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Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous Peoples and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public.

*Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL a recommendation.*

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The Trickster in the Vase (The Osagie Twins #1)

2024

by Sophia Ezomoghene and Sanjay Charlton

“Twins Eddie and Nosa Osagie have one golden rule: NEVER enter Baba’s study when he’s not home. But when Grandpa Sunny’s birthday party beckons, their curiosity gets the best of them. All they want is to play soccer with the mysterious ball in the study. Sneaking through the office seemed harmless… until they knocked over a dusty bronze vase, releasing the mischievous trickster spirit, Eshu! Chaos ensues as Eshu wreaks havoc throughout the neighborhood. Now, Eddie and Nosa are on a mission to track down the trickster, end his pranks, and secretly return him to the vase in the office. Can they defeat Eshu before Grandpa Sunny’s guests arrive? Or will Baba uncover their secret snooping?” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity Folklore

Dan Auta: An African Tale

2022

by Elisa Amado, José Ortega y Gasset and Piet Grobler

“When Sarra’s parents die, they leave her with an important warning: never let Dan Auta, her little brother, cry. But Dan Auta loves to make trouble. He hitches a ride on the back of a bird, pokes the eye of the king’s son, and even pees on the king’s head. Making sure he doesn’t cry is much harder than Sarra thought! But Dan Auta’s unbridled curiosity and determination may be exactly what everyone needs: a terrible monster called the Dodo is attacking the city… and Dan Auta is the only one with the courage to take him on.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity Folklore

We Don’t Swim Here

2023

by Vincent Tirado

“Bronwyn is only supposed to be in rural Hillwoods for a year. Her grandmother is in hospice, and her father needs to get her affairs in order. And they’re all meant to make some final memories together. Except Bronwyn is miserable. Her grandmother is dying, everyone is standoffish, and she can’t even go swimming. All she hears are warnings about going in the water, despite a gorgeous lake. And a pool at the abandoned rec center. And another in the high school basement. Anais tries her hardest to protect Bronwyn from the shadows of Hillwoods. She follows her own rituals to avoid any unnecessary attention—and if she can just get Bronwyn to stop asking questions, she can protect her too. The less Bronwyn pays attention to Hillwoods, the less Hillwoods will pay attention to Bronwyn. She doesn’t get that the lore is, well, truth. History. Pain. The living aren’t the only ones who seek retribution when they’re wronged. But when Bronwyn does more exploring than she should, they are both in for danger they couldn’t expect.” — publisher

Cross Group Folklore

The Lion’s Whisker: Sister and Brother Take on a Challenge Together

2023

by Rebecca Sheir and Nikita Abuya

“Courage, collaboration, patience, and sibling love prevail in this folktale with its roots in the Ethiopian tradition. The Lion’s Whisker tells the story of Brother and Sister who are constantly arguing. When Grandmother sends them on a dangerous mission to pluck a lion’s whisker for her magical potion, the siblings learn valuable lessons about the strength gained by working together, being brave, and showing patience and understanding for others. This classic folktale is brought to life for today’s kids by Rebecca Sheir—creator and host of the award-winning Circle Round storytelling podcast­—with the vibrant and modern folk art of Kenyan illustrator Nikita Abuya. Once kids and families have read The Lion’s Whisker, resources in the back prompt further exploration of the tale, with conversation questions and creative storytelling prompts and activities.”– publisher

Folklore

The Day Santa Stopped Believing In Harold

2020

by Maureen Fergus and Cale Atkinson

“A hilarious send-up of every kid’s moment of Santa doubt. Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn’t think he’s real. He WANTS to believe in Harold—after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas. Getting Harold’s letters, eating the cookies he leaves out, feeding his carrots to the reindeer…what would Christmas be without that? But Santa’s just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold’s not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different. Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists…with hilarious consequences.” — publisher

Any Child/Teen Folklore

Sing a Song

2019

by Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett

“In Jacksonville, Florida, two brothers, one of them the principal of a segregated, all-black school, wrote the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” so his students could sing it for a tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 1900. From that moment on, the song has provided inspiration and solace for generations of Black families. Mothers and fathers passed it on to their children who sang it to their children and grandchildren. Known as the Black National Anthem, it has been sung during major moments of the Civil Rights Movement and at family gatherings and college graduations.” –publisher

Centering Culture & Identity Folklore Oppression & Resilience

Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone

1991

by Fiona French

This delightful trickster tale based on characters from traditional Caribbean and West African folk-tales is brought to vivid life with vibrant illustrations. Poor Anancy and rich Mr Dry-Bone both want to marry Miss Louise, but she wants to marry the man who can make her laugh. She does not laugh at Mr Dry-Bone’s conjuring tricks and acrobatics so Anancy decides to ask the animals for help in winning her over. — publisher

Folklore

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