Vimbo Watson · Summer Book CountdownChildren’s Book List
For parents, grandparents, and teachers
Books I Want in Every Child’s Hands
This summer I counted down my favorite books on Instagram, one a day, and the children’s books were the ones my community asked about most. I have read every one of these, and for each I tell you exactly who I would hand it to, because the right book at the right moment can change how a child feels about reading. I also added the Black children’s books I first recommended on my blog during Black History Month. I grouped everything by age so you can find your reader quickly.
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Little ListenersAges 3 to 7 · read-alouds for laps, bedtime, and circle time
Love and family
Where There Is Love: A Story in African Proverbsby Shauntay GrantA grandmother’s steady love, told through African proverbs. I recommend it for grandparents reading bedtime stories and for 3rd and 4th grade teachers teaching idioms, proverbs, and word play.View on Amazon →Hair Loveby Matthew A. CherryHair is fun, and in the Black community it can also be complicated. My mom braided, twisted, and puffed my hair growing up, and this book helps children see the beauty in every kink and curl.View on Amazon →Joy, confidence, and kindness
Hello There, Sunshineby Tabitha BrownA bright reminder that being kind and helpful can light up the sky. Made for parents teaching their kids about inner peace and joy, and for camp counselors with 2nd and 3rd graders.View on Amazon →I Am Amazing!by Alissa Holder and Zulekha Holder-YoungAn upbeat story about a young boy who bounces back from a discouraging day. I love it for mini-units on courage and resilience, because even the youngest children understand what a bad day feels like.View on Amazon →Culture and identity
Ariana Learns Shonaby Batsirai MadzongaI was born in Zimbabwe, and sharing Zimbabwean authors has been a lifelong dream of mine. This story is written in English but weaves in Shona words, so children start picking up the language naturally.View on Amazon →Bigby Vashti HarrisonI have followed Vashti Harrison’s art for years. Her illustrations are vivid and bright, and this Caldecott Medal winner carries a message about self-worth that every child deserves to hear.View on Amazon →Growing ReadersAges 6 to 9 · for kids finding their own reading voice
Words and word play
The Word Collectorby Peter H. ReynoldsA boy who collects words, then gives them away to the world. 2nd grade teachers, this one belongs in your reading rotations. I can see so many activities growing out of it.View on Amazon →First graphic novel
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Seaby Ben ClantonA silly, warm friendship between a narwhal and a jellyfish. A perfect bridge for kids who are just starting to read on their own and want to laugh while they do it.View on Amazon →Big Kid Read-AloudsAges 8 to 12 · picture books with a lot to say
Music and rhythm
Nani and the Lionby Alicia D. WilliamsRhythm leaps off every page. I recommend it for 4th grade music teachers teaching rhythm and for anyone with a sense of wonder. My grandmother would have loved this one.View on Amazon →Put Your Records Onby Corinne Bailey RaePure whimsy, with pages that move like a song. A beautiful read-aloud for 4th and 5th graders, and a treat for music lovers of any age, adults included.View on Amazon →Art and history
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slaveby Laban Carrick HillThe true story of an enslaved potter who carved poems into his work. The language is so rich that I recommend it for middle school art teachers and for poets.View on Amazon →Chapter Books Worth SharingGrades 3 to 6 · my current favorites for the classroom and the couch
