community, and staying cool!

Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family. Kids and grandparents. Big bodies and small bodies. Everybody is welcome at our pool! Get ready for swimming and splashing, zigzagging and dunking, and racing and laughing.

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Together We Swim

Valerie Bolling

A joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son's relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first swimming lessons.

Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom's steady arms there's no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family's cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.

Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite!

VIBRANT & JOYFUL: Rhythmic text paired with dynamically illustrated kicks, flutters, and splashes against a palette of deep blue create a bright portrait that is both encouraging and warm for any child learning to swim.

A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR NEW SWIMMERS: The perfect book for any child facing nervous excitement or trepidation about learning to swim!

THE JOY OF A FIRST SWIM LESSON: Who can forget the first time they learned how to swim? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to swim.

A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story time in any household.

PERFECT GIFT FOR MOM: If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift or a birthday gift for mom, look no further! She will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!

Perfect for:

  • Mother's Day gift giving
  • Going-to-the-pool book for little ones approaching the big milestone of learning to swim
  • Parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for books about swimming for kids
  • Teachers, educators, and librarians
  • Readers who enjoyed Jabari Jumps, Llama Llama Learns to Swim, and Hair Love
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Jabari Jumps

Gaia Cornwall

“This simple and sincere tale of working up courage to face fears makes quite a splash.” — Kirkus Reviews

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

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Jump In!

Shadra Strickland

This bright, joyful picture book celebrates a community at play!

It's a sunny spring day, and the tic tac tic tac sound of jump ropes hitting the ground floats through the wind.

"Jump in!"

Everyone lines up for a turn. The Delancy twins, double dutch divas. Leroy Jones with the hip-hop tricks. Even Ms. Mabel, showing the youngstas how it's done. And after a day of fun, when the street lights start to flicker, it's time to . . . jump out!

With a bold graphic style, read-aloud enhancing gatefolds, and an exuberance that leaps off the page, acclaimed artist Shadra Strickland's author/illustrator debut will make readers of all ages get up on their feet!

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A Place Called America

Jennifer Thermes

Through the lens of the land that has come to be known as America, award-winning picture book creator Jennifer Thermes captures centuries of history.



A Place Called America takes the long view of the land's history, from its earliest formation and inhabitants up through today, and challenges its readers to think critically about the stories we tend to take for granted about our own history. Meet those indigenous to the deserts, prairies, forests, and shores of the land called Turtle Island and their relatives whose ideas formed the basis of the Constitution and who contributed in unique ways to World War II and more. Meet immigrant communities who came to the land from all around the world--at different times and against all odds, even with staunch United States immigration policies. And meet enslaved ancestors who were brought to the land against their will and whose labor and experience changed the story forever.



Expert picture book maker Jennifer Thermes deftly weaves the threads of these communities' narratives together, giving each the spotlight they deserve and using the land itself as a unifying lens. Illustrated with colorful, dazzling maps, A Place Called America is a visual delight. It is an info-packed read, with sidebars, an author's note, and a timeline supplementing the accessible text.

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Deadliest Animals on the Planet

National Geographic Kids

Kids love the Cutest Animals on the Planet, so for daring readers, the animal kingdom's fiercest, fastest, and most dangerous creatures are sure to thrill!

But don't be fooled. Even tiny animals like cute little jewel-toned frogs or massive, sleepy-looking, plant-eating hippos can pack a deadly punch. Earth's oceans, forests, grasslands, deserts, and even cities are home to a wide variety of amazing animals with crazy-cool slaying skills that help them hunt for food and defend themselves. In this lively and browsable book, readers find out where these impressive creatures live, what makes them tick, how they beat the odds in harsh habitats, and just what makes them so deadly.

Meet the Nile crocodile and learn about its astonishing bite force. Discover the elephant seal's deafening roar. Explore how the jaguar's speed and night vision help it ambush prey. Encounter enormous harpy eagles, bone-crushing snakes, venomous spiders, and more. Jaw-dropping photos and surprising facts bring readers up close and personal to the world's most fearsome--and fascinating!--animals.

Like Cutest Animals on the Planet, the previous book in this new series, this often humorous, snackable content provides great entry points for readers of all levels and lots of fascinating facts to share with friends and family.

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Food Network Magazine The Recipe-A-Day Kids Cookbook

Food Network Magazine

A recipe a day keeps the boredom away in this kids cookbook full of fun activities and 365 sweet and savory treats from the Food Network Kitchen!

Make every day special with an easy and exciting recipe, whether it’s the first day of school, a big birthday, or just a lazy Sunday.

Kids will flip through this book to find a great idea for every day of the year, starting today, including:

 

  • 365 sweet and savory recipes and photos—one for every day of the year!
  • Holiday cookies and gifts (like doughnut snowmen)
  • Easy food crafts (some use ready-made shortcut ingredients!)
  • Fake-out snacks (ice cream sandwiches that look like mini burgers)
  • Cupcake decorating (flower cupcakes made with snipped marshmallows for petals)
  • Cute bites for April Fool’s Day, Earth Day—and leapfrog cookies for Leap Year!
  • Fun food trivia throughout


It makes an excellent boredom-buster and summer activity book for kids and families or a perfect gift for kids who love to cook!

What’s your birthday? Anyone who picks up this book will turn straight to that date to see which treat falls on their special day! Perhaps it’s the miniature chicken and waffles, or homemade chocolate lollipops, or even a giant pretzel!

Of course, all the big holidays are represented, too—like flag tarts for the Fourth of July or banana mummies for Halloween. And we never miss an excuse to celebrate historic events: You can make star cookies on the day Pluto was discovered.

An easy cookbook for beginners, all the recipes and food crafts were tested in the Food Network Kitchen, so they’re sure to come out perfect every time.

 

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Bunny Should Be Sleeping

Amy Hest

Bunny can’t sleep because Dad forgot to check on him, so he sets out to check on Dad.

Bunny should be sleeping, but instead, he is waiting for Dad to come check on him. Dad always checks on him, but tonight, Dad is late.

Soon Dad will come. He will come in the night
to check on his little Bunny. Come on, Dad!
Check on me, check on me, check on me!

Bunny can’t wait anymore— he needs his dad! Slipping out of bed, Bunny packs a wagon of everything Dad might need: some water, a blanket, a snack, and their favorite book to share. Down the hall and through the dark, Bunny finds Dad fast asleep, oblivious to all the supplies Bunny offers him.

At last, Bunny resorts to a tap on the nose to wake Dad up. Dad checks on Bunny, and Bunny checks on Dad, who is happy to see him, if still groggy. They read their special book, and all is right with the world again.

Bestselling author Amy Hest teams up with Renata Liwska, illustrator of Deborah Underwood’s The Quiet Book, for a bedtime book as adorable and warm as two sleepy bunnies. Sure to soothe children dubious about staying in their rooms alone at night, Bunny Should Be Sleeping reminds young readers that they are safe and loved even when the house is dark and quiet.

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Watch Me Throw the Ball! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

Mo Willems

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Watch Me Throw the Ball!, Gerald is determined to teach Piggie that ball-throwing is serious business... but Piggie is just as determined to have serious fun.

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Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!

Kelly Starling Lyons

A 2021 Geisel Honor Book

Ty can't wait to ride his brand-new scooter at the park. Other kids zip and zoom by like race cars, but all Ty can do is wobble Ty wants to give up, but a new friend helps Ty give it another try.

Celebrate imagination and the power of persistence in Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom by the acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata.

With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this Guided Reading Level I and My First series I Can Read is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

A Chicago Public Library Best Fiction Book for Young Readers 2020 * Listed as one of 2021 Here Wee Read Ultimate Diverse Children's Book * Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate

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Meet Yasmin!

Saadia Faruqi

Meet Yasmin! Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.

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Uni and the 100 Treasures

Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Uni the Unicorn for early readers! This exciting Step 2 Reader centers on the treasure of friendship and the 100th day of school!

Tomorrow is the little girl's 100th day of school! Uni's best friend needs to bring in one hundred special treasures, but she runs out of things to collect. It's up to Uni the Unicorn to help with the treasure hunt by exploring the wonders of nature all around them--with a touch of sparkly unicorn magic along the way!

Fans of the picture books and early readers, as well as new Uni fans, will be excited to join this bighearted unicorn on a new adventure that teaches friendship is the greatest treasure of all.

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Look for all the Uni stories, including:
Uni the Unicorn Bakes a Cake
Uni the Unicorn Goes to School
Uni's First Sleepover
and more!

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The Glitter Bug

Rebecca Elliott

Bo and the unicorns of Sparklegrove Forest can't stop sneezing glitter in this early chapter book from the New York Times bestselling author of Owl Diaries!

 

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In this ninth book in the USA Today bestselling Unicorn Diaries series, unicorn Bo Tinseltail and friends get sick with a cold and can't stop sneezing glitter! So their teacher invites a friendly kitsune named Dr. Cloudberry to the forest. Kitsunes are magical creatures known to have special healing powers. Will this kitsune be able to help the unicorns find the perfect cure for the Glitter Bug? With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of smiles, your young reader won't be able to put this book down!

 

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Heroes

Alan Gratz

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller!

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee, Ground Zero, and Two Degrees comes this heart-pounding, inventive, and powerful new novel about the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor... as only Alan Gratz can tell it!

 

December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley have it good. With their dads stationed at the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii, the boys get to soak up the sunshine while writing and drawing their own comic books. World War II might be raging overseas, but so far America has stayed out of the fight. There's nothing to fear, right?

December 7th, 1941: Everything implodes.

Frank and Stanley are touring a battleship when Japanese planes zoom overhead, dropping bomb after bomb. As explosions roar and sailors screa, Frank and Stanley realize the unthinkable is happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them.

Frantically, the boys struggle to find safety. But disaster and danger are everywhere--from torpedoes underwater to bullets on the beach... to the shocking cruelty that their friends and neightbors show Stanely. Because his mom is Japanese-American, Stanely is suddenly seen as the "enemy." And Frank, who is white, cannot begin to understand what his friend is now facing.

If the boys make it through this infamous day, can their friendship--and their dreams--survive? Or has everything they know been destroyed?

Told with the immediacy, high-stakes action, and inventive storytelling that make Alan Gratz (Refugee, Ground Zero) one of today's biggest authors, this riveting look at the attack on Pearl Harbor explores themes of prejudice, power, and what it truly means to be a hero.

Plus: The book ends with an all-original, 10-page black & white comic that brings to life the comic book idea that Frank and Stanley brainstorm in the novel. The comic is written by Alan Gratz and illustrated by Judit Tondora.

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Diper Överlöde (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 17)

Jeff Kinney

In Diper Överlöde, book 17 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley is finding out that the road to fame and glory comes with some hard knocks.



When he decides to tag along with his brother Rodrick's band, Löded Diper, Greg doesn't realize what he's getting into. But he soon learns that late nights, unpaid gigs, fighting between band members, and money troubles are all part of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle.



Can Greg help Löded Diper become the legends they think they are? Or will too much time with Rodrick's band be a diper överlöde?

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Science Comics: Solar System

Rosemary Mosco

With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects.

In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth's nearest neighbors—Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice, and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill, and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System—and beyond!

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Leon the Extraordinary

Jamar Nicholas

Leon is an ordinary kid who becomes extraordinary when he fights a supervillain to save his school!

"Leon is a superhero, whose powers are kindness and common sense. It's a really good book about a really good kid!" -- Jerry Craft, author and illustrator of New Kid

"A heartfelt and hilarious hero's journey. LEON is super!" -- Lincoln Peirce, author and illustrator of Big Nate

 

In the city where Leon lives, superheroes -- and supervillains -- are commonplace. So how does an ordinary kid like Leon, who has no superpowers himself, become the superhero he wants to be? When all his classmates suddenly become obsessed with a new phone app that turns them into zombies, Leon gets his chance to prove that using his brain and following his heart can save the day.

Equal parts New Kid and The Incredibles, the first graphic novel in this action-packed, heartfelt, and joyously funny series by Jamar Nicholas reminds readers that when it comes to being a hero, you just need to believe in yourself.

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Mayor Good Boy Turns Bad

Dave Scheidt

Goodbye politics! Goodbye stardom! Mayor Good Boy is turning over a new leaf and this time...he's going BAD! Maybe even...bad to the bone.

Mayor Good Boy might not be as GOOD as the town of Greenwood thought. In fact, it turns out that Abby and Aaron's favorite very good boy might actually have been...A BAD BOY this whole time?!

Everyone's favorite dog mayor is back in this hilarious graphic novel series featuring all-new hijinx and all-new fun!

"Mayor Good Boy will make you sit, stay, and roll over with laughter!" -- John Patrick Green, creator of the New York Times bestselling InvestiGators series

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