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Faith’s Stress Rehearsal

by Sophia Day, Megan Johnson and Stephanie Strouse

"Faith is always full of energy and loves to say "yes" to new opportunities, but she's setting herself up for a disaster! Over- committed and stressed out, Faith must learn to prioritize, delegate, and practice self-care. Will she be able to manage the demands without breaking her commitments? Can you? Understand stress and learn to balance work and rest with our MVP Kids." -- publisher

Any Child

I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything!

2020

by Zulekah Holder-Young, Alissa Holder and Nneka Myers

"It's a new day and Ayaan has woken up on the wrong side of the bed, where nothing feels quite right. What if he doesn't know the answer at school? What if he messes up? But as he sets out that morning, all it takes is a few reminders from his mom and some friends in the neighborhood to remind him that a new day is a good day because... HE IS SMART, HE IS BLESSED, AND HE CAN DO ANYTHING!" -- Publisher

Any Child

Parker Looks Up

2019

by Jessica Curry, Parker Curry and Brittany Jackson

"When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment, in a moving picture book." -- publisher

Any Child

Paratou, the Umbrella

2021

by Marion Traoré

"Sékou, the chief’s son, returns from the market with an unusual treasure for the villagers—an umbrella! What are all the things they can do with it? This picture book from Africa will spark young readers’ imagination." -- publisher

Any Child

When My Cousins Come to Town

2021

by Angela Shanté and Keisha Morris

"A fun, lively story of Black family and cousin culture that celebrates individuality and embraces differences." -- publisher

Any Child

Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner

2021

by Angela Dalton and Jestenia Southerland

"Once a year, each of Ruby’s relatives prepares a special dish to share at their family reunion. Daddy calls it their “signature dish”—and Ruby wants one of her own. She wanders through the bustling kitchen looking for inspiration. As she watches Pop-Pop’s chicken sizzling in the skillet, Uncle G slicing onions, and Auntie Billie cooking corn on the hot grill, she wonders if she’s just too young to have a signature dish. That’s when she finds it—the perfect solution! Angela Dalton and Jestenia Southerland have created a picture book to be cherished, filled with the tenderness and warmth of a multigenerational extended family and the food they share." -- publisher

Any Child

Meet a Nurse!

2021

by Cyndy Unwin and Lisa Hunt

"Join Emma and Theo as they meet a nurse in their community! Emma and Theo were playing freeze tag in gym class when suddenly Emma couldn't catch her breath. Luckily the school nurse was on hand to help in the emergency-and to provide the ongoing care Emma needs. Share the excitement as Nurse Henry helps Emma manage her asthma-and gives the kids a first-hand look at a school nurse's job." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group Informational

Bloop

2021

by Tara Lazar and Mike Boldt

"Bloop, the little green alien, must conquer Earth, and his first step is figuring out who’s in charge. The answer? Dogs! This adorable picture book about an alien who looks like a pug is laugh-out-loud funny—and full of heart, too! In his quest to become the next Emperor of Planet XYZ, Bloop makes too many bloopers. So he’s sent to Earth to conquer that crazy planet first. Who’s in charge there? One visit to the park and Bloop knows: dogs, of course! Bloop tries to master these maddening mutts and prove that he’s top dog. But once Bloop gets a taste of the good life on Earth, what will he do when he’s summoned back to XYZ? Readers will cheer as the little puglike alien realizes the love of family makes Earth his real home." -- publisher

Any Child

I Can Help

2021

by Reem Faruqi and Mikela Prevost

"When Ms. Underwood asks if anyone wants to help Kyle, Zahra always volunteers. She loves spending time with Kyle—he’s creative and generous, and he makes the funniest jokes at lunch. But when Zahra’s other classmates start teasing her for helping him, she starts making choices she regrets. I Can Help is a gentle, sensitive portrayal of reaching out, facing peer pressure, and learning from past mistakes. With thoughtful storytelling and poignant illustrations, this book will open discussions about choosing kindness in the classroom and beyond." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

Calvin

2021

by JR Ford, Vanessa Ford and Kayla Harren

"In this joyful and impactful picture book, a transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time. Calvin has always been a boy, even if the world sees him as a girl. He knows who he is in his heart and in his mind but he hasn't yet told his family. Finally, he can wait no longer: "I'm not a girl," he tells his family. "I'm a boy--a boy in my heart and in my brain." Quick to support him, his loving family takes Calvin shopping for the swim trunks he's always wanted and back-to-school clothes and a new haircut that helps him look and feel like the boy he's always known himself to be. As the first day of school approaches, he's nervous and the "what-ifs" gather up inside him. But as his friends and teachers rally around him and he tells them his name, all his "what-ifs" begin to melt away. Inspired by the authors' own transgender child and accompanied by warm and triumphant illustrations, this authentic and personal text promotes kindness and empathy, offering a poignant and inclusive back-to-school message: all should feel safe, respected, and welcomed." -- publisher

Any Child