A hilarious rhyming picture book from award-winning educator and comedian Alvin Irby. This laugh-out-loud story follows a young boy who loves eating his boogers despite the protest of everyone he encounters. Tapping into the universal and hilariously gross behavior of children everywhere, Gross Greg invites readers to reflect on and laugh about the joys of childhood.
Retrieved from, (https://www.amazon.com/Gross-Greg-Alvin-Irby/dp/0997781807/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)

Meet Mr. IrbyAlvin Irby, a kindergarten teacher turned comedian, public speaker, social entrepreneur, and author, is Founder and Chief Reading Inspirer at Barbershop Books, an award-winning literacy program that creates child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops. His hilarious debut children’s book, Gross Greg, invites children, especially young boys of color, to laugh, be silly, and have fun while reading.
(Retrieved from, http://www.alvinirby.com/bio/)

Brian Pinkney graduated from the University of Arts in Philadelphia PA.  He earned his Masters of Arts degree in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Brian is married to Andrea Davis Pinkney.  The two of them enjoy a wonderful career in children's literature. 

Brian has written and illustrated a number of children's books.  All of his books both highlight and celebrate African American culture and it's history. Brian sometimes coauthors and illustrates children's books with his wife Andrea.

Together they have co-written and published the following: Sit In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down, Duke Ellington, Seven Candles for Kwanzaa, and Dear Benjamin Banneker .  And Many more titles.

For more details on Brian Pinkney (Click Here)

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Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song, By Andrea Davis-Pinkney, & Brian Pinkney.  Here the two authors decided to celebrate two African American legends in one book.  The book speaks to how MLK Jr. gave his famous I have A Dream speech in 1963, and how the famous singer Mahalia Jackson sang at the same occasion.  What a wonderful piece of children's literature to mark the 50th anniversary of this monumental event.  Do you think that your young readers can benefit from such a book?  Add Your Comments Below . Ages: 1-2 Grade

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Cosmo and the Robot By Brian Pinkney
This book is heavily based in science. Brian takes a little black boy whose parents are scientist and sends him to the moon.  His big sister is not to friendly to Cosmo. But Cosmo gains her respect by building a robot and saving the day.  If your children like robots you cannot go wrong with this one.  Do you like Brian Pinkneys' illustrations?  Tell me if you think  they help to tell the story? Add Your Comments Below.
Ages: 4 and up

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Max Found Two Sticks, By Brian Pinkney
Max finds a pair of twigs that the wind has blown from the trees.  He does not feel like talking to anyone as he sits alone.  Soon Max is creating beats using the branches that he found that fell from the tree.  He beats his thighs, he also creates beats to the world around him. One day  Max is the luckiest boy on earth when he sees a parade. The drummer throws Max a pair of drumsticks.  A whole new world has opened up. How would you use this book in your class?  Add your comments Below. Would you use it to introduce a topic on music.  Or would you open a discussion on sound? Ages: 3-9

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Jo Jo's Flying Side Kick, By Brian Pinkney
This story is about a little black girl named JoJo who is fearful about  taking the test for her yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do.  Her family and friends offer words of encouragement. Later JoJo listens, to the advice from her mother, and she overcomes her fears.  In the end she is successful and smashes the board with her feet to past the test.
Do you think that your young female readers would enjoy a book like this one?
Add Your Comments Below.
Ages: 4-8

(Picture Retrieved From: www.Fineartamerica.com)

Night Shift Daddy, By Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated By, Melissa Iwai
This book is a wonderful story about the quality time that a father spends with his daughter, Likewise, the father daughter bonding actually takes place during non-traditional time frames which are based on the fathers' availability due to working the night shift.  This book teaches children that spending time with dad is a beautiful event, even if it occurs at odd hours like breakfast time or bedtime when daddy tucks you in just before going to work.
Ages: 4-7

Bippity Bop Barbershop, By, Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Illustrated by, E.B. Lewis
The first trip to the barbershop is always a daunting experience for any young man. But to experience this once in a lifetime ritual with ones father is a truly a blessing.  This story details a child facing the fears of the unfamiliar sounds of the electric clippers, and the strange environment of the barber shop. But with his fathers support the story shows how a boy can handle this developmental phase of growth and development like a champ.
Ages: 3 - 6

 (Picture Retrieved From: www.Avisca.com )

In Daddy's Arms I am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers, Written & Illustrated By, Javaka Steptoe
This book is a collection of 13 poems, that are vividly illustrated through collages.  The poems are a nice reminder of how important fathers are in all of our lives.
Ages: 8 and Up

Visiting Day, By Jacqueline Woodson

While some father's reside in the home, others are incarcerated.  This book demonstrates the strong bond between father and child that not even prison walls can break. The story teaches children that father's participate in fatherhood differently in different families, however they still love their children.
Ages: 4 - 8

(Picture Retrieved From: www.cbabibayoc.com)

IF YOU HAVE A VERY SPECIAL MOM IN YOUR LIFE, IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT SHE ENCOURAGED YOU TO READ, AND THEREFORE INCREASED YOUR SELF IMAGE.

THIS MONTHS BOOKS' SELECTIONS ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE ALL OF THE CHILDREN THAT YOU CARE FOR FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ME! By, Allia Zobel Nolan
Illustrated By, Miki Sakamoto
A great book for children of all ethnic backgrounds. This book lets children love themselves for who and what they are.  The last page of this book comes with a mirror to assist the child to discover  what he or she loves about himself.
Ages: 4-7

I LIKE MYSELF, By Karen Beaumont
Illustrated, By David Catrow

"Inside, outside, upside down, from head to toe and all around, I like it all! It all is me! And me is all I want to be." Beaumont, K. (2004)  Just one of the many fun rhymes in this book designed to help children to enjoy liking everything about themselves. Although the rhymes are silly and quirky the message is very clear.  And the message is that this little girls self-esteem is                                                            unshakable no matter what you may think of her.  
                                                    Ages: 3-7

MARVELOUS ME, By Lisa Boullard
Illustrated By, Brandon Reibeling

This classic book selection meets the social studies standard of self identity. Little Alex seeks to understand what makes him Alex & you you.  He discovers what makes him happy, unhappy, and just what his favorite things are. He then discovers what makes him marvelous Alex.  Ages: 3-6

(Above photo retrieved from: http//:www.lipstickalley.com)

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Mixed Blesing: A Children's Book About A Multi-Racial Family, by Marsha Cosman, Illustrated by Kyra Kendall
A wonderful teachable story for children of all ethnic backgrounds. This literary art offers lessons on bullying, animals to count, and in addition, explains to a little boy why his skin color is different form his parents, by using animals at the zoo.  This is both a fun and engaging book for children.
Recommended: Preschool to 3rd Grade

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Black, White, Just Right! By, Marguerite W. Davol, Illustrated by Irene Trivas
This book is more about the perceptions of one daughters ideas of being a child of bi-racial parents. It is not a traditional story, but more a presentation of this little girls bi-racial family experience.  The following is an excerpt from the book. "-a face that's ``a little dark, a little light,'' somewhere between Mama's ``chestnut brown'' and Papa's fair skin; hair that's ``halfway in-between"
Ages: 6- 9

Black is Brown is Tan, by Arnold Adoff, Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Please note that this book is intended as a poem, and may not read smoothly otherwise. Also the book was written 30 years ago. While it remains a classic, some love it for describing their family characteristics, and some find it to be stereotypical,ie; cooking chicken, etc.
Be your own judge and know that the book will point out the differences of being part of a Bi-racial family from this authors personal point of view.
Ages: 4-8 years old.

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GIANT STEPS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee. Illustrated by Sean Qualls
Spike Lee And his wife Tonya worked together on this book to create a story about "Inspiration".  The Book uses it's platform to highlight the achievements of great Black Americans of the past, and ask the youth of today what are you going to do fill the shoes that are left behind.

A great motivational book that can lead to wonderful discussion.
AGES: 5 and Up

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PLEASE BABY PLEASE, by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

This book is a must have.  But be careful any two year old is going to fall in love with this book, and want you to read it to him or her over and over again.

In addition, the illustrations captivate the young reader as they are so vibrant, and full of expression.  The book follows the everyday adventures of a toddler, and the parents plead with the youngster, "please baby please" to do the right thing. 
AGES: 2 and up.

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PLEASE, PUPPY, PLEASE by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by, Kadir Nelson
This story although not as captivating as the previous book, will thrill dog lovers, and any child who thinks he or she  wants a puppy. 
The book involves a little girl and boy who discover that puppies are not the most well behaved little animals.  Likewise, the children enjoy the puppy in his adventures, and are constantly pleading with the puppy, "Please Puppy Please"

AGES: 2 through 1st grade

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SPIKE LEE: ON HIS OWN TERMS, by Melissa McDaniel
This title is for your school age children. This one is perfect for a Book Report. It looks at the controversial Spike Lees' life as a Director, Writer, and Promoter.  There are lots of photo's, some are from his films.  Most are in Black & White.

Spike Lee, Love Him or Hate Him, but he's still a talented guy.

AGES: 9 and up, Grade: 4

(Cover photo Retrieved from:http://blackthreadsinkidslit.blogspot.com/2013/01/coretta-scott-king-awards-statistics.html)

Charlie Parker, was a famous jazz musician.  He played the Alto saxophone.  Check out the wonderful Picture book &  Digital video below by, Chris Raschka.

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Charlie Parker Plays Be Bop,
By Chris Raschka

This book is a wonderful tribute to Charlie Parker and his influence on jazz music. This is a great way to introduce the history of Jazz to your learners.

Ages: 2 - 7

Download This Helpful Video To Accompany The Book Shown Above. Enjoy !

A Picture Book Of Harriet Tubman, By David A. Adler. Illustrated By Samuel Byrd.

This is a very good read aloud picture book for your preschool program. It chronicles Harriet Tubmans' life from birth to her role as leader of the underground railroad.
Ages: Kindergarten to 5th grade

If A Bus Could Talk: The Story Of Rosa Parks.By Faith Ringgold

This children's book approaches the historical event of the Rosa Parks story, by narrating it from the perspective of the bus, hence its name; "If A Bus Could Talk". This one will engage learners, and they will also both learn and enjoy the story of Rosa Parks.
Ages: Pre-K to 3rd Grade

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Poetry For Young People: Langston Hughes,
Edited by, David R. & Arnold R., Illustrated by B Andrews.
This book will probably be your best opportunity to give your learners a vivid portrait of African American culture.  As no one can paint a mental picture as well as Langston Hughes.  He is a master at poetry and no one teaches the African American experience through words better than Langston Hughes. An Excellent choice for Black History Month.


Ages: 5 and up.

(Cover photo Retrieved from:http://blackthreadsinkidslit.blogspot.com/2013/01/coretta-scott-king-awards-statistics.html)

LET'S BEGIN THE YEAR 2013 WITH FUN FAIRY TALES THAT EVERYONE LOVES.












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Jump At The Sun: Goldilocks and Three Bears
by, John Kurtz
This classic fairy tale is told with a delightful twist at the end, where Goldilocks learns the value of listening to an adult an taking on the responsibility of cleaning up the mess she leaves behind at the three bears home.
Ages: 3 to 7


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The Princess and The Pea,
by Rachel Isadora
This classic tale is wonderfully redone by the extremely talented Rachel Isadora who infuses her African inspired collages into her children's story books. Your children will enjoy this beautiful picture book.
Ages: 3 to 7

HAPPY READING !













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Jump At The Sun: Cinderella, by John Kurtz

This one is worth tracking down. It's the classic Cinderella story with all of the plot in tact, mean step mom , mean step sisters, except all of the characters are black. While some think the above is overkill,  this book should have a place on your book shelf as well. Besides where else are you going to find a book where the prince has cornrows.              Ages: 3 to 7            


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Little Red Riding Hood, By Jerry Pinkney

This one is not for the politically correct squeamish parents. It's the same story you and I grew up with you know the drill Red gets eaten Grandma Gets eaten, ....
Give Jerry Pinkney Credit for his magnificent watercolor drawings that are unique to his style. Also Mr. Pinkney depicts and adds a biracial family to this classic.
Not recommended for children who shy away from adventure. I recommend for mature 5 year olds and up.