Staff Picks

There Was a Party for Langston
Written by Jason Reynolds, Illustrated by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey

Recommended by Rose Spector from Coral Reef Branch Library

There is a party for Langston Hughes, and you are invited. Learn about the poet known as “The King of Letters” in this lyrical storybook that won a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor.  

In There Was a Party for Langston, readers are introduced to the famous poet. As you read through the pages, you’ll learn about his writing, how he turned words into pictures, and his fight against censorship. You’ll also learn about Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka, two poets inspired by Langston. The sing-song nature of the poetry and beautiful illustrations make this a spectacular read. There Was a Party for Langston is a beautiful way to start introducing children to African American poets and authors.

Author Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestseller, recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant, a two-time Walter Dean Myers Award winner, and winner of multiple Coretta Scott King awards, among many others. His books include Ain’t Burned All the Bright and My Name Is Jason. Mine Too: Our Story. Our Way, both cowritten with Jason Griffin. His solo published novel, Long Way Down, received a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Honor. Reynolds currently lives in Washington, D.C.

Creative brothers Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey write and illustrate books for kids together. Jarrett currently lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, two sons, and two dogs. Jerome has been a graphic designer since 2016 at The Walt Disney Company. He works primarily from his home office in Georgetown, Texas where he lives with his wife and their three kids. Jarrett and Jerome’s books include The Old Truck, The Old Boat, Somewhere in the Bayou, and Creepy Things Are Scaring Me!, which they wrote and illustrated as teenagers.  (Ages 4 – 8)

Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller
Written by Breanna J. McDaniel, Illustrated by April Harrison

Recommended by Dan Jones from Naranja Branch Library

In Go Forth and Tell, author Breanna J. McDaniel tells the story of Augusta Baker – an African American children’s librarian and storyteller in New York who inspired generations of Black artists, writers, and thinkers to shift the way that Black people, and especially Black children, were depicted in children’s literature. McDaniel begins the narrative with Baker soaking up folktales and other stories from her grandmother, before realizing her own calling to pass on stories to future generations of children.

In the book, Baker saw how little children’s literature at the time featured Black people and how offensive and wrong most depictions were. She worked to change these depictions, compiling and sharing lists of quality children’s books featuring Black characters and stories, coordinating children’s services throughout the New York Public Library, and using a wide range of platforms to perform stories that encouraged and lifted Black children.

McDaniel is an excellent storyteller, writing Baker’s history in a way that is engaging, inspiring, and accessible for young people. April Harrison’s mixed-media collage of illustrations are truly beautiful and full of detail, especially the portraits of Augusta Baker and the people she touched throughout her long career. A well-told, informative love letter to a Black educator and cultural worker, Go Forth and Tell is an important read for children of all backgrounds, for Black History Month and any time of year.

Breanna J. McDaniel is an award-winning picture book author and scholar of children’s literature. Her debut book, Hands Up!, received numerous awards, and was selected as an inaugural First Novelist Honor book by the American Library Association Black Caucus and School Library Journal. Her other books include Cute Toot and Impossible Moon. She is also the co-founder of the educational conference, Researchers Exploring Inclusive Youth Literature (REIYL).

April Harrison is an artist and illustrator from South Carolina. Her first illustrated children’s book, What Is Given from The Heart by Patricia C. McKissack, won the 2020 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Illustrator. Since then, she has continued to produce artwork for children’s books, as well as for fine art galleries, broadcast media, and public collections. Her 2022 illustration work in Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love by Michelle Edwards was selected as a 2023 Coretta Scott King Honor book. (Ages 5 – 8)

For Our Daughters
Written by Mel Nyoko, Illustrated by Joelle Avelino

Recommended by Ana Barreto from Edison Center Branch Library

According to For Our Daughters, “If people say you’re not special, tell them you are like the moon, among millions of stars but shining the brightest.” For Our Daughters is a wonderful book that helps build young girls’ self-esteem. It uses creative similes to highlight each character’s unique traits and characteristics. Accentuating the impact of each girl’s voice and self-determination, For Our Daughters is a delightful and poetic reading. Using amazing imagery, it empowers daughters to realize how special they are in their own unique ways. Each figure of speech is surprisingly distinctive and unexpected. Paired with beautiful and delicate illustrations, For Our Daughters is a pleasure to share with girls.

Author Mel Nyoko is a Congolese-born British writer and poet who has performed her poetry across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Africa. She has extensively traveled to various African countries, teaching English and poetry in schools. For Our Daughters is her debut picture book. Nyoko currently lives in London.

Joelle Avelino is a Congolese and Angolan illustrator who grew up in the United Kingdom. She obtained a degree in illustration and marketing from the University of Hertfordshire. She collaborated with author Dapo Adeola in Hey You! An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black, an award-winning book, and contributed to the 25thanniversary edition of the United Kingdom’s Baroness Floella Benjamin’s classic memoir, Coming to England. (Ages 4 – 8)

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better
Written by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, Illustrated by Keith Mallett

Recommended by Ericka White Harden from Miami Springs Branch Library

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better is a heartwarming picture book that will leave kids and adults smiling from ear to ear. This delightful story introduces young readers to Augustus Jackson, a determined boy from the 1850s with a big dream of bringing joy to others and inspiring them to dream big too.

Born in Philadelphia in 1808, Jackson was a freeman but grew up poor. Even as a child, he had a knack for cooking and a desire to help his family. At just 12 years old, he left home to pursue his passion in Washington, D.C., landing a job at the White House! Through hard work and perseverance, Jackson climbed the ranks to become a cook, wowing everyone with his talent for making sweet treats like ice cream.

But his dream wasn’t done yet. He wanted everyone—not just the wealthy—to enjoy the creamy delight of ice cream. Back in Philadelphia, he opened his own ice cream parlor, reunited his family who joined him in the business, created new flavors, invented a way to make ice cream last longer by adding rock salt, and made ice cream a treat to be enjoyed by everyone.

This inspiring book is more than just a story—it’s a celebration of following your dreams, overcoming challenges, and sharing joy with the world. The recipe featured at the end of the book is the cherry on top, letting readers try their hand at making Jackson’s famous dessert. Perfect for children who love history, food, or stories about chasing your dreams, Ice Cream Man reminds us that no dream is too big if you work hard and believe in yourself.

Author Glenda Armand is a middle school librarian who taught elementary and middle school for many years. Her approach to teaching and writing has been to recognize the uniqueness of her students and readers while celebrating their similarities and shared humanity. Co-author Kim Freeman is a children's book writer in Bloomington, Indiana who enjoys writing books that inspire children to follow their dreams.

Illustrator Keith Mallett is an American painter, etcher, and ceramic artist whose subject matter ranges from figurative to abstract art.  His work has been exhibited worldwide and is featured in corporate and private collections.  He has enjoyed considerable success with numerous sold-out, limited-edition prints and was commissioned to craft the official limited-edition print commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's breakthrough into major league baseball. (Ages 4 – 8)

Black Boy, Black Boy: Celebrate the Power of YOU
Written by Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond, Illustrated by Ken Daley

Recommended by Joanna Boone from Main Library

Reminiscent of a children’s picture book that asks the question, “What do you see?,” Black Boy, Black Boy: Celebrate the Power of YOU sweeps the reader into the rhythm of a familiar preschool classic while providing so much more. It seats Black culture in the hearts, minds, and bodies of our youth. Black Boy, Black Boy: Celebrate the Power of YOU takes the reader along a path to greet familiar and unfamiliar faces of the past, offering readers the opportunity to learn about historical changemakers.  The rhythm of the book gives power to young audiences and celebrates the rich history of impactful, diverse black male leaders in a range of fields. The story can be shared easily with audiences from preschool age to elementary.

This is author Ali Kamanda’s first published children’s book with co-author Jorge Redmond. He and Redmond have since authored Black Girl, Black Girl: Celebrate the Power of YOU. Kamanda is an award-winning filmmaker and writer from Sierra Leone. Redmond is an attorney and professional writer from North Carolina.  This unique team met as friends in college and authored this story after having families of their own.

Illustrator Ken Daley’s vibrant artwork brings the reader along the path of greatness in this story.  More of his artwork is seen in Back Home: Story Time with My Father by Arlène Elizabeth Casimir, Jayden’s Impossible Garden by Mélina Mangal, and Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop by Keenan Jones. Daley is from Canada but draws much of his artistic style from his parents, who immigrated from Dominica. (Ages 3 – 7)

Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival
Written by Kat Zhang, Illustrated by Charlene Chua

Recommended by Rose Spector from Coral Reef Branch Library

Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival is a delightful and heartwarming story that celebrates family, traditions, and resilience. The Lunar New Year is Amy Wu’s favorite holiday, filled with delicious food, vibrant decorations, and the excitement of red envelopes. But what she loves most is carrying her family’s special lantern during the annual festival. This lantern isn’t just a beautiful decoration—it holds deep sentimental value, reminding Amy’s father of his mother and keeping their family traditions alive.

Disaster strikes when Amy accidentally falls and damages the precious lantern. Heartbroken and afraid that she’s ruined the festival for her family, Amy figures out how to repair the lantern and preserve the tradition. The story takes readers on an emotional and uplifting journey, blending themes of love, creativity, and the importance of both honoring and evolving family customs.

Author Kat Zhang masterfully weaves cultural elements into the narrative, introducing young readers to the traditions of the Lunar New Year, while showing how old and new traditions can coexist. Illustrator Charlene Chua’s stunning drawings bring the story to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters that capture both the joy of the celebrations and the poignancy of Amy’s dilemma.

Fans of the book will be thrilled to know that this is just one story in the Amy Wu series. Other titles include Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon, Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome, and Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance. Zhang, known for her work in children’s and middle-grade literature, draws inspiration from her Chinese heritage and upbringing in Texas. Chua adds her signature charm and detail to the book, continuing her streak of creating captivating visuals for children’s stories. Chua’s other works include The Wind Plays Tricks by Virginia Howard, Going Up! by Sherry J. Lee, and her self-authored and illustrated books Extraordinary Eloise and Hug?

Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival is a wonderful book for families and children who love learning about cultural traditions, enjoy heartfelt stories, and appreciate beautifully illustrated picture books. It’s a glowing reminder that the true essence of traditions lies in the love and connections they foster. This charming tale earns a well-deserved 5 out of 5 glowing lanterns! (Ages 4 – 8)

We Celebrate the Light 
Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Illustrated by Jieting Chen

Recommended by Ana Barreto from Edison Center Branch Library

As the days grow shorter and the nights arrive sooner, people around the world come together to celebrate the end of the year in unique yet remarkably similar ways. In this beautifully illustrated book, readers discover the common threads that connect us all, no matter the holidays we observe. Whether it’s Diwali, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, or the Lunar New Year, the heart of these celebrations remains the same—honoring life, family, and togetherness.

We Celebrate the Light highlights mutual traditions, such as gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, decorating, and reflecting with prayers and stories. This book emphasizes that no matter how we celebrate, we’re all united by light and love. For young readers curious about the diversity of these traditions, the book concludes with a brief but insightful explanation of each holiday, making it an excellent resource for both learning and celebration.

Written by the talented mother-daughter duo Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, this book is as heartfelt as it is educational. Jane Yolen, known as the “Hans Christian Andersen of America,” has authored hundreds of books, including the Caldecott-winning Owl Moon and the How Do Dinosaurs series. Author Heidi E. Y. Stemple, following in her mother’s footsteps, has written nearly 50 books, including the award-winning Counting Birds: The Idea That Helped Save Our Feathered Friends and She Sells Seashells. Together, they bring their personal experiences of celebrating Chanukah, Christmas, Solstice, and the Lunar New Year to the story, weaving in authenticity and warmth.

The illustrations by Jieting Chen add another layer of magic to the book. An award-winning animator and illustrator, Chen captures the beauty of each holiday with intricate details and luminous colors that radiate warmth and joy. Her artistry invites readers into the celebrations, making every page a feast for the eyes.

This book is perfect for families looking to teach children about cultural diversity or simply to celebrate the light that connects us all. Whether read at bedtime or shared during a holiday gathering, it’s a story that inspires unity and joy. (Ages 3 – 6)

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom
Written by Glenda Armand, Illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Recommended by Dan Jones from Naranja Branch Library

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese is a heartfelt celebration of family, food, and history. For young Frances, New Year’s Day is all about gathering with her family and preparing a feast filled with meaning and tradition. While helping her grandmother cook, Frances learns the powerful stories behind the dishes they prepare—black-eyed peas, hoghead cheese, turnip greens, gumbo, and more. Each dish carries the legacy of their ancestors, particularly the enslaved Black communities in the South. As her grandmother explains, “These foods remind us that we are here, and we are free because of the hard work and sacrifices of our ancestors.”

This book beautifully weaves the history of African American cooking and the importance of preserving and sharing traditions across generations. Steffi Walthall’s stunning illustrations bring the narrative to life, shifting seamlessly between Frances and her grandmother in the kitchen and garden, and scenes of their ancestors finding strength and joy through food, even amidst the hardships of slavery.

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese is a powerful story for readers of all races and cultures. It offers children a meaningful introduction to African American New Year’s traditions while encouraging deeper conversations about the significance of the foods we eat and the ways we celebrate. The story is not only a tribute to the resilience of African American communities but also a reminder of how food connects us to our history and our loved ones.

Glenda Armand, a Los Angeles-based teacher, librarian, and author, has a gift for sharing untold stories. Her other works include Toypurina: Japchivit Leader, Medicine Woman, Tongva Rebel with co-author Cheyenna M. Stone, Love Twelve Miles Long, The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story, and James Lafayette: Black Hero of the American Revolution.

Illustrator Steffi Walthall, based in Virginia, adds depth and vibrancy to the story through her art. Known for her work on Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood, Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates by Chris Barton, and I Am I Can I Will: A Guided Journal of Self-Discovery for Black Girls by Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter and Ruth Chamblee, Walthall captures the beauty of familial bonds and ancestral strength with her dynamic and evocative style.

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese is a feast for the heart and mind, leaving readers inspired to cherish and share their own stories. This book is perfect for families, educators, and anyone seeking to explore the rich history and culture of African American traditions. (Ages 4 – 8)

Let’s Get Festive!: Celebrations Around the World
Written by Joanna Kończak, Illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Koziello

Recommended by Rita Mayer from Miami Springs Branch Library

Let’s Get Festive!: Celebrations Around the World is a captivating exploration of global holiday traditions that will fascinate young readers. Did you know that New Year’s Eve is called St. Sylvester’s Day in Germany? That mango trees are decorated for Christmas in India? Or that in southern China they celebrate a Hungry Ghost Festival? These are just a few of the delightful facts waiting to be discovered in this beautifully crafted book.

Translated from Polish, this 175-page treasure is ideal for elementary-aged children, offering a vibrant mix of cultural insights and historical tidbits. The book is uniquely organized by themes rather than geography. Sections like "Welcoming the New Year," "Celebrations of Nature," "Religious Holidays," and "Carnivals" take readers on a thematic tour across nations and cultures. This structure allows young minds to see how different communities celebrate similar ideas—like renewal, joy, and gratitude—around the world.

The book introduces fascinating traditions, such as the Busójárás parade in Hungary, where the Croatian ethnic minority group Šokci wear wooden masks and sheepskin coats in a lively costume carnival. Readers also learn about Purim, a joyous Jewish holiday where children dress in costumes, perform skits, and receive candy. Each celebration is brought to life with charming illustrations by Ewa Poklewska-Koziełło, whose simple yet suggestive artwork perfectly complements the text.

Author Joanna Kończak enriches the reader’s experience with historical context, explaining how holidays often trace back to ancient Greek, Roman, or pagan traditions, or commemorate significant historical events. She also delves into the fascinating differences in calendars—such as the Gregorian, Julian, lunar, and luni-solar—that influence when holidays are celebrated. Without overwhelming young readers with detail, the book provides just enough information to spark curiosity and encourage further exploration and learning.

This comprehensive and accessible book is an excellent introduction to the diverse ways people around the world celebrate life, nature, and culture. It invites readers to reflect on their own traditions while appreciating those of others, making it a wonderful resource for homes, classrooms, and libraries.

Kończak, an accomplished children’s author and editor, draws from her studies in intercultural psychology and her love for travel and cultural exploration to write captivating stories. Poklewska-Koziełło, a Polish illustrator with a background in architecture, brings warmth and energy to every page with her engaging artwork.

Let’s Get Festive!: Celebrations Around the World is an enlightening and delightful read, perfect for sparking curiosity and fostering a sense of global connection among young readers. (Ages 4 and up)

Two New Years
Written by Richard Ho, Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield

Recommended by Joanna Boone from Main Library

Happy New Year! But what does this phrase really mean? Two New Years explores how two siblings from one multi-cultural family celebrate the New Year based on their Chinese and Jewish cultures. Readers will learn about the similarities and differences between the two ethnic calendars as well as the cultural traditions that accompany them. This book allows the readers to uniquely compare and consider the origins of New Years’ traditions, while appreciating their individual meanings. 

The bright and beautiful pictures instill a sense of familial love and celebration. The children and parents in this story elegantly share their very specific traditions in truly distinctive ways. Having two New Years brings this blended family closer year after year.

Richard Ho is a Chinese American writer from California. He has published many other books including If Lin Can: How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian American to Shoot for the Stars, A Taste of Home, and Year of the Cat.  Earlier this year Ho received the National Jewish Book award for Two New Years.

Lynn Scurfield is a Chinese Canadian artist and illustrator from Toronto, Ontario.  She was awarded the National Jewish Book award for Two New Years and has illustrated several other children’s books, including The Quest for a Tangram Dragon by Christine Liu-Perkins, Flight by Mya-Rose Craig, and Friends Are Friends, Forever by Dane Liu. (Ages 5 – 8)