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.
One of my favorite books currently, is "Jabari Jumps" by Gaia Cornwall. Everything about this book is perfect. The illustrations, the celebration of the relationship between father and children and the fact that it is a family of color depicting a happy, healthy family event that shows love, support and understanding for a developmental milestone.
Really loving everything by Oge Mora. Saturday is my current favorite!
I love The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin!
An older book I love is Pecan Pie Baby by the fabulous Jacqueline Woodson. A newer book I loved is Overground Railround by Lesa Cline-Ransome.
Looking for Bongo, Each Kindness and Radiant Child
Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey Illustrated by Floyd Cooper which helps my students connect to the travel experiences in We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o is on repeat with my boys for the last two months. We love it!
Thank you Omu by Oge Mora
In addition to selecting You Matter for our 2021 Mock Caldecott, we're also sharing I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes & Gordon C. James & A Girl Like Me by Angela Johnson & Nina Crews
I can't choose between 3 so I will post them all:
1. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
2. I Am Enough by Grace Beyers
3. The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander