New Releases by Tameka Fryer Brown

For fans of Ainsley Earhardt and Matthew Paul Turner, this lyrical and heartwarming picture book introduces little ones to prayer and its infinite meanings, encouraging connection with God in moments big and small. When we lie down to sleep or bless our food before we eat, we pray. But what is prayer? Prayer is gratitude. Prayer is love. Prayer is a gift from God that everyone can use in times of need. It can be said in a shout or a whisper, in the pews of a church or on the living room couch. Prayer is simple—anyone can do it. With simple, sweet, contemplative text from award-winning author Tameka Fryer Brown and sweet illustrations from rising-star artist Alleanna Harris, Prayer Is is a gentle exploration of the different meanings of prayer seen through the eyes of a girl and her family—the perfect gift for baby showers, christenings, birthdays, or any moment in a child’s life. Did you enjoy Prayer Is? Then you’ll love these picture books from Tameka Fryer Brown: All the Greatness in You and Brown Baby Lullaby.

Inspired by the Miami neighborhood she grew up in, author Tameka Fryer Brown teams up with award-winning illustrator Charlotte Riley-Webb for the picture book about a diverse community in Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day. Neighbors gather on a hot summer day for a joyful block party: Kids play double Dutch; men debate at the barber shop and play chess; mothers and aunts cook up oxtail stew, collard greens, and other delicious treats; and friends dance and sway as jazz floats through the streets. A rhythmic tale that celebrates the diversity of a close-knit community, Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day will excite readers and prompt them to discover the magic of their own special surroundings.

Bursting with warmth and words of encouragement, this lyrical picture book celebrates growing up and believing in yourself—the perfect gift for graduations, birthdays, the first day of school, and beyond. You are brave. You are enough. You are your own best thing. All the Greatness in You is a sweet and affirming story told from the perspective of a loving mother as she recounts all the things she admires about her young son and his burgeoning independence—from his boundless curiosity and his can-do attitude to his resilience when times get tough. When faced with a daunting challenge—like a solo in his church’s choir—she encourages him to find his inner strength and courage. Award-winning author Tameka Fryer Brown and up-and-coming artist Alleanna Harris craft a joyful ode to the milestones and special moments in every little one’s life, empowering them with the confidence to try new things, ask questions, make mistakes, and most of all, believe in their own greatness.

Shirley Chisholm was a natural-born fighter. She didn’t like to be bossed and she wanted things to be fair. Brooklyn-born Shirley Chisholm was smart and ambitious. She poured her energy into whatever she did—from teaching young children to becoming Brooklyn’s first Black assemblywoman. Not afraid to blaze a trail, she became the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to seriously run for US president. With a vision of liberty and justice for all, she worked for equal rights, for the environment, for children, and for health care. Even now, her legacy lives on and inspires others to continue her work . . . which is not done yet. Stirring free verse by Tameka Fryer Brown and evocative illustrations by Nina Crews provide an inspirational look at changemaker Shirley Chisholm.

A cumulative all-holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy, especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and all family celebrations. Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact. The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there’s no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise. Written to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Twelve Dinging Doorbells is exuberant. Author Tameka Fryer Brown’s cumulative rhyme is impossible to resist, and the humorous details in Ebony Glenn’s cut-paper collage will welcome readers to this party again and again.

This lyrical bedtime picture book is a must-have for every brown baby's bookshelf. Come, my sweet brown baby... From sunset to bedtime, two parents lovingly care for their beautiful baby: first, they play outside, then it is time for dinner and a bath, and finally a warm snuggle before bed. Precious and heartfelt, this story is a true celebration of the love shared between parent and child -- and the actions that say "I love you." With gorgeous text by Tameka Fryer Brown and featuring warm art by New York Times–bestselling and NAACP-Award–winning illustrator AG Ford, Brown Baby Lullaby is the perfect new baby or baby shower gift.

What color is your mood? On a really good day, Jamie feels purple like the first bite of a juicy cold plum. And with a crayon in his hand, Jamie eases into a green feeling--like a dragon dancing through a jungle made of green jello. But when his brothers push him around and make fun of his drawings, Jamie feels like a dark gray storm brewing. What will it take to put Jamie back in a bright-feeling mood? Through Jamie, young readers will learn to describe how they’re feeling in a unique way. My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood is a 2014 Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book.