The Brown Bookshelf believes in promoting the work of Black children’s book creators year-round. At the same time, we shine a special spotlight on select authors and illustrators during the month of February, in honor of the traditional Black History Month observance inspired by the efforts of historian Carter G. Woodson, who strove to illuminate [ Read the full article… ]
This summer, we launched Generations Book Club, sharing lists of recommended books twice each month. We appreciated your notes of support and requests to have more selections. Thanks to you, we’re keeping it going throughout the year! On the 15th of each month – except for February which is our annual Black History Month celebration, [ Read the full article… ]
Background In November 2016, The Brown Bookshelf’s Declaration in Support of Children was signed by 691 children’s book authors, illustrators and industry professionals on our site with many more signing onto the living document on our FaceBook page. The signers publicly affirmed their commitment to using their talents and varied forms of artistic expression to [ Read the full article… ]
Happy Publication Day to author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow! Her latest picture book, Your Name is a Song, releases today. This phenomenal picture book (illustrated by Luisa Uribe and published by Innovation Press) is the story of a young girl who doesn’t want to go back to school after the first day because no one is able [ Read the full article… ]
Welcome to the Generation’s Book Club. Today’s list features books that celebrate the inventive genius of Black people—not just characters in books, but also the people who create these stories. We are confident that you will enjoy these selections as much as we do. Should you decide to purchase, we’ve partnered with Brian Lair [ Read the full article… ]
For the last post in the Making Our Own Market series, we hear from trailblazers Wade and Cheryl Hudson. Award-winning children’s book creators and founders of Just Us Books, they share important history and perspective. What progress have we made? How can we keep pushing for sustained change? We’re honored to feature the wisdom of [ Read the full article… ]
Mother’s Day is around the corner. It’s a great time to share picture books by Black children’s book creators that celebrate moms, grandmas, mother figures and family bonds. Here’s a list to get you started. Click each cover to learn more. Please share your favorite books saluting moms in the comments. Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah [ Read the full article… ]
Dapo Adeola is an illustrator and designer who creates characters and images that challenge gender norms in a fun and upbeat way. He is the co-creator and illustrator of the Penguin Random House picture book series Look Up! (June 2019) — the number 1 picture book from a debut author and illustrator in 2019 — [ Read the full article… ]
