Inclusive Children’s Books by Black Women Authors
Reading is power, representation is the seat at the table, and all children deserve both
TL;DR
A short intro into our features
📚 Black Women Children’s Book Authors (with a few discounts!)
✊🏾 Black History Facts
🚨 Networking and Job Opportunities for Illustrators
💵 How to Find Federal Grants for You
A short intro into our features
I didn’t grow up with many books that reflected me growing up, especially not as a small child. My mom and I would make at-home projects out of my tiny, self-published storybooks so I could unknowingly make the representation that she knew I needed. Back in those days, all the children’s books were featuring one of two kinds of main characters: animals or white kids. I’m so grateful to see that things are changing when it comes to children’s literature, but Black authors are still disproportionately not getting the same amount of marketing, advertisement, book deals, and overall representation in the publishing industry. People want to read stories with their children about children of color, but where can parents and loved ones find those books? HERE! Literally right here!
📚 Black Women Children’s Book Authors
Who's the Prettiest Girl in the World?
By Jamila Avalon
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
Every little girl should always know that they are the prettiest, smartest, most amazing girl in the world, and this book is your new reminder! The beauty that lies in every young girl is more than what is on the outside and more than one word can describe. Take an adventure through this book to learn what makes up the prettiest girls in the world!
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
Yes! One day my sister posted a video about her daughter wanting straight hair because that's what she understood beauty to be. Of course she went on to share how she uplifted her, and made her know that she is beautiful inside and out, and hair doesn't make her. That video made me emotional because I remember being that little girl and if it wasn't for a mother who told me daily that I was the prettiest girl in the world, I don't know where I'd be! So I used that phrase and the principles behind it to write this book, and I used images of young girls in my life as inspiration for the characters in my book, so that all our beautiful black princesses could see a part of themselves in the book.
And as an added bonus, during my self publishing journey, I became pregnant with the prettiest girl in the world and added a late edit to the book writing her into my acknowledgements page!
How can HTA readers find you and support your business? Website? Socials? Etc.
Website: www.milatheauthor.com
Instagram: @milatheauthor
DISCOUNTS:
As part of Black History Month, I will be doing a 10% off Sale using the code BHM on my website.
The Billy Be Kind Children's Series
By Kim Adams
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
The Billy Be Kind Children's series is a collection of short rhyming stories with important lessons simplified for young readers.
The kind little mouse is a lovable fun character that captivates young children, offering simple first-step solutions that help to encourage and promote the social and emotional development of children.
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
My books were created for my children. My little ones often make decisions without thinking and don't always see the effects of their decisions. My series is inspired by real conversations that I have with them.
Do you have any accomplishments, accolades, awards, etc. that you want readers to know about?
I am humbled by the title: award-winning author and Amazon best seller. I’ve also received numerous editorial reviews, some of which are from Literary Titan and Readers Favorite. I have had the privilege of being featured in my hometown paper which was a huge accomplishment for me. I am just getting started and I am excited about the future.
Where can we find you?
Instagram: @billybekind
Website: https://:www.billybekind.com
DISCOUNTS:
Bundle discount sale going on now! Email for bulk discounts.
ABC’s of Money Coloring & Activity Book (The first book of the Financially LIT series)
By Nicole Best- Financial Wellness Specialist & Educator
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
During the pandemic, I came across a statistic saying the median wealth of African Americans would be $0 by the year 2050. This struck me hard because we are such talented, innovative people we just lack certain financial skills to obtain, keep and grow wealth. We are consumers whose spending adds up to 3 billion a year, yet we don’t have the Capital and representation in ownership. I started thinking, the Bible says “Train a child up in the way he should go” if that is the case, we should be applying that to knowledge and understanding of Financial literacy if we want to close the wealth gap.
This was the reason the ABC’s of Money Coloring & Activity Book was born. It includes 88 pages of A-Z fun interactive learning, coloring, and activities that can be can be done independently, in a group setting or with family. If done as a family, inter generational learning can take place. (My 5th grade teacher purchased books for her grandchildren and even she learned a few things) As a parent, I understand how important a positive self image is for a child so the book also includes self esteem activities to foster that as bonus, making it both unique and impactful.
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
Knowing the Black & Brown demographic is ranked the lowest when it comes to understanding Financial literacy, I created the ABC’s of Money Coloring and Activity Book with the next generation of US in mind.
Financial literacy is a vital component to success and our children lack the resources to this basic need, so this is a fun, easy and affordable way to share this knowledge.
The book is for all ages and easily digestible. Kids can start as early as ages 6-8 with parental guidance.
Do you have any accomplishments, accolades, awards, etc. that you want readers to know about?
I’m an established Financial specialist with a Fortune 500 company.
I’m a Financial Literacy educator who successfully started the “Financially LIT” pilot program for 7th & 8th grade at the Nativity School for Boys in Harrisburg, PA. My program is the first time Financial literacy has been taught since the school’s inception in over 20 years.
How can HTA readers find you and support your business? Website? Socials? Etc.
FB: Nikki Oso
LinkedIn: Nicole Nikki Best
Website: theawolsociety.com
Calendly.com/Nbest01 for complimentary Financial consultations
DISCOUNTS:
Use the code BWOB for 15% off on Amazon
Grandma’s favorite Sundae
Author, Writer Dawn Grantham
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
The annual fundraiser at school is quickly approaching and young Sundae does not know how she will contribute. Through the art of crocheting, Sundae solves her problem with a crochet donation idea. She also develops an invaluable bond with her loving grandmother who teaches Sundae to crochet. This is a story to remind young readers to help others, be creative and foster relationships.
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
It was intentionally created for the child who is fearful with doubt and doesn’t believe they can accomplish anything. However once they put their trust in God and believe in themselves they can overcome anything
How can HTA readers find you and support your business? Website? Socials? Etc.
DGinspires on Instagram and TikTok
Dawn Grantham on Amazon and Facebook
Sharing Is The New Cool
By Jacqueline Crann, Children’s Author
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
Sharing Is The New Cool, Is about a boy named Morgan who shows kindness towards others on his first day of school. This story was inspired by my two wonderful boys. I believe that it’s never to early to teach a child to be kind and have empathy, compassion and consideration towards others.
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
My goal is that all children see themselves in my book.
Do you have any accomplishments, accolades, awards, etc. that you want readers to know about?
I’m proud to say I am now an award winning author. In addition I have also received a few positive editorial book reviews, that confirms that I’m heading in the right direction. One being Literary Titan.
How can HTA readers find you and support your business? Website? Socials? Etc.
Wesbite: Jaxlovesbooks.com
Instagram: Storytimewith_jax
DISCOUNTS:
Bundles will soon be available on her website
Lamar Takes A Trip
By Auntie Sierra - Children's Book Author | STEM Education Advocate
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
Lamar Takes A Trip follows a little boy through his travel day. The book starts with him packing his backpack at home and proceeds to the airport and onto the airplane where he experiences life from the sky before arriving at his destination!
Lamar Takes A Trip features fun illustrations and exposes children to sight words and learning concepts. This is the perfect early learner's book to read to or with children as they learn about self-care and safety awareness while being exposed to new experiences.
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
This book is the first in the series written based on my nephew. I became a virtual first-grade teacher to my nephew during the pandemic and the more time we spent in the library looking or books that he should be reading himself, the more I realized the lack of opportunity for him to see himself as the main character in those books. As we left the library one afternoon, I told him not to worry about it because Auntie will make you your own set of reading books.
Do you have any accomplishments, accolades, awards, etc. that you want readers to know about?
I’m an Amazon Best Seller
How can HTA readers find you and support your business? Website? Socials? Etc.
Follow the author @AuntieSierra on all social media platforms. Publishing website coming April 2023 at SiohanPress.com
DISCOUNTS:
Bulk orders of 25 items or more include a 20% discount. Contact directly via email or social media.
I Love Me Some Me
By Dr. Torise Hiller
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
It's about a young girl who struggles with her identity. She feels insecure and distant from her siblings and, as she begins to have constant conversations with God, she begins to like and love herself.
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
Any person struggled within. It can speak to all ages.
Do you have any accomplishments, accolades, awards, etc. that you want readers to know about?
In 2021, I received an award for my tireless commitment to sharing my gifts from Innervision International Magazine, Inc. and the Distinguished Award of the Year at Passaic Women’s Luncheon in 2022.
How can HTA readers find you and support your business? Website? Socials? Etc.
Website: Aplacetoconsider.com
Email: Aplacetoconsider@gmail.com
“Torise Hiller” on IG, FB, LINKEDIN, and TIKTOK
DISCOUNTS:
*DM or email Torise if you are interested in buying her books in bulk and she’s talk through potential discounts with you
Magnificent Mocha Monty
By Holland Jordan, LMSW - Children's book author and mental health clinician
What's your book/series about? Take us on the journey!
The overall theme of the book is to encourage children to "love who they are, and to love the skin they're in." Children begin going through a questioning and discovery phase at an early age (3-4yrs old). They notice differences among their family members, friends, and even strangers.
When my grandson Monty was about 3yrs old he told me he wanted skin like mine. Monty's skin color is mocha brown, my skin color is honey/beige. Hearing him say that was when I decided this would be a great teachable moment. I realized he understood that there was something about skin color that made him different and I wanted him to have a positive experience regarding this realization.
I explained to him that being different is what makes people in the world so Magnificent and Amazing. We talked about the skin color of his friends at school, our family members, and even the people we see on the street. I explained to him that we should appreciate all people even if they are different than ourselves. I then told him he was Magnificent Mocha Monty with the most Magnificent Mocha Skin. He beamed with so much pride after hearing me say those words and looked up at me while pointing to his chest and said "I am Magnificent and Amazing." This book takes you on Monty's journey as he discovers all the things about him that are so Magnificent!!!
While we know that your book/series is intended for kids, was it created with a specific kid in mind? If so, who?
The book was created for my grandson Monty. Children need to know it's ok to be different because being different is what makes them so Magnificent and amazing (representation matters, mental health matters). I am a big advocate of using books to teach kids about a wide range of topics including those that will improve their mental health, self-confidence and self-esteem. This book was written for, and about Monty because these issues are important, especially for young children.
Do you have any accomplishments, accolades, awards, etc. that you want readers to know about?
I have received the Literary Titan Gold Award (the Literary Titan Gold Award is bestowed on books that we found to be perfect in their delivery of original content, utilizing fresh themes to convey innovative ideas, and deftly uses elegant prose to transform words into expertly written literature), and a Readers Favorite 5-Star review. Also, my book has been read by several storytellers on their IG reading platforms to include @storytimewith_jax, Storyteller Kay, kidzstoriesandmore, and Turnthepages.org_chitown.
How can HTA readers find you and support your business? Website? Socials? Etc.
Website www.mochamonty.com
Instagram @mochamonty
Goodreads and Amazon
DISCOUNTS:
Bulk rate discounts are available when 10 or more books are purchased. Send message regarding discount via website www.mochamonty.com
✊🏾 Black History Facts
Summary of the life of Mary Lumpkin, an enslaved woman who opened a school for Black students when she gained her freedom. There’s a lot more to her story so listen to it HERE
The history behind Picasso’s appropriation of African art to gain his international notoriety HERE
The caption to this video summarizes it best: “The enslaved African man who became a ruler of India”. Check out the story of Malik Ambar HERE
🚨 Networking and Job Opportunities for Illustrators
Here are two writers looking to hire illustrators for their children’s books. If you’re interested, please DM them on Instagram and tell them that Shayna sent you :)
Sincerelywillia (she’s looking for someone who knows how to draw dancers!)
Crai88 (she’s looking for someone who can illustrate a dinosaur book she’s working on about her daughter)
💵 How to Find Federal Grants for You
THIS LADY breaks down how to find and apply to hundreds of federal grants in a massive database. If you are unfamiliar, and could use some government money, definitely check it out!
By the time all of you are getting this newsletter I’ll be on a plane to California. If there’s anything specific you guys want to know about the Black Joy Parade in Oakland, please let me know!
Paid subscribers, you all got some really fun food content coming your way tomorrow!