Alumni Authors: Children's books

  You sure do got some nappy hair on your head, don't you?  Well. It's your hair Brenda, take the cake. Yep. In a unique and vibrant picture book that uses the African-American call-and-response tradition, a family talks back and forth about adorable Brenda's hair--it's the nappiest, the curliest, the twistiest hair in the whole family. The family delights in poking gentle fun with their hilarious descriptions, all the time discovering the beauty and meaning of Brenda's hair. Soulful, funny, full of rhythm, and bursting with family pride, Nappy Hair is accessible to people of all ages. Joe Cepeda's colors are ripe but youthful, sweet but bold--with lots of kid appeal. A must for reading aloud, Nappy Hair is a meaningful and completely captivating reading experience. Nobody who has nappy hair--or know someone with nappy hair--will be able to forget little Brenda!  

Little ones often have many questions about the process of babies being born. Can babies talk? Do they cry before they are born? What do babies eat? This big brother in training would sure like to know the answer to that question. His thoughts start racing and then he wonders...Does it rain food in mommy's belly whenever she eats? What do you think? Follow him on this fun and imaginative journey as he ask the question DOES IT RAIN FOOD?

I'll Be Right There is a children's book that tells of a conversation between a father and son. This is an awesome book not just for fathers and sons, but for anyone parenting little ones when they get scared at night. It is a great reminder to tell your little ones you will be there to support them in their time of need.

This is an imaginative story of a little boy who loves the zoo as well as his Kazoo. What do you think would happen if you combined the two? I bet there would be a great adventure, but you will need to read to find out.

Step into the enchanting world of 'Twirls and Whirls: "Move with me", is an imaginative story about a young girl named Kendi whose heart beats to the rhythm of dance. From the very first moment her tiny feet first tapped the floor, a magical connection ignited, and she discovered the joy of expressing herself through movement. With every twirl, leap, and graceful sway, Kendi embarks on a captivating journey where dance becomes her way to paint, and the world becomes her canvas. Join us in celebrating the boundless spirit of a little girl who proves that with a love for dance, the world can come alive.

Troy Billings at 6'1", 296 pounds, is standing at the edge of a subway platform seriously contemplating suicide when he meets Curt MacCrae -a sage-like, semi-homeless punk guitar genius who also happens to be a drop-out legend at Troy's school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. "I saved your life. You owe me lunch," Curt tells Troy, and Troy can't imagine refusing; after all, think of the headline: FAT KID ARGUES WITH PIECE OF TWINE. But with Curt, Troy gets more than he bargained for and soon finds himself recruited as Curt's drummer. "We'll be called Rage/Tectonic. Sort of a punk rock, Clash sort of thing," Curt informs him. There's only one problem. Troy can't play the drums. Oh yes, and his father thinks Curt's a drug addict. And his brother thinks Troy's a loser.  But with Curt, anything is possible. "You'll see," says Curt. "We're going to be HUGE." In an outstanding, funny, edgy debut, K. L. Going presents two unlikely friends who ultimately save each other.

When the going gets tough, Dog . . . takes a nap Dog can Sit. He can Stay. He can even Dance. But when he's in charge, can he keep the cats in line? All one, two, three, four, five of them? Illustrated by Caldecott winner, Dan Santat, and packed full of slapstick silliness and utterly earnest charm, Dog will quickly wiggle his way into preschoolers' hearts.