Multi-Racial Cast of Characters Archives

A Grand Day

2022

"Celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren with this charming picture book with stunning diorama illustrations. Whether planting a garden, having a picnic, or baking, any day spent together is sure to be grand. Follow all kinds of family configurations as grandparents and grandchildren celebrate togetherness: baking, exploring, gardening, and all of life’s joyful moments. This rhyming, warmhearted picture book captures the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren in every kind of family! Jean Reidy is the beloved and bestselling author of Truman and Sylvie. Here she joins forces with artist and craftswoman extraordinaire Samantha Cotterill, who brings this delightful story to life with her signature diorama-style illustrations." -- publisher

All Year Round

2022

by Harriet Evans and Emily Hamilton

"From the days of the week, to the seasons, to the pages of the calendar, how we measure time is explained and explored with lively illustrations and a charming text filled with prompts and space to write your own calendar of special days." -- publisher

Blue

2022

by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond and Daniel Minter

"Discover a world of creativity and tradition in this fascinating picture book that explores the history and cultural significance of the color blue. From a critically acclaimed author and an award-winning illustrator comes a vivid, gorgeous book for readers of all ages. For centuries, blue powders and dyes were some of the most sought-after materials in the world. Ancient Afghan painters ground mass quantities of sapphire rocks to use for their paints, while snails were harvested in Eurasia for the tiny amounts of blue that their bodies would release. And then there was indigo, which was so valuable that American plantations grew it as a cash crop on the backs of African slaves. It wasn't until 1905, when Adolf von Baeyer created a chemical blue dye, that blue could be used for anything and everything--most notably that uniform of workers everywhere, blue jeans. With stunning illustrations by Caldecott Honor Artist Daniel Minter, this vibrant and fascinating picture book follows one color's journey through time and across the world, as it becomes the blue we know today." -- publisher

Bright Brown Baby

2022

by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

"A rhythmic, whimsically illustrated celebration of Black and brown babies and the joy, tender moments, and boundless love shared between children and their caregivers, from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. Cuddle up with your little one, read aloud, and REPEAT: This gorgeous picture book treasury is sure to become your favorite storytime anthem. Dive into these five beautiful poems that celebrate the tender, cozy, early days between parent and child, and the exuberant joy of watching a brand-new life take shape. Warm, winsome, and welcoming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney exude joy and love on every page. Bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney rolls off the tongue and begs to be read aloud, in these poems that include "Count to Love," "Hey, Baby Girl!," and "Baby Boy, You are a Star." A celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families, this beautiful picture book treasury is the perfect gift item, bookshelf staple, and long-lasting classic in the making. Just right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more, this book is sure to be treasured for years to come." -- publisher

Every Body is a Rainbow

2022

by Caroline PsyD Carter and Mathias Ball

"Every child has an amazing body that is all their own! Each one is a unique shape, size, and color and has a unique mix of parts, identities, and expressions. Every Body is a Rainbow: A Kid’s Guide to Bodies Across the Gender Spectrum celebrates the vast rainbow of bodies and identities—from non-binary, to intersex, to multiple genders and expressions—and shows readers that everybody is beautifully diverse and has value. This book is for kids and families of ALL genders, abilities, and expressions who want to understand themselves and learn more about the amazing bodies across the gender spectrum!" -- publisher

Free at Last

2022

by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and Alex Bostic

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

Holidays & Celebrations

2022

by Carron Brown and Ipek Konak

"Hold a light behind the innovative see-through pages to take a glimpse behind the scenes of some of the world's most wonderful festivals, holidays, and celebrations." -- publisher

I Love You Because I Love You

2022

by Muon Thi Van and Jessica Love

"Author Muợn Thị Văn and Stonewall Book Award–winning artist Jessica Love detail all the big and small reasons why we love the people we do within an affirming call-and-response format that features families across the spectrum. I love you because you tell the best stories. Because I love you, my best story is you. What are all the big and small reasons we love the people we do? And what does it look like when we voice it out loud? To be read aloud by one or even two people, this affirming call-and-response prose by Muợn Thị Văn and Jessica Love demonstrates that love is a dialogue. Love is complex. Love is utterly simple. This is what love looks like." -- publisher

The Juneteenth Story

2022

by Alliah L. Agostini and Sawyer Cloud

"The Juneteenth Story is an illustrated history of Juneteenth for kids, detailing its evolution from the first celebration in 1865 until it became a national holiday in 2021. With colorful illustrations and a timeline, this introductory history of Juneteenth for kids details the evolution of the holiday commemorating the date the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. On June 19, 1865—more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. That day became a day of remembrance and celebration that changed and grew from year to year. Learn about the events that led to emancipation and why it took so long for the enslaved people in Texas to hear the news. The first Juneteenth began as “Jubilee Day,” where families celebrated and learned of their new rights as citizens. As Black Texans moved to other parts of the country, they brought their traditions along with them, and Juneteenth continued to grow and develop. Today, Juneteenth’s powerful spirit has endured through the centuries to become an official holiday in the United States in 2021. The Juneteenth Story provides an accessible introduction for kids to learn about this important American holiday." -- publisher

The Meaning of Pride

2022

by Rosiee Thor and Sam Kirk

"A vibrant ode to the culture and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, The Meaning of Pride, written by Rosiee Thor and illustrated by Sam Kirk, celebrates the beauty, significance, and many dimensions of the concept of Pride as celebrated by millions of people around the world! Every year in June, we celebrate Pride! But what does Pride mean? And how do you celebrate it? This inspiring celebration of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history and today shows young readers that there are many ways to show your pride and make a difference. Whether you want to be an activist or an athlete, a poet or a politician, a designer or a drag queen, you can show your pride just by being you!" -- publisher