Most African-American picture books are about feeling grand, having super powers, liking oneself and about looks. They often portray characters who need to feel better about themselves, who show how to accept oneself and how to be proud of who they are. Some African-American books are also about famous people and slavery. The books I read in the USA are so different from the books I have grown up with in France, a country with many African influences, especially since the colonial times. The African tales I read and was told about are populated with tales born in Africa and passed on from generation to generation. These tales hint at the folklore, the culture, the nature, the bravery of African people, the feats they have to overcome. Oftentimes the characters were brave, especially when they had to face witches and wild animals. Often the characters were wise and cunning. They also talked to trees, to animals, and to rivers. These tales were also filled with animal tales as in Africa each animal symbolises a quality. I also learned of the savanna, the desert, the fishermen and African villages, of healers, chiefs, and spriritual leaders, of communities and griots (the living libraries). These tales talked about cultures that live overseas. The African-American culture or sub-culture in the USA seems to rotate around basketball, beauty, slavery, music (jazz, rap) and dance (hip hops and its many derivatives). I'm sure there is more to it, but that's what picture books reflect. I have found a few books that defy the stereotypes. I enjoyed the ones that I expected to find too and had to admit they talk about subjects African-American worry about and we need to give respect to those great artists. I hope you enjoy my list. I gave links on youtube for some. Visit the links and read the books along, buy the books to encourage their writers and artists , or visit your library, but do not ignore them. Funny story with funny pictures about a girl who is sassy, has big feet and big legs, and wants to learn ballet. She ignores everyone’s snickering and decides to steal the show. This sassy girl takes her physical handicaps, and make them work for her. It should be an inspiration to anyone. Written by Debbie Allen (http://www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/ ) Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (http://www.kadirnelson.com/ ) Tall tale that gives back to power to little girls and a minority. African-Americans pictured as cowboys? Unique. Amazing. A child “with the power of thunder and lightning”, Rose names herself, rides a bull, and is some kind of super hero. Written by Jerdine Nollen (http://www.jerdinenolen.com/) Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (http://www.kadirnelson.com/) Imani's Moon by Janay Brown is a wonderful story about a child who wants to reach the moon. This Masai girl who lives in Africa learns that no dream is too big and even someone small can reach big goals. Beautiful drawings helps to tell the magical realistic tale. Written by JaNay Brown-Wood (http://www.janaybrownwood.com/) Illustrated by Hazel Mitchell (http://www.hazelmitchell.com/) Watch some episodes online (see below). There is a chapter book and a journal. The chapter book is here: Nzingha the Great Warrior Queen of Angola is beautifully told with engaging pictures and so much to learn about Africa. Buy here: (https://www.nzuribooks.com/shop/) The journal (which is another book) portrays the thirteen-year-old African warrior, Nzingha, who lived in the 16th-century. She was a West African princess who loved to hunt. Nzhingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 by Patricia C. McKissack. She’s got game and no one can stop her. The queen of the scene is a celebration of confidence no matter what. The drawings in this picture book successfully show vibrant action with focus on parts of the body like the feet or the long legs. In fact, arms and legs stretch far to make her stand out. The queen of the scene always walks chin up. She can appear taller than she really is. The book uses rhythm, rhyme, and repetitions in a way to reinforce the concept. It comes with a CD recording of Queen Latifah rapping the book. Written by Queen Latifah (https://www.queenlatifah.com/) Illustrated by Frank Morrison (https://morrisongraphics.com/) I just love the way the narrator reads this story.
No one could have read it better, honeslty. High fives. One more thing about all these books that's really cool. All of them were written and illustrated by talented African-Americans. If you want to find more African-American books, Pam Margolis is sharing many more links on her blog, at: An Unconventional Librarian: http://unconventionallibrarian.com/ Enjoy!
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In 2015, 2016 & 2017
In 2016 & 2017
Illustrator
I am Sussu Leclerc and I started writing and illustrating picture books thanks to the Smart Dummies event hosted on Facebook by amazing Dani Duck. Archives
October 2018
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