Toni Trent Parker (1947–2005)

"Several African-American preschoolers prepare to celebrate a traditional Christmas with all the trimmings in this short work for younger children, the latest in a holiday series from Parker and Anderson (Sweets and Treats, not reviewed, etc.). Pages printed on heavy stock and the paper-over-board padded cover ensure that this will stand up to use with little ones. The short text consists of first-person rhyming couplets describing presents, a Christmas tree, cookies, and the joy of being with family for Christmas. The large-type text is printed on pages of different bright colors, with an oval photograph of a Christmas element (candy canes, poinsettias, an African-American Santa Claus) centered above the text. Each facing page showcases a photo illustration of a different cherubic child dressed in holiday velvets or cold-weather garb. The cheerful but unexceptional text is secondary here to the high-quality photographs and darling children. This volume will work well with even the youngest toddlers to introduce many elements of Christmas celebration." www.kirkusreviews.com… (meer)

When you open this book, it really looks like you're peeking into a girl's scrapbook. The text reads like a journal, short segments beginning with dates, and the illustrations appear as ticket stubs that were taped inside, notebook paper ripped out, handwritten doodles on side margins, and many other scrapbook-like similarities. The girl who takes on the author's voice is named Sienna, and she starts out her journal with a drawing of her family's road trip itinerary. The pages to follow feature highlights from her trip, historic destinations such as one of the houses in Germantown, Philadelphia that was a part of the Underground Railroad. They visit the Smithsonian Insitution, Washington's historic house in Mount Vernon, the Statute of Liberty, and many other historic sites that are real, and lists true facts about these places, making this a book that could fit into more than one genre. It is fiction, the main character is fiction, but all the facts, maps, and photographs are all real and could be an example of informational text presented in a more interesting manner. This book could also be an example of historical fiction, because it discusses historic events as Sienna learns about them. Media: photographs, newspaper clippings, notebook paper, colored pencil drawing, acrylics and more.… (meer)

Outstanding collection of 500 children's books focusing on African-American protagonists/writers/artists/history. Of the 500 books listed, I have read only 2 (both by Mildred Taylor: "Song of the Trees" and "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry"), although I'm familiar with many of the authors/author's inspirations/subjects. I found 117 books I'd like to read in this list, and I don't care that some of the ages listed are "0-3"; a good book is a good book regardless of age range!

The book reviews are careful about spoilers and alert readers to things like "non-standard English", "Carribean dialect" and "use of the N word" (although the only ones I noticed that included the N word are the Taylor books). A fantastic resource, and it's worth noting that there are three more books in this series!… (meer)