The holiday season is approaching and what better way to encourage your little ones to become honorary members of Mommie’s book club than purchasing their very own holiday book to read alongside yours? So, while you’re making holiday treats, your little on can grab any of these great reads by African American authors for a detailed lesson on the season.
The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll
Written by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
A touching story about the importance of real family, this is a tale set in the American South during the Depression. Seven year-old Nella receives the doll of her dreams, a Baby Betty doll for Christmas, but will it replace the affection she holds for her sisters?
Written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
When Pap is called away from his family and home in Wildroot, Pennsylvania to New York City in order to dig “a long, wide hole for something called a ’subway’”, everyone is miserable. Saraleen and Royce’s Christmas gift of Mim’s “belly-hum” jam melts Pap’s heart…could it even warm the cold hearts of his bosses, Mr. Mead and Mr. Evans a.k.a. “Mean and Evil”?
The Little Match Girl (Picture Puffin Books)
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Taking place in the early 20th century, Mr. Pinkney (who also illustrated The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll) has transformed the 19th century tale of Andersen’s Danish girl, making her of an international culture, thus making her of everyone, for everyone. This classic story reminds us of the true meanings of Christmas—acceptance and love, for all.
The Elf on the Shelf (Dark Skinned – Boy)
by Carol V. Aebersold, Chanda A. Bell, Coe Steinwart (Illustrator)
Santa uses his scout elves to help him manage his naughty and nice lists. When the elves visit at Christmastime, their job is to watch during the day and report to Santa every night. When the elves return from their nightly North Pole journey, they hide in a new spot and wait for you to find them!
Christmas Soul: African American Holiday Stories
With original stories by Debbie Allen, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Whitney Houston, D.L. Hughley, Monica, and more. In this collection of poignant and witty original stories, African American celebrities recount their favorite childhood Christmas memories. Accompanied by evocative oil pintings, these stories will illuminate the holidays for years to come. A portion of the proceeds for Christmas Soul will be donated to The United Negro College Fund
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