Last summer we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Chicago author Natasha Tarpley's modern classic, I Love My Hair!, with hair-themed crafts, photo ops, birthday cake and more. The book's empowering story of pride and self-acceptance can be heard anew this month when former NFL wide receiver turned filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry and NAACP Image Award-winner Vashti Harrison visit 57th Street Books to read from their ode to self-confidence seen through the eyes of a daddy and daughter in Hair Love (Sat. 5/18 3pm). Learn more about Hair Love and other upcoming events below, featuring storytime favorite Ruth Spiro and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Karyn Parsons. Keep scrolling for the return of 57th Street stars with books you're bound to love, including New York Times bestselling author Liesl Shurtliff and National Book Award-winner Elizabeth Acevedo, and share the love with our Moms, Dads, Grads & Kids 2019 Gift Guide, available now in stores and online. While you're looking back, have a listen to a special episode of Open Stacks—starring Elizabeth Acevedo and Caldecott Medalist Javaka Steptoe—released last May in honor of Children's Book Week, currently celebrating its 100th anniversary. Till next time, here's to many years of books to come, with thanks, as always, for reading with us. I Love My Hair!(Little Brown Books for Young Readers)
Natasha Tarpley, illus. by E. B. Lewis
Using amazing objects from the British Museum, this series of captivating board books encourages children to engage with early learning concepts. Inquisitive toddlers will enjoy learning first words and animals!
This tender story of self-acceptance will resonate with readers of all ages. When a boy is teased for looking different than the other kids--his skin is darker, his hair curlier--he tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.
The Story of Rock (Silver Dolphin Books)
Editors of Caterpillar Books, illus. by Lindsey Sagar
From Elvis Presley to Beatlemania, from Janis Joplin to David Bowie—rock along with the greats in this delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the rockers that started it all! Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to play the air guitar with adorable frequency.
This book is about Circle. This book is also about Circle’s friends, Triangle and Square. Also it is about a rule that Circle makes, and how she has to rescue Triangle when he breaks that rule. With pitch-perfect pacing and subtle, sharp wit, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen come full circle in the third and final chapter of their clever shapes trilogy.
In 1914 crew members of the lighthouse tender Hyacinth rescued a stray puppy from the Milwaukee River and named him Sport. In this beautifully illustrated children’s book based on historical documents and photographs, readers share in Sport’s adventures while discovering the various ways lighthouse tender ships helped keep the lake safe for others.
During a hot summer day in the grasslands, a group of animals race to claim the single spot of shade―under one tiny leaf that clings to a branch. Through lyrical text from Hans Christian Andersen Award winner Cao Wenxuan, the story comes alive with bright, delicate art from award-winning illustrator Yu Rong
Abner and Ian are stuck sideways in this clever picture book created by a bestselling, acclaimed author and cartoonist. Ian is trying to be brave, despite his dizziness and fear of heights. But don’t worry, because Abner has a plan: Readers will shake and turn the book until they get right side up! Sounds easy, right? Think again...
"Luscious, light, and thought-provoking: decidedly not to be missed!"—Kirkus Reviews, starred review. Gus Gordon's The Last Peach is the story of two indecisive bugs contemplating eating the last peach of the summer in a hilarious picture book about anticipation and expectation.
It’s up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.
Inconvenient monster alarms, a sparkly array of princess guests, and spot-on slapstick pacing make for a party readers will celebrate. Today is Princess Magnolia's birthday party, and she wants everything to be perfect. But just as her guests are arriving...
Delsie loves tracking the weather—lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She’s always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she’s looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a “regular” family. “A thoroughly satisfying coming-of-age tale”—Kirkus Reviews
Celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the fluffy and fearsome classic Bunnicula with this pocket-sized edition, perfect for accompanying readers on all their mischievous adventures. This special edition includes bonus content and a deluxe cover that looks and feels as eerily delightful as the story within!
Inspired by the extraordinary true story of a wolf named OR-7 (or Journey), this tale of survival invites readers to experience and imagine what it would be like to be one of the most misunderstood animals on earth. A gripping novel about family, courage, loyalty, and the natural world, perfect for fans of Fred Gipson’s Old Yeller and Katherine Applegate’s Endling.
"In All the Ways Home, Elsie Chapman gracefully explores the complexities of family and loss. The specificity in which Chapman narrates Kaede's journey in Japan is particularly satisfying. An insightful, compassionate, and honest look at a young boy's search for identity and home after the death of his mother."―Veera Hiranandani, author of Newbery Honor novel The Night Diary
A timeless tale by Cao Wenxuan, best-selling Chinese author and 2016 recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Translated from Mandarin, the story meanders gracefully through the challenges that face Sunflower and Bronze, creating a timeless story of the trials of poverty and the power of love and loyalty to overcome hardship.
Jaime knows something is off with her friend group. They’ve started to exclude her and make fun of the way she dresses and the things she likes. At least she can count on her BFF, Maya, to have her back . . . right? Another spot-on story of middle school drama and friendship from Terri Libenson, national bestselling author of Invisible Emmie and Positively Izzy.
To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks. The first in a sweeping and epic debut fantasy trilogy about a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince who must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed.
Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—the one place she can let all of it go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks. From the author of the National Book Award-winner The Poet X comes a novel in prose about a girl with talent, pride, and a drive to feed the soul that keeps her fire burning bright.
Perpetually awkward Nima Kumara-Clark is bored with her insular community of Bridgeton, in love with her straight girlfriend, and trying to move past her mother’s unexpected departure. After a bewildering encounter, Nima finds herself suddenly immersed in the drag scene on the other side of town. From debut author Tanya Boteju comes a poignant, laugh-out-loud tale of acceptance, self-expression, and new worlds.
Brooklyn, 1998. Biggie Smalls was right: Things done changed. But that doesn’t mean that Quadir and Jarrell are cool letting their best friend Steph’s music lie forgotten under his bed after he’s murdered—not when his rhymes could turn any Bed Stuy corner into a party. A striking new novel by the critically acclaimed author of Allegedlyand Monday's Not Coming, Tiffany D. Jackson.
Poetry, Nonfiction & FolkBirth of the Cool (Page Street Publishing Co.)
Kathleen Cornell Berman Harrison
As a young musician, Miles Davis heard music everywhere. This illustrated biography explores the childhood and early career of a jazz legend as he finds his voice and shapes a new musical sound. (Music teachers and jazz fans will appreciate the beats and details throughout.)
This book is about the Stonewall Riots, a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBTQ+) community in reaction to a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village; the spark behind the movement. A timely and necessary read, The Stonewall Riots helps readers to understand the history and legacy of the LGBTQ+ movement.
The Gift of Ramadan (Albert Whitman & Company)
Rabiah York Lumbard, illus. by Laura K. Horton
Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. She tries to keep busy throughout the day so she won’t think about food. But when the smell of cookies is too much, she breaks her fast early. How can she be part of the festivities now? "A child-friendly and -centric look at this important observance."—Kirkus Reviews
In her debut children’s book, Rebecca Solnit reimagines a classic fairytale with a fresh, feminist Cinderella and new plot twists that will inspire young readers to change the world, featuring gorgeous silhouettes from Arthur Rackham on each page.
One day a collection of very old maps is found in a dusty library. They show where in the world monsters and creatures from mythology and folklore can be found. According to the notes left with the maps, they were made by Cornelius Walters, an intrepid explorer from the 15th century. But did Walters really make these elaborate maps, or is it all a hoax?
Adam Rubin, bestselling author of Dragons Love Tacos, teaches young readers to High Five with finesse, April 17 at 57th Street Books. Purchase a signed copyhere, while supplies last, and step up for more fun and interactive events below!
STEM-Storytime with Ruth SpiroSaturday, May 11th 10:30am at 57th Street BooksJoin us for a special storytime with Ruth Spiro—author of the popular Baby Loves Science board book series—reading from her new STEM-themed picture book series, Made by Maxine. Maxine is an inspiring young Maker who wants to make the world a better place, one contraption at a time. She knows that with enough effort, imagination and recyclables, it’s possible to invent anything! Learn more and RSVP here.
Storytime with Matthew A. Cherry and Vashti HarrisonSaturday, May 18th 3pm at 57th Street BooksJoin former NFL wide receiver turned filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry and NAACP Image Award-winner Vashti Harrison for a very special storytime reading of Hair Love, an ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters. Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her—and her hair—happy. Learn more and RSVP here.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Karyn Parsons presents How High the MoonSaturday, May 25th 3pm at 57th Street Books
Best known for her role as Will Smith’s ditsy cousin Hilary Banks on NBC’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Karyn Parsons revolutionizes her focus on sharing the stories of unsung black heroes in history with her acclaimed debut novel, How High the Moon. In the small town of Alcolu, South Carolina, in 1944, life is not always so sunny for 12-year-old Ella, whose mother is away pursuing a jazz singer dream in Boston. So Ella is ecstatic when her mother invites her to visit for Christmas. Little does she expect the truths she will discover about her mother, the father she never knew, and her family's most unlikely history. Join us for a story "as historically illuminating as Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review. Learn more and RSVP here!
Julissa Arce presents Someone Like Me with José OlivarezMonday, June 3rd 6pm at 57th Street BooksSomeone Like Me: How One Undocumented Girl Fought for her American Dream is the remarkable true story from social justice advocate and national bestselling author Julissa Arce about her journey to belong in America while growing up undocumented in Texas. Join us on June 3rd for a conversation with Arce and poet Jose Olivarez, 2018 Chicago Review of Books Poetry Prize winner for Citizen Illegal. Learn more and RSVP here.
"I believe that a good children's book should appeal to all people who have not completely lost their original joy and wonder in life. The fact is that I don't make books for children at all. I make them for that part of us, of myself and of my friends, which has never changed, which is still a child."
