I am always searching for picture books for my school library and to read aloud for #classroombookday that will show students that they matter. The kinds of books that affirm their existence, validate their beings, and support their lived experiences. Books that remind kids that we believe in them and support them, and that even though they are little, the space they take up is theirs to make a difference with. And to know who they are, what they believe, how they want to be – it all matters.
Christian Robinson is a well-known Caldecott Awarded & Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honored Black illustrator in the children’s literature world. And now, with this second book that he illustrated AND wrote (the first was ANOTHER), he has created a gem of a book that is what we all need right now. A book that reminds kids that they matter whether they are big or small, first or last, follow the crowd, fall down, are old or young. It’s a book without much text – a quiet book that will help kids see that they matter no matter how others see them or they see themselves. The illustrations bring joy, empathy, and love to the pages. And right now, that is the message I hope all kids will get to see and hear.
So on this release day of his newest picture book, I celebrate that Christian Robinson shares his gift freely with us all so it can positively impact children. And I celebrate that this book, YOU MATTER, exists for us to share with kids.
They All Saw a Cat meets The Important Book in this sensitive and impactful picture book about seeing the world from different points of view by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honoree Christian Robinson.
In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.
I hope you will read it and share it with the children in your life!
Please support independent bookstores by buying YOU MATTER from Bookshop or your local indie.
ENTER the GIVEAWAY
Simon & Schuster are offering up a copy of YOU MATTER.
To enter, complete the form below & leave a comment on this post with your recommendation for another picture book from a Black author and/or illustrator.
To enter, complete the form below & leave a comment on this post with your recommendation for another picture book from a Black author and/or illustrator.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison. My 4 year old loves it!
I read a digital ARC of I Am Every Good Thing. Amazing book! I also love Oge Mora's books Thank You Omu and Saturday.
Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller. I read it earlier this year to my 4th grade class, and not only did it inspire great discussions, a student was able to use language from the book to ask another student to not touch her hair a few weeks after we read it. That interaction was so kind and respectful, and I don’t think we should underestimate the power of these conversations and the positive impact they have.
Anything by Andrea Davis Pinckney! Just read Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuoso. Magical!
I Am Enough by Grace Byers.
Sulwe was loved by my class.
I use a lot of Donald Crews books in my classroom! Shortcut and Big Mama’s are always popular with my students.