The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Written by Tracey Baptiste, Published by Algonquin Young Readers, 2015. (Dark fantasy, ages 8-12)

Happy Halloween to those that celebrate! My boys (husband included) absolutely love this holiday so I have browsed more Halloween decor and stores than I care for. That being said, I felt that this book would be a perfect pick for readers who want to be creeped out but not totally freaked out. Also, Robin Miles does an exquisite job narrating the audiobook!

BACKGROUND

Corinne La Mer ignores the local talk of jumbies, or spirits that live in the forest on her Caribbean island home. It’s only when she goes into the woods to receive her mother’s necklace does she come out with more than what she bargained for. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A dark fantasy inspired by Caribbean folklore. A deliciously creepy read filled with suspense with a lead character with untapped powers.

PAIR WITH

Book #2 Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Book #3 The Jumbie God’s Revenge by Tracey Baptiste

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Jumbies

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Clever Little Witch by Mượn Thị Văn

Written by Mượn Thị Văn , Illustrated by Hyewon Yum, Published by Margaret K McElderry Books, 2019. (Holiday, 4-6)

Clever witch.jpg Halloween is right around the corner and luckily I have a very crafty husband who is able to make our sons’ costumes (I can sew, he’s just SO much better at it!) As I was thinking about the holiday, I do not recall seeing a lot of diverse Halloween books. Clever Little Witch is a great read aloud and Hyewon Yum’s illustrations are also expressive and playful!

BACKGROUND

Little Linh lives on a Southeast Asian Island and happens to be the cleverest witch around. The only problem is, how can you practice magic when you have a baby brother that messes with all of your magical things? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is a visually funny and colorful read for Halloween. It also provides a funny take on sibling relationships.

PAIR WITH

The Twins’ Little Sister by Hyewon Yum

The Itty-Bitty Witch by Trisha Speed Shaskan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Clever Little Witch

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Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller

Written and Illustrated by Sharee Miller, Published by Little Brown and Company, 2018. (Picture Book, 3-8)

My two sons are at that point where they are constantly testing personal boundaries. As lovely as this stage is, it reminded me of similar talks I would have with my students especially when they would all sit together for storytime. I had many requests in the past from teachers asking for books that talk about personal space. I am soooo glad to see that Miller tackles this issue in this humorous read!

BACKGROUND

Aria introduces herself and her love of her beautiful afro-textured hair. The only problem is everyone else is also enamored by her hair and will often touch it without asking permission! Fed up, Aria must find a way to advocate for herself. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that promotes self-love and acceptance. Can also be used to teach tolerance. Most importantly, a great discussion starter for personal space, advocating for your needs, as well as respecting the boundaries of others.

PAIR WITH

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest of reading Don’t Touch My Hair

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Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando by Andrea Wang

Written by Andrea Wang, Illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz, Published by Little Bee Books, 2019. (Picture Book, 5-10)

Ramen

I do not know if it was all the late night meals with my dad, or that it was my family’s go-to method to warm up on those chilly days, but my favorite comfort food is a bowl of soup noodles. Now I have two kids that are both noodle boys! Yay! This engaging biography with charming illustrations is definitely one you will want to slurp up!

BACKGROUND

Japan is recovering from World War II and Momofuku Ando witnesses a long line of hungry people waiting for an expensive bowl of ramen. Struck by the scene he works on creating an accessible meal inventing instant ramen. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a twenty minute read aloud that would be perfect for a fun storytime, biography unit, to model grit, trial and error, and even STEM. Includes an author note, pronunciation guide, and afterword.

PAIR WITH
Dumpling Dreams: How Joyce Chen Brought the Dumpling from Beijing to Cambridge by Carrie Clickard

Hiromi’s Hands by Lynne Barasch

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest of reading Magic Ramen

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