Book picks similar to
Colors Come from God . . . Just Like Me! by Carolyn Forché


colors
diversity-for-children
religion
protagonist-black-african

Bigmama's


Donald Crews - 1991
    Everyone will enjoy the memories of a perfect day in the country, exploring and playing, and the connections among family members across generations.Four children travel with their mother, and when the train arrives in Cottondale, Florida, the summer at Bigmama's house begins! Donald Crews brilliantly evokes the sights, sounds, and emotions of a memorable childhood experience.Beautifully and richly illustrated, this is a wonderful choice for family reading and classroom sharing. "A very special book by a superb artist and storyteller."—The Horn BookA fun read-aloud, it also helps children ages 3 to 6 learn about how to share details of place in storytelling. Celebrate the bonds of family over generations with Donald Crews's evocative picture books Bigmama's and its companion, Shortcut.

Families, Families, Families!


Suzanne Lang - 2015
    No matter your size, shape, or pedigree--if you love each other, you are a family!Moms, dads, sisters, brothers — and even Great Aunt Sue — appear in dozens of combinations, demonstrating all kinds of nontraditional families! Silly animals are cleverly depicted in framed portraits, and offer a warm celebration of family love.

Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History


Vashti Harrison - 2019
    Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince.The legends in Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History span centuries and continents, but each one has blazed a trail for generations to come.

And Here's to You!


David Elliott - 2002
    . . especially you! The infectious joy of David Elliott's wonderful read-aloud poem and Randy Cecil's brilliant, amusing artwork is sure to have children reciting along.

Red and Green and Blue and White


Lee Wind - 2021
    They enjoy all the things they share, as well as the things that make them different.But when Isaac's window is smashed in the middle of the night, it seems like maybe not everyone appreciates "difference."PRAISE★ "Wind's lightly fictionalized version of the 1993 incident wherein a community stood up to bigotry . . . is conveyed with lyrical simplicity. The visual treatment here is particularly striking—Caldecott Medalist Zelinsky's vibrant digital art has bold, rough-hewn textures of scratch block, and dramatic compositions . . . .[A] moving historical tale that encourages taking a stand." —Publishers Weekly, starred review★ "Zelinsky has covered every page with bright colors, with optional text that dances through the pictures and occasional vignettes that add detail and movement to the story. This is a strong addition to holiday stories, one that can be reread and rediscovered many times and whose theme of community support and friendship is appropriate year-round." —School Library Connection, starred review"[A] quiet, uplifting tale. . . . Readers will feel heartened at children's power to influence others to stand up for justice and defeat vile prejudice. . . . The true meaning of the holiday season shines here." —Kirkus Reviews

My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood


Tameka Fryer Brown - 2013
    What color is your mood?On a really good day, Jamie feels purple like the first bite of a juicy cold plum.And with a crayon in his hand, Jamie eases into a green feeling--like a dragon dancing through a jungle made of green jello.But when his brothers push him around and make fun of his drawings, Jamie feels like a dark gray storm brewing.What will it take to put Jamie back in a bright-feeling mood?Through Jamie, young readers will learn to describe how they’re feeling in a unique way.My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood is a 2014 Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book.

I Am Mixed


Garcelle Beauvais - 2012
    From Mommy's jazz beats to Daddy's classical piano, we will dance with the twins through a book that explores what it is to be of mixed ancestry, proving that a child is more than the sum of their parents.This book is the first in the I Am Book Series. Future books shallhelp shed light on topics such as divorce and adoption, all from a child's perspective.

Ramadan Moon


Na'ima B. Robert - 2009
    It begins with a whisper. And a prayer. And a wish. Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan and the joyful days of Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the month of fasting as the most special time of year. This lyrical and inspiring picture book captures the wonder and joy of this great annual event, from the perspective of a child. Accompanied by Iranian inspired illustrations, the story follows the waxing of the moon from the first new crescent to full moon and waning until Eid is heralded by the first sighting of the second new moon. Written and illustrated by Muslims, this is a book for all children who celebrate Ramadan and those in the wider communities who want to understand why this is such a special experience for Muslims.

Love Is


Diane Adams - 2017
    In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned.

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World


Malcolm Mitchell - 2020
    When he's supposed to be reading, he would rather do anything else. But one day, he gets the scariest homework assignment in the world: find your favorite book to share with the class tomorrow.What's a kid to do? How can Henley find a story that speaks to everything inside of him?Malcolm Mitchell, bestselling author of The Magician's Hat, pulls from his own literary triumph to deliver another hilarous and empowering picture book for readers of all abilities. Through his advocacy and his books, Malcolm imparts the important message that every story has the potential to become a favorite.

The Touch of the Master's Hand


Myra Brooks Welch - 1997
    First published in 1921, the poem's message about the individual worth of those often overlooked strikes a familiar chord in a society struggling to come to terms with its own victims of homelessness, drug abuse, and alienation.The poem is made new with the addition of Greg Newbold's illustrations. Newbold's images -- which are rich in detail, and made even more so by his use of color and light and his painterly style -- evoke a bygone era that is old-fashioned, small-town, pleasantly nostalgic. Newbold's work in Touch of the Master's Hand has already been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and Communication Arts magazine with a 1996 Award of Merit.

Marvelous Maravilloso: Me and My Beautiful Family


Carrie Lara - 2018
    Marvelous Maravilloso is a story from the point of view of a young interracial child about what color means within the dynamics of race, ethnicity, and culture.

Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale


Eric A. Kimmel - 2014
    Simon's mother knows he will need a miracle, so she reminds him to celebrate Hanukkah wherever he may be. Little does either of them know that Simon will spend the first night of Hanukkah on an ice floe after his ship sinks.The lone survivor out in the wide ocean, Simon lights the first candle, and it attracts a visitor: a polar bear. Does she eat him? No! She shares his latkes, enjoys his songs, goes fishing for him, and even keeps him warm at night. By the last day of Hanukkah, Simon has nearly given up hope of ever being rescued. But then he recounts all of the miracles that have befallen him so far. Perhaps it is not too much to hope for one more, he thinks, as he lights all of the candles in the menorah. The bright glow signals a passing ship, and Simon makes it to New York after all. This fanciful Hanukkah tale-like none you've ever read before-celebrates eight miracles: family, friendship, hope, selflessness, sharing, faith, courage, and love. A retelling of the ancient Hanukkah story is included on the last page.Praise for The Golem's Latkes"Kimmel s storytelling is effective in its use of suspense, humor, trope and repetition, making a fine read-aloud holiday treat." ---Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Zigazak! A Magical Hanukkah Night"In the most imaginative Hanukkah book this season, Kimmel (Gershon's Monster) peoples an old-world town with mischievous demons, easily alarmed villagers and a wise and crafty rabbi. The brio of the storytelling doesn't shy from a moral: 'Sparks of goodness exist in all things, even in devils' tricks.'" ---Publishers WeeklyPraise for Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins"[Hershel] successfully uses his wits to oust the eight creatures haunting the old synagogue and who are preventing the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah. Kimmel provides a humorous, entertaining and just slightly scary story for all young readers." --Children's Literature1990 Caldecott Honor Book1989 National Council for the Social Studies Notable Book1990 National Council of Teachers of English Notable Book1992 Colorado Children's Book Award1992 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award

Amira's Picture Day


Reem Faruqi - 2021
    There's just one hiccup: it's also school picture day. How can Amira be in two places at once? Just the thought of Eid makes Amira warm and tingly inside. From wearing new clothes to handing out goody bags at the mosque, Amira can't wait for the festivities to begin. But when a flier on the fridge catches her eye, Amira's stomach goes cold. Not only is it Eid, it's also school picture day. If she's not in her class picture, how will her classmates remember her? Won't her teacher wonder where she is?Though the day's celebrations at the mosque are everything Amira was dreaming of, her absence at picture day weighs on her. A last-minute idea on the car ride home might just provide the solution to everything in this delightful story from acclaimed author Reem Faruqi, illustrated with vibrant color by Fahmida Azim.

Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream


Crystal Hubbard - 2005
    Louis Cardinals. Eager to earn a spot, Marcenia plays her best, but is discouraged when Mr. Street tells her there are no girls in his camp. Convinced that baseball is her destiny, Marcenia won't give up, ultimately proving her skill and passion to Mr. Street and her dubious parents.