Multicultural Books

December 3 – Get Ready for Dōngzhì

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About the Holiday

The Dōngzhì Festival, or Winter Solstice is considered to be one of the most important Chinese festivals of the year and is a time for families to get together, worship their ancestors, and enjoy traditional delicacies. Celebrated for over 2,000 years, the festival sees families come together to make and eat tāng yuán, which symbolizes reunion and prosperity. While the celebration of the winter solstice is only one day (this year on December 21), the Dōngzhì Festival lasts 15 days.

This Winter Solstice festival originates from the Chinese concept of yin and yang, an ancient symbol of harmony and balance. In Chinese culture, there is a belief that when the days are short, there is insufficient Yang energy, thus people consume foods that are more yang (warm) in nature to counteract the yin (cold) of winter, such as tāng yuán, as seen in today’s book. To learn more about the holiday, visit mandarianmatrix.org. 

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of this book with me for review!

Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dōngzhì Story

By Michelle Jing Chan

 

Today is Dōngzhì, the Chinese winter solstice—one of Weiwei’s favorite holidays. But instead of celebrating it by splashing in sprinklers amongst hummingbirds and palm trees at her former home, she’s bundled up in a sweater and blanket as snow covers the ground. For Weiwei Dōngzhì just doesn’t feel the same. Her family—Mama, Baba, her younger brother Didi, and Yeye, her grandfather—are ready for a walk and to play in the snow, but Weiwei can only scowl.

Text and image © 2025 by Michelle Jing Chan. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Yet once outside, Weiwei watches her breath cloud in the cold air, catches snowflakes on her tongue, and listens to the snow crunch as they walk. Then, suddenly, Weiwei gasps and points to a tree covered in red flowers. “‘Those are méihuā, plum blossoms!'” Yeye tells her. “. . . No matter how cold and dark it is, they still bloom.'” Weiwei begins to see other signs of life and beauty, but as the sun begins to set, it’s time for the family to go back home. Time for Weiwei’s favorite part of Dōngzhì.

Text and image © 2025 by Michelle Jing Chan. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Back home everyone chips in to make tāng yuán. Mama and Didi stir “ground black sesame, sugar, and softened butter into a paste” while Yeye and Weiwei make rice flour dough and Baba makes ginger broth. Then Didi and Weiwei pat the dough into small pancakes, add a bit of black sesame paste, and roll them into balls. The balls simmer in the ginger broth until they float to the top.

Text and image © 2025 by Michelle Jing Chan. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Before Weiwei and her family eat, they serve their ancestors. They “offer tāng yuán for togetherness, oranges for luck, apples for peace, and cups of tea for respect.” Then they eat! To Weiwei, the warm broth feels like a “sip of sunlight,” and Yeye reminds her that warmer days are coming. He tells her he knows it’s hard moving to a new home, “‘but anywhere can feel like home when we celebrate together.'” Weiwei listens to her grandfather and looks around at her cozy home and the people she loves. She knows spring is on its way with new memories to make, and decides that she will “bloom like the méihuā” and savor winter.

An Author’s Note describing the Dōngzhì holiday and how it is celebrated in various Asian countries as well as a recipe for Black Sesame Tāng Yuán follow the story.

Text and image © 2025 by Michelle Jing Chan. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Michelle Jing Chan’s warmhearted story of a young girl feeling adrift and disappointed when it comes time to celebrate Dōngzhì in a new home touches on feelings of loss, rediscovery, and the stabilizing comfort of traditions. As Weiwei and her family take a walk through snowy woods instead of the sunny backyard she’s known, she glimpses aspects of familiarity that are further strengthened as she helps prepare and enjoy their customary dish. She recognizes that the Dōngzhì celebration she cherishes as well as her family unit have not changed, allowing her to embrace her new home and look forward to the future.

Chan’s expressive illustrations glow with the togetherness that tāng yuán represents. Even her lovely snowy scenes are lit with peach and gold, as the sun breaks through the winter clouds. Inside, soothing colors highlight the family’s close ties and the comforting flavors of home.

Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dōngzhì Story offers heartening inspiration for readers in the midst of change as well as the comfort of family love and traditions for all. Pair with making the included recipe as a group to create an eventful story time.

Ages 3 – 6

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547614844

Michelle Jing Chan is a queer Chinese American illustrator who grew up in Colorado and lives in the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by nature, cultural folklore, and fantasy, Michelle aspires to illustrate diverse, empowering stories her younger self would have loved. When she’s not drawing, she can be found attempting new recipes, reading, or watching spooky TV shows. You can visit her at michellejingchan.com.

Listen to Michelle Jing Chan talk about how her family traditions and a trip to Colorado inspired her to write Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dōngzhì Story below!

You can purchase Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dōngzhì Story from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (Discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

May 6 – Children’s Book Week

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About the Holiday

Founded in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the United States. The 2025 theme is An Ocean of Stories, which celebrates “the vast, collective ocean populated by the stories we read, share, and tell.” The holiday attracts participation from authors, illustrators, publishers, librarians, teachers, and booksellers in schools, libraries, bookstores, and communities across the country. To learn more about the holiday and download bookmarks and posters, activities in English and Spanish, coloring pages in 15 different languages, and much more, visit Every Child a Reader. You can even sign up to continue to get fantastic ideas for connecting with books and reading all year around!

Thank you to Scholastic for sharing a copy of Ballet Brown with me!

Review by Dorothy Levine

Ballet Brown

Written by Bellen Woodard | Illustrated by Fanny Liem

 

To Bellen, “dance is a conversation with the world,”—one she has been in love with since she was two years old. As a young ballet dancer, Bellen’s world was full of color. From brightly colored tutus to rainbow tights, Bellen fit in with the menagerie of outfits the ballerinas wore.

But as Bellen grew older, and dance became more serious, “the rainbow vanished. Pink became the priority. Pink leotard. Pink tights. Pink ballet shoes.” Bellen followed suit, narrowing her wardrobe and pinning back her afro to fit the dress code. But while dancing in class, she gazed in the mirror and reflected: “it looked like my legs didn’t belong with me.” Her legs, in the pink tights, didn’t match her natural skin tone. Delving deeper, Bellen read books about the history of ballet. She discovered that “’ballet pink’ was chosen to be an extension of the ballerina, to appear as beautiful skin gliding across the stage.”

“This tradition needs an upgrade,” Bellen declared. Her mother agreed, and together they shopped for new dance clothing. Bellen showed up at the studio the next day, adorned in her new ballet brown attire—brown tights and brown shoes. Her studio, however, wasn’t ready to make the leap. “‘Pink is tradition,’ the owner said. / ‘Traditions should grow just like we do,’” Bellen replied.

But as time twirled past and the studio stayed the same, Bellen realized they were just not willing to grow into new traditions with her. She knew it was time for a change. “And that’s when I learned sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is walk away.”

When Bellen and her mother walked into a new studio, they knew immediately this would be the right fit. Even the air felt different: “vibrant, warm, and welcoming.” At this new studio, Bellen’s ballet brown inspired other dancers to bring back the rainbow to ballet and show their true colors. Bellen says, “I had finally found a place that would join hands and duet with me. A place where self-expression, like the coolest crayons, colored the room.”

Bellen Woodard’s autobiographical story concludes with a brief overview of her activism and founding of the More than Peach Project, plus a further explanation of ballet brown versus ballet pink. Back matter also includes a conversation with studio owners, tips for dyeing pointe shoes, and heart-felt advice for young dancers and families.

A one-of-a-kind story about a one-of-a-kind dancer and writer. At just fourteen years old, Bellen Woodard has crafted a beautiful story of her journey to stretch the ballet standards and make room for inclusion. Ballet Brown showcases themes of resistance and persistence—that sticking up for yourself can make a difference, not only for you but for others too. In expanding the possibilities for ballet wear, Woodard opened the door for others to do the same. Through this lyrical story, more and more young dancers will feel inspired to do the same—to dance in their own style, however makes them feel seen.

Fanny Liem colors the elegant ballet scenes with rich shades of brown and pink. Liem cleverly plays with mirror reflections, showing “Ballet Pink Bellen” imagining her reflection in brown, and, later, her legs looking wobbly in pink, to show how she felt disconnected from their pale look. When Bellen describes her new studio as having a welcoming air, this is reflected in warmer yellow background tones, whereas her old studio is drawn in stark white. Fanny Liem animates the story with ballerinas of all backgrounds dancing across the pages—further driving the point that dancers shine in all different races, genders, and styles.

Ages 5 – 7

Scholastic, Inc., 2025 | ISBN 978-1546134077

 

Fanny Liem was born and raised in Indonesia. She’s loved drawing since she was a child. Her passion for storytelling and illustration started the first time she grabbed picture books, which were gifted to her by her uncle. When she is not drawing, she enjoys watching movies and listening to country music. You’ll find her on Instagram at wenfancy.

Meet Bellen Woodard

Photo © Tosha Woodard

Bellen Woodard is the young scholar, beloved trailblazer, and CEO of Bellen’s More than Peach Project. As the world’s first Crayon Activist, pioneer of “skin-color” crayons, and founder of the crayon/school supply brand for a new generation, Bellen has transformed an entire industry with a first-of-its-kind, innovative and inclusive project and brand that have become a global movement. She’s received many notable awards and has been featured by Scholastic, TIME, Nickelodeon, and many others. Now entering high school, Bellen embodies self-expression and discovery. She also enjoys world travel, dance, and spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs. And she’s just getting started! Visit Bellen’s More than Peach Project website to learn more.

Hi Bellen, I’m excited to be talking with you today about Ballet Brown and your More than Peach Project. 

In addition to being an author, you launched More than Peach, a global initiative, company, and brand, at just eight years old. Can you tell us about that?

I started Bellen’s More than Peach Project —“More than Peach”—only after successfully changing the language and perception around the “skin-color” crayon in my own school class and community. I wanted to bring that change for the benefit of every single kid around the world. I also had an amazing teacher, friends, and classmates and I loved school (I still do . . .), so I first imagined More than Peach and More than Peach crayons to “let kids be kids and give them their best options” and to celebrate youth leadership and many beautiful colors.

How did you come to write this book? And why did you pick to share this story in a children’s book format as opposed to other mediums?

Well, I’ve been dancing since I was two, and with the support of my parents and lots of advocacy along the way, it’s been a very rewarding dance journey overall. I also began wearing brown in ballet (ballet slippers and tights) almost from the very start and benefited from that in much the same way as another dancer does wearing pink. So, I wanted to be able to share my story and the advocacy in a picture book to connect with all kids and share tools too. I know that having a visual representation can be so important. Most of all, I want young dancers and their families to have built-in support from the dance community and to know that it’s okay to advocate for what’s essential. I also want Ballet Brown to be a conversation with dance studios and spaces that invite young dancers in.

Can you tell us more about the term “ballet brown”?

I coined the term “ballet brown” really to fill a void and capture more of the beauty of ballet and in dance as a whole. We commonly refer to “ballet pink” and not just in dance—so it really surprised me that we had yet to succinctly name and qualify “ballet brown.”  So, to create parity between the two partners, I began using the term “ballet brown” in my own language and saw firsthand how it helped to grow perceptions/a mindset in those around me. I wanted to share that with the whole world. My call to action is simply to apply ballet brown in much the same way as ballet pink to ensure each dancer gets what they need. And it goes way beyond brown tights and shoes. I think taking that step helps expand the world of dance in the most amazing, positive ways.

Can you tell me more about the process of getting this book published?

I was already in touch with Scholastic after being interviewed around More than Peach, and of course I already knew and loved their books. The Scholastic Book Fairs were also one of my favorite times during the school year!  When interviewed, we talked about all of the things I was up to at the time and writing a book was one. So, when they offered to become my publisher, it was a huge honor and a no-brainer.

What was the most unexpected or surprising part of writing and publishing a children’s book?

I think one of the most surprising things has been seeing my first book published in other world languages (English, Spanish, and French) and being able to literally see it change the world . . . one crayon at a time! Early on, I was also surprised at how long the process takes from start to finish.  For example, I began writing MORE THAN PEACH, my first children’s book, in early 2020 once Covid hit because suddenly I had way more time on my hands. (It was published in July 2022.) It’s also been at least 2 years since I began writing Ballet Brown so to see it finally arrive feels surreal! I also never expected to see my books in so many places across the globe, including classrooms, libraries, and museums—even the Library of Congress!

What was your favorite part? I think I have two favorite parts: One is having the creative license to share my story, and the other is being able to collaborate with such a great team throughout the entire process.

What advice would you give to young writers or dancers hoping to follow in your footsteps?

I would say to trust yourself and know that you are the absolute best person to tell and celebrate the story inside of you.

Do you have any new creative projects in the works that you’d like to share about?

There’s a bunch going on! I’ve been very excited about the growth of More than Peach and would have never dreamed I would see my crayons on shelves at Target and other places and my books everywhere! Also, I have such worthwhile partnerships with educators that are growing, which means a lot because my dad’s an educator too, and teachers have always been some of my favorite people! I have also been writing my next book which I’m very excited about and hope to share more about that soon!

Thanks so much for sharing so much about your inspiring work! I’m sure readers can’t wait to see your next book! 

Children’s Book Week Activity

Ballet Brown Activity Pages

 

Be inspired to stand up for something you believe should be changed with these Ballet Brown Activity Pages!

You can purchase Ballet Brown from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

March 14 – It’s Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science and Engineering Month

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About the Holiday

Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science and Engineering Month was established in 2020 by the Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Network. Founded in 1974 as a series of conferences aimed at promoting STEM careers to middle and high school girls, EYH provides hands-on activities, mentoring, and contact with role models as well as information about science and engineering fields.

Women still make up only 28% of the science and engineering workforce. With this month-long observance, the EYH Network hopes to make a significant impact on girls’ perceptions and career choices, encouraging them to explore and embrace STEM subjects​.

Thank you to Heyday and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience with me!

I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience

Written by Brook M. Thompson | Illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska

 

In her powerful autobiographical story, Brook Thompson, a member of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, warmly invites readers to join her on her journey from childhood to the present day to experience her intense love for her tribes’ traditions and the fish that sustain them. Readers are first taken out on Brook’s family’s fishing boat, where her father and her grandfather tell stories of their own childhoods as they check the nets in their designated fishing spots along the Klamath River in Northern California. Then it’s back home to learn how Brook helps cook the fish (lampreys in the winter and salmon the rest of the year) in a wide variety of delicious ways.

Illustration © 2025 by Anastasia Khmelevska, text © 2025 by Brook M. Thompson. Courtesy of Heyday.

Salmon and lampreys are more than just food to Brook, however. They are creatures of the earth to be admired and honored. She tells readers about their life and spawning cycles, how they predate the dinosaurs, and even about their fascinating symbiotic relationship. For Brook, this love she feels is shared. She says, “I feel loved by salmon because years ago my ancestors took care of the salmon for their future family” and reveals that the fish in the river now “are the great-great-great-great-great-great-grandkids of the salmon who had a relationship with my great-grandparents.”

Illustration © 2025 by Anastasia Khmelevska, text © 2025 by Brook M. Thompson. Courtesy of Heyday.

In 2002, when Brook was still young, over 60,000 salmon perished from a parasite which spread when the water level of the river became too low and the temperature too hot due to the six dams erected on the river. She explains how dams “block the salmon’s way home” and how the warming water promotes the growth of toxic green algae, which affects the fishes’ breathing and spreads disease. 

Brook joined protests by the tribal people and others, while scientists did research and local politicians lobbied for change. More than 20 years later agreements with the politicians and the companies that owned the dams were signed, and four of the six dams along the Klamath River were removed.

Illustration © 2025 by Anastasia Khmelevska, text © 2025 by Brook M. Thompson. Courtesy of Heyday.

As she grew into adulthood and inspired by her experiences, Brook set her eyes on higher education. She “went to college to learn about dams and about how to protect salmon in the future.” She became an engineer and a scientist who studies the interconnectedness of  “water, nature, people, animals, and buildings” and returned home to the Klamath River, where she continues the legacy of her ancestors in caring for the salmon, lampreys, and the environment.

Back matter includes Fun Facts about lampreys and salmon; photographs of Brook with salmon and at Iron Gate Dam, which was removed in 2024; a map of the Klamath River Watershed area; a note about the inspiration behind the book as well as the book’s font, OpenDyslexic, which makes it easier for those with dyslexia, like Brook, to read; and notes about the author and illustrator.

Illustration © 2025 by Anastasia Khmelevska, text © 2025 by Brook M. Thompson. Courtesy of Heyday.

Brook Thompson, in her compelling autobiographical story, will captivate children and touch their hearts. Thompson’s eloquent and straightforward storytelling immediately immerses readers in the Native relationship with nature and will inspire both young and adult readers to think deeply about how the earth sustains us and how we can show our appreciation in return. The theme of environmental justice and how citizens can and do make a difference is made personal through Thompson’s clear explanations of how the dams affected the salmon population and the long-term steps people took to reverse their damage. Thompson’s dedication—even from childhood—to her tribes, family, and future generations will impress readers. Children will also develop an understanding of how issues of interest to them now can inform their future endeavors.

Anastasia Khmelevska’s vibrant earth tone illustrations endear Brook to children through her evident passion for family, fishing, and the salmon and lampreys that have been a constant in her tribes’ lives. Her pacing and realistic depictions of people and events help children clearly understand the importance of each element of Thompson’s story from how the cyclical lives of salmon and lampreys are demonstrated in a swirling wave to the stunning landscapes highlight of the Pacific Northwest. These images make her depiction of the salmon die-off all the more impactful. Her final portrait of Brook Thompson coming home after earning her university degrees links her life to the salmon she loves so well. 

The combination of Native culture and environmental awareness makes I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience a must addition to school and public libraries. The book offers extensive value and research opportunities for science and social studies classes. For families who care about the environment, sustainability, activism, and the future of our planet, I Love Salmon and Lampreys would be a much-loved choice.

Ages 4 – 8

Heyday, 2025 | ISBN 978-1597146685

About the Author

Brook M. Thompson is a part of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes. She is a neurodivergent and Two-Spirit author with dyslexia. She has a BS in civil engineering from Portland State University and an MS in environmental engineering from Stanford University, and she will soon have a PhD in environmental studies from University of California, Santa Cruz, where she studies water, politics, restoration, and salmon. You can find out more about her at brookmthompson.com.

About the Illustrator

Anastasia Khmelevska is an illustrator based in Lviv, Ukraine. She has illustrated several children’s books, including My Invisible Zoo, Marella the Mermaid, and Anything Helps. Follow her on Instagram @cute_miuu.

Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science and Engineering Month Activities

Illustration © 2025 by Anastasia Khmelevska, text © 2025 by Brook M. Thompson. Courtesy of Heyday.

I Love Salmon and Lampreys Activity Pages

Play a printable board game, write about your dreams for the future, and learn fun facts about salmon and lampreys with these three I Love Salmon and Lampreys Activity Pages!

Chinook and Coho Salmon Coloring Pages

Coho and Chinook Salmon are vital to the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about California salmon at caltrout.org. Enjoy these coloring pages of coho and chinook salmon. Colored images are included for your reference.

Chinook Salmon Coloring Page | Colored Image of Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon Coloring Page | Colored Image of Coho Salmon

You can purchase I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience at these bookstores

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

February 24 – It’s Bake for Family Fun Month

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About the Holiday

This time of year is perfect for gathering with family and friends and spending those cold, indoor days making sweet treats and savory dishes! Baking together is a great way to teach valuable cooking skills and a little math. Talking with kids while baking is fun too! Tell old family stories, talk about favorite recipes, and share funny or memorable culinary experiences. Of course, the best part of baking together is eating the delicious meals or treats afterward!

10 Gulub Jamuns: Counting with an Indian Sweet Treat

Written by Sandhya Acharya | Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

 

Idu and his little brother Adu were excited to help their mom get ready for their friends Dia and Mia and their parents who would be coming later that evening for dinner. The delicious aroma of spices Mamma’s cooking already perfumed the house. At last it was time for Mamma to make the dessert: gulab jamuns! Idu and Adu tried to imagine what gulab jamuns were. “‘They are little round sweets that look like doughnuts,'” their mother explained. “‘They are soaked in sugary syrup so when you bite into one, they melt in your mouth.'” Idu and Adu thought they sounded yummy.

After the treats were finished, Idu counted them in the bowl. “‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 10 gulab jamuns!'” Adu echoed his big brother: “’10 gulab jamuns!'” Mamma sent the boys off to play, but the bowl of sweets was too enticing. Adu climbed onto the table and ate one. Then he stuffed his cheeks with two more.

Illustration © 2022 Vanessa Alexandre, text © 2022 Sandhya Acharya.

Idu thought his brother was funny until Mamma caught them. She asked Idu to tell her how many gulab jamuns she had made and then count how many were left. “‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 7 gulab jamuns,'” he answered. “‘Swa gua amoons,’ Adu repeated” through his full mouth. When Mamma asked what had happened to the other three, Idu told her. Then she wanted to know how it had happened.

Idu obliged, exactly imitating Adu’s actions. Adu then turned and gave Mamma a big sweet-treat smile. Mamma laughed, then grabbed one gulab jamun for herself and handed one each to her sons. That left just one more for . . . Daddy, who was just coming home from work. But what would they serve their special guests for dessert now? Idu and Adu enthusiastically offered to help their mother make more. Later, after dinner, Idu and Adu helped pass out the gulab jamuns, but there were two left over. Why? Idu’s and Adu’s bellies were already full of their new favorite dessert!

A recipe for gulab jamuns follows the story.

Illustration © 2022 Vanessa Alexandre, text © 2022 Sandhya Acharya.

Sandhya Acharya’s humorous counting story is the recipe for an entertaining read aloud the whole family will enjoy. Adu and Idu’s sibling shenanigans will have young readers giggling, and the naturally occurring opportunities for kids to count the gulab jamuns offer a fun way for them to engage with math. The exercise can even be extended at home or in classrooms as children add or subtract treats or other foods from their own plates. A multilayered story, 10 Gulab Jamuns also contains gentle lessons in honesty, taking responsibility, and making amends for one’s behavior, 

Vanessa Alexandre’s vivid and expressive illustrations bring out all the comical fun as Adu and Idu sneak the sweet treats, get caught, and ultimately help their mother make more. Children will especially like images of the brothers’ playful mischief-making, the bright kitchen and table laden with delicious Indian foods, and the cheerful depictions of a traditional Indian home and clothing.

A heartwarming, dialogue-rich story you can count on to become a favorite, 10 Gulab Jamuns would be a delightful addition to home, classroom, and library collections.

Ages 2 – 7

Sandhya Acharya, 2022 | ISBN 979-8985609516

About the Author

Sandhya Acharya grew up in Mumbai, India and now lives in the Bay Area. She is a mother to two young boys from whom she often draws inspiration for her writing. She worked in corporate finance and is a dance enthusiast as well. She hopes her readers have as much fun as she did with this story.

Bake for Family Fun Month Activity

celebrate-pictureb-books-picture-book-review-Kids-Baking-Cake-in-Cooking-Show-Bakery-Coloring-Pages

Let’s Bake Together Coloring Page

 

It’s fun for friends or siblings to create new recipes or just cook up some favorite treats! Have fun with this sweet coloring page!

You can purchase 10 Gulab Jamuns at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Interview with Dean Robbins

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celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-you-are-a-star-martin-luther-king-jr-cover

About the Holiday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the life and legacy of the man who dedicated his life and work to teaching—as Coretta Scott King once stated—“the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service” and who led a non-violent Civil Rights movement to enact racial equality and justice through state and federal laws. President Ronald Reagan created the national holiday in 1983, setting it on the third Monday of January to coincide with Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on January 15. To commemorate the holiday, learn more about the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. We still have a long way to go before there is true justice and equality for all, and it’s more important now than ever to look for ways to offer help and hope.

Thank you to Scholastic Press for sharing a copy of You Are a Star, Martin Luther King, Jr. with me. All opinions on the book are my own.

You Are a Star, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Written by Dean Robbins | Illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams

Opening the cover to this visually engaging biography, readers are first introduced to Martin Luther King, Jr. as he stands at a podium on August 28, 1963 ready to address the throngs of people who had joined the March on Washington and now filled the National Mall. He wonders if he’s prepared the right words to offer hope for a better future. His thoughts take him back to when he first experienced discrimination, and readers follow along, learning about segregation in schools, restaurants, recreation areas, even at drinking fountains.

Kids learn that even when Martin Luther King, Jr. was their age he was already thinking that “someone had to change these unfair rules” and deciding “Why not me?” Through the book’s first-person narration, children gain a close portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a committed intellectual, believer in the foundations of America, and outspoken advocate for equal rights. They learn of his life as a minister, his work with Rosa Parks and others to end discrimination on public busses, and his adoption of nonviolent protests to affect change. 

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-you-are-a-star-martin-luther-king-jr-finds-voice

Image copyright Anastasia Magloire Williams, 2025, text copyright Dean Robbins, 2025. courtesy of Scholastic Press.

Readers come to understand how success in Montgomery spurred Martin Luther King, Jr. and others to work toward ending segregation in other places—like stores and restaurants—and even to “challenge American leaders to make a national law against segregation.” They learn how Martin Luther King, Jr. ended up in jail in Birmingham, Alabama, after a peaceful protest and wrote a letter to the world about oppression. Kids also hear about the Children’s March, which took place at the same time and during which more than 2,000 children were also arrested. 

Returning to the March on Washington, Dr. King decides to abandon his written speech and talk from his heart. The result is his now-famous “I have a dream” speech. Following this gathering of 250,000 people and more calls for a national law against segregation from around the country, Dr. King reveals that “In 1964, Congress passed the Civil Rights act.” But even then Dr. King says, “I knew we had more work to do. Many places still had rules to keep Black people from voting.” 

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-you-are-a-star-martin-luther-king-jr-I-have-a-dream-speech

Image copyright Anastasia Magloire Williams, 2025, text copyright Dean Robbins, 2025. courtesy of Scholastic Press.

Another peaceful march was planned for Selma, Alabama, with a 50-mile march to Montgomery. This time, however, Alabama’s governor send troops to attack the marchers. The participants were not intimidated, though, and even invited more Americans to join them. Thousands answered the call. “Maids, students, and movie stars. Parents pushing baby carriages. People on canes and crutches.” Five days later, they reached Montgomery. “The Selma protest was our movement’s greatest victory,” Dr. King tells readers. “It led to a national voting rights law!”

Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds readers, though, that there’s still more to do to “see the good in one another,” “live with each other in peace,” “join together and change the world with love,” and “make my dream come true.”

Beneath the narration of Dr. King’s story, a comic-style panel highlights a single talking point, event, or fact—such as during the Montgomery bus boycott, one man “rode to work on a mule”—often with a light-hearted approach. On the righthand page, Robbins defines concepts such as nonviolent protests, boycotts, freedom of speech, protest songs, the Children’s March, polling place intimidation, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in easily understood language. 

Extensive back matter includes an Author’s Note, how children can “Be Like Martin,” notable quotations by Martin Luther King, Jr., four types of Nonviolent civil rights protests, a brief timeline of Dr. King’s life from his birth on January 15, 1929 to 2011, when the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC. Also included are a glossary of important terms and a list of resources.

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Image copyright Anastasia Magloire Williams, 2025, text copyright Dean Robbins, 2025. courtesy of Scholastic Press.

Dean Robbins’ immediately welcoming and dynamic first-person narration style not only draws young readers into Martin Luther King’s life and the history of the Civil Rights Movement, but makes children feel that they have a personal connection with Dr. King’s legacy. Robbin’s clear, factual writing, is presented in short, separated sentences. These make it easy for children to digest and understand King’s nonviolent approach to protest as well as the social and legal issues of the time and how, unfortunately, vigilance is still needed today. Robbins ends on a note of hope and an invitation to readers to join others and use their talents to help make Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream come true.

Accompanying Robbins’ text are Anastasia Magloire Williams’ compelling illustrations that are at once realistic and accessible for today’s visual learners. Her stirring depiction of Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking at the 1963 March on Washington sets the tone for children to discover the impact King has had on people’s hearts, minds, and actions for more than 60 years. Through Williams’ expressive portraits, children see Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to studying, practice, and rallying support as well as the effects of segregation, the determination of protestors during the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott, and how people from all parts of society working together created—and can still bring about—much-needed change.

With its graphic-style illustrations and well-researched content, You Are a Star, Martin Luther King, Jr. is vibrant and captivating. The book offers exhilarating learning opportunities for individuals, classrooms, and homeschoolers and may spark extended study or activism for a favorite cause. It is highly recommended for home bookshelves and a must for school and library collections.

Ages 5 – 7 and up

Scholastic Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1338895100

Meet Dean Robbins

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Photo credit David Giroux

Dean Robbins is a journalist and the author of the children’s picture books Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing, and Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women’s Right to Vote. His award-winning books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews and have been praised in the New York Times and USA Today. Dean grew up idolizing Apollo astronauts and loved working with Alan Bean on The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon. Learn more at deanrobbins.net.

Hi Dean! I’m thrilled to be talking with you today about your latest book, the impact heroes have always had on your life, and the importance of having heroes for children.

This biography about Martin Luther King, Jr. joins your You Are a Star series that began in 2022 with the story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Other inspirational figures in the series are Jane Goodall and Malala Yousafzai. Can you discuss a little about how this series came to be and how you choose the subjects?

My passion is writing about my personal heroes, some of whom are relatively unknown and whose stories I can share with children for the first time. But then there are those like Jane Goodall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Malala Yousafzai who are widely admired and frequently represented in children’s books. I developed the You Are a Star series with Scholastic to present such iconic figures in a new way for young readers, striving to combine emotional storytelling and humor. Each title tells an exciting life story from the subject’s point of view, including anecdotes and quirky details that don’t appear in other picture-book biographies. I hope this approach makes Jane, Ruth, and Malala feel like human beings that kids can relate to rather than like distant statues on Mount Rushmore.           

In You Are a Star, Martin Luther King, Jr., you so clearly present and connect the pivotal moments in King’s life as well as the Civil Rights Movement so children can understand and even feel as if they know Martin Luther King, Jr. How did you approach writing this biography? What kind of research did you do? What was the most meaningful part of the research and writing for you?

It’s a challenging subject to write about for elementary school students—that is, to write about both clearly and entertainingly. I tried to explain such important ideas as desegregation, free speech, and civil disobedience while also telling a page-turning story that, while concise, does justice to Dr. King’s life and work. I’m so glad you think I pulled it off! As a journalist, I love to do research, so the best part was immersing myself in the extensive literature on the civil rights movement to find material that might surprise and delight young readers.

As a library assistant in the children’s department of my local library, I see how excited kids are to read graphic novels. I love the way the format of the You Are a Star series bridges traditional picture books with that of the graphic style. Can you talk about the design of this striking series, and especially about Anastasia Magloire Williams’ dynamic illustrations in this book?

The format is what allows me to have so much fun with You Are a Star. It features a main story that flows throughout the book, supplemented by a two-panel comic and an essential-fact sidebar on each spread. The comics and sidebars offer the chance to introduce key concepts and funny details without bogging down the narrative.

As you noted, the format also provides a showcase for Anastasia’s brilliant illustrations. She artfully combines poignant and playful images, making Dr. King and his movement come alive on the page. She also has a genius for visualizing abstract ideas so that kids can understand them and feel their power. In one of the sidebars, for example, I introduce Dr. King’s comment that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” How on earth do you illustrate such a thing? Anastasia’s creative solution was to show Black and white hands building a wall together, with bricks marked “Justice,” “Equality,” “Unity,” “Change,” “Love,” “Peace,” and “Freedom.” What a lovely way to help children grasp Dr. King’s humane vision.

You’ve talked about the wide range of heroes you had as a child, from sports stars to early social and political reformers. Some of these are represented in the books you’ve written, but could you name some others? What do you think it was about them and yourself that drew you to these specific people?

Ever since I read Superman and Wonder Woman comics as a child, I’ve been attracted to those who overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to make the world a better place. And how thrilling is it that our world has real-life analogues to Superman and Wonder Woman? I hope I live long enough to publish a children’s book about every heroic figure whose picture hangs on my office wall, ranging from Jackie Robinson to Emily Dickinson to Louis Armstrong. 

Why do you think it’s important for children to have heroes?

Someone has to demonstrate the best that human beings are capable of, right? Especially when we’re so often confronted with the worst. The more kids who grow up to be like Dr. King, the better our world will be. In the back matter of You Are a Star, Martin Luther King, Jr. is a list of tips titled “Be Like Martin,” which I hope will facilitate this process!

I’ve read that you relish traveling to historical sites. Which place is your favorite or made the biggest impact on you and why?

One of the most stirring places I’ve seen is Susan B. Anthony’s house in Rochester, New York. On my tour of this national historic landmark, the guide pointed out the parlor where Susan would have tea with her neighbor and fellow activist Frederick Douglass. It was news to me that Anthony and Douglass socialized in this way, and I was moved by the idea of two titanic reformers humbly sipping tea while sharing their hopes and dreams. The experience inspired me to write my Scholastic picture book Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

Not only has your life included careers as a K–12 school teacher, a journalist, and an author, but you also present fascinating pieces about famous people—from Houdini to Theodore Roosevelt to Harrison Ford to a full stadium’s worth of musicians and sports stars—and their connection to Wisconsin on Public Radio. How did this collaboration come about? Could you take readers through a bit of your process in writing and recording the segments?

It’s yet another way to spread the word about my heroes, and I like doing so in a different medium—one with sound effects! I’ve included some of these pieces in a book of essays that will be published in April by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Wisconsin Idols: 100 Heroes Who Changed the State, the World, and Me offers my perspective on heroic figures with often surprising connections to Wisconsin, including Oprah Winfrey, Duke Ellington, and Georgia O’Keeffe. It makes the case for Wisconsin as a notably influential place: a crossroads for people who transformed the world.

What do you enjoy most about being a children’s author?

 When kids tell me that one of my heroes has now become one of their heroes. I can’t begin to describe how gratifying that is.

As a former teacher, you must love going to schools for presentations. From the photos on your website, it looks like you and the kids have a fantastic time! Could you describe what your presentations are like?

My own child has inspired much of my writing but is now 28 years old, so these days I visit schools to hang out with my favorite demographic. With their curiosity and enthusiasm, elementary school kids never fail to restore my hope for the world. The presentations are geared toward maximum interaction so we can get to know each other. I joke, read, ask questions, and give them lots of chances to clap and shout things out. I tell them about my favorite heroes, and they tell me about theirs.

What’s up next for you?   

Next year, Scholastic will publish a book about another one of my heroes: Albert Einstein. The Genius Next Door is based on a little-known true story that, I hope, will make Einstein seem relatable and math seem fun!

Thanks so much for sharing your insight and some background on your wonderful You Are a Star series. I wish you all the best with this book and am looking forward The Genius Next Door.

Look for the rest of the books in the You Are a Star series!

You can visit Dean Robbins on his website at deanrobbins.net | Instagram | X

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activity

Students and kids at home will enjoy spending time with these fun and thought-provoking printable activities about Martin Luther King, Jr. from A Day in Our Shoes.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Activity Pack

You can purchase You Are a Star, Martin Luther King, Jr. at these booksellers

Mystery to Me (Dean Robbins’ hometown independent bookstore)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

October 24 – National Food Day

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About the Holiday

Established in 2011 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, National Food Day aims to raise awareness of nutrition issues and encourage people to “Eat Real.” Eating real means “cutting back on sugary drinks, overly salted packaged foods and fatty, factory-farmed meats in favor of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and sustainably raised protein.” Prominent food activists help people discover where they can find food that is healthy and affordable. Another goal is to promote food production that is mindful of the environment, farm animals, and farmers. The efforts of National Food Day continue year round and culminate on October 24 with special events.

Thanks to Astra Young Readers for sharing a copy of The Most Perfect Persimmon with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

The Most Perfect Persimmon

By Hannah Chung

 

When Joo Hong gazed at the persimmons growing on the tree in her backyard, she saw the full moon, the glowing sun—perfection. She picked one, wanting to give it to her grandma, but her mother told her, Grandma’s visit was weeks away. Joo Hong wanted to taste that persimmon now, but when she took a bite, she discovered that the fruit wasn’t ripe yet. She decided to help the persimmon tree along by watering it, wrapping its trunk in a warm blanket on cool nights, and shooing away the magpies. At last they were ready.

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Copyright Hannah Chung, 2024. Courtesy of Astra Young Readers.

This time when Joo Hong tasted one, it was “shiny on the outside. Soft and sweet on the inside. They were so perfect!” Joo Hong couldn’t wait to serve them to Grandma. But she would have to. Grandma’s visit was still a week away. It was so hard for Joo Hong to wait. But the persimmons were not waiting. They “got redder and started to show wrinkles. Some even had brown spots.” Joo Hong was upset even though her mother tried to reassure her that they were just ripening. Joo Hong hid the boxes of fruit from the sun and kept her cat away, but “the persimmons kept changing.”

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Copyright Hannah Chung, 2024. Courtesy of Astra Young Readers.

By the time Grandma arrived, the persimmons “were no longer perfect.” Joo Hong held out her gift with tears in her eyes. “Grandma Gave Joo Hong a big, warm hug” then took the fruit, peeled the skin, and gave Joo Hong a spoon. Joo Hong tasted it. It was delicious! Grandma smiled. “‘A persimmon becomes a hongshi with lots of love and care over time,'” she said, then exclaimed it was the best persimmon she’d ever eaten. Joo Hong was so excited that she gave a persimmon to her cat and even to the magpie. Then she and her mother and Grandma set out a picnic on this perfect day and enjoyed hongshis all afternoon.

An Author’s Note reveals Hannah Chung’s homegrown inspiration for her story. 

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Copyright Hannah Chung, 2024. Courtesy of Astra Young Readers.

In her delightful and poignant debut picture book, Hannah Chung captures all the emotions of a young child with a big heart planning a special surprise for a beloved family member. From Joo Hong’s impatience for Grandma to arrive to her determination to ensure the persimmons are perfectly ripe to her tangled feelings and disappointed tears when Grandma does arrive and Grandma’s tender reassurances, Chung hits all the right notes, creating a story that kids and adults will love sharing and bond over.

Chung’s easy-to-understand, straightforward storytelling flows naturally and at a quick pace while also allowing readers to empathize with Joo Hong’s anticipation. In her bright, uncluttered illustrations Joo Hong’s facial expressions clearly show her changing feelings and make it simple for even the youngest children to understand how important the persimmon and Grandma are to Joo Hong. The relationships between Joo Hong, her mother, and her grandmother are sweet and tenderly drawn.

A perfect read aloud for story times as well as for bedtime, The Most Perfect Persimmon is a book that will be asked for often and is highly recommended for home, public library, and school library bookshelves. 

Ages 4 – 8

Astra Young Readers, 2024 | ISBN 978-1662620843

About the Author/Illustrator

Hannah Chung is an award-winning designer and entrepreneur in health care design for young patients. She is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and has presented at numerous conferences including TEDx and SXSW. Hannah spends her time both in Providence, Rhode Island, and Seoul, South Korea.

National Food Day Activity

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Shop the Farmers Market Maze

It’s a perfect day to visit the farmers market! Find your way through the stalls to enjoy all the delicious food! 

Shop the Farmers Market Maze with no colored border | Shop the Farmers Market Maze with colored border

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You can purchase The Perfect Persimmon at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

January 5 – Blog Tour Stop for Everybody Counts!

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I’d like to thank Matt Forrest Esenwine for sharing a digital copy of Everybody Counts! with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Everybody Counts!

Written by Matt Forrest Esenwine | Illustrated by Emma Graham

 

Children are invited to a lively international food festival in this rhyming and educational book that introduces readers to twelve nationalities through their cardinal numbers from 1 to 10 and a favorite dish that kids will be eager to try. As they visit each “booth,” readers learn about the ingredients and how each meal is made and meet an animal commonly found in each country. Along the way, they also gain a sprinkling of history, traditions, and information on the featured language. Kids even discover which number is considered the luckiest in China and why.

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Image copyright Emma Graham, 2023, text copyright Matt Forrest Esenwine, 2023. Courtesy of The Little Fig.

With a verse that plays on the idea of counting, Matt Forrest Esenwine starts off his world tour by prompting readers to look not only for the special attributes of each animal and their country but for those inside themselves and in those around them too: “Everyone is helpful, / in large or small amounts. / Everybody matters. / Everybody counts!” The enthusiasm in these words carry over onto each page spread, which includes a deliciously descriptive rhyming verse, a charming paragraph of explanatory text, and a row of numbers along the bottom, presented in their written form and how each is spelled in the particular language.

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Image copyright Emma Graham, 2023, text copyright Matt Forrest Esenwine, 2023. Courtesy of The Little Fig.

Emma Graham immediately captivates readers with her vibrant opening spread that frames Esenwine’s introductory verse with a series of beautifully patterned plates representing the countries found within the book’s pages. With a page turn, kids are invited into the festival to meet some of the excited participants as they chat with their neighbors and show off their dishes. Graham packs her pages with personality, adorable animals, images of ingredients, and symbols, patterns, landscapes, and colors that give kids plenty to talk about and to jumpstart research projects or new recipes to try. 

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Image copyright Emma Graham, 2023, text copyright Matt Forrest Esenwine, 2023. Courtesy of The Little Fig.

The multifaceted approach of Everybody Counts! is sure to engage kids in many ways—from feeling pride in their own heritage to the sense of accomplishment in learning to count in another language to wanting to try new tastes and foods. For teachers, homeschoolers, parents, and other adults, the book provides an enticing way to introduce geography, language learning, math, and even art lessons. The book’s familiar frame of an international festival can also spark ideas for events in classrooms, schools, and extracurricular clubs or organizations. 

Sure to prompt enthusiasm for story times, educational reading, and a host of extended activities, Everybody Counts! is highly recommended for home libraries and is a must for school and public library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

The Little Fig, 2023 | ISBN 978-1633330559

About the Author

Matt Forrest Esenwine’s children’s poetry can be found in numerous anthologies, including The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry. His various poems and picture books have received numerous positive reviews, including a Kirkus star. Flashlight Night was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the Best Books for Kids and chosen by Kirkus as one of the Best Picture Books of the Year. Matt currently has twelve other books under contract and coming soon. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife, kids, and more pets than he has fingers. You can visit Matt on His website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter.

About the Illustrator

Emma Graham is a versatile and experienced illustrator and graphic artist. Since graduating from Norfolk Institute of Art she has build a vibrant portfolio including children’s picture books, private commissions, and Wild In Art sculptures. She was longlisted for the Picture Books Hooks mentoring scheme and a finalist in The Hook at the SCBWI BI conference. As author, she was a finalist in the Stratford Literary Festival’s Salariya Prize for picture books. Emma is commissioned illustrator for the Children’s Appeal at Ipswich Hospital(UK)–a charity raising funds for a full refurbishment of the children’s ward. You can connect with Emma on Her website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter.

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You can find Everybody Counts! at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local, independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review