Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy
A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas--birthplace of Juneteenth--through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.
A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year--and why they celebrate their African American history!
The poetic text includes selected lyrics from "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.
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Van G. Garrett is the author of Kicks, his debut picture book, and Juneteenth. An acclaimed poet, he won the Poetry Question National Chapbook Contest for Scrap and the Best Book of African American Poetry from the Texas Association of Authors for 49: Wings and Prayers. He is a musician and visual artist.
Reginald C. Adams is a public artist whose studio, based in Houston, Texas, is world-renowned for award-winning murals, sculptures, and art installations strategically located in historic and underserved communities across the U.S. He was the lead artist and Creative Director for Absolute Equality, the new Juneteenth mural in Galveston, Texas.
Samson Bimbo Adenugba is a Houston-based painter / illustrator. Originally from Nigeria in West Africa, he has spent over two decades building a prolific career in visual art and design. His works are in both private and public collections in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Since relocating to the U.S., he has ventured into public art design and production. He was a key team member on Absolute Equality, the Juneteenth mural in Galveston, Texas.
"Imparting children with civic knowledge from a young age can be transformative, and Juneteenth does just that... Through beautiful illustrations and enlightening storytelling, kids will learn the importance of this holiday." -- TODAY.com
"An unfolding of the senses--sights, sounds, and scents of a parade--with the added enlightenment of the important history and significance of the celebration... A perfect read-aloud and an excellent platform for discussing African American history." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
"Vibrant, highly textured watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations depict the sense of community the author conveys through the simple, poetic text. An ideal read-aloud... A stirring introduction to an important holiday -- Kirkus Reviews
"Garrett's observational storytelling combines detailed ink and watercolor scenes from muralists Adams and Adenugba to create a stirring portrait... Cements the day not merely as one of jubilation, but as a celebration of community too." -- Publishers Weekly
