New Releases by Traci N. Todd

A beautiful picture book biography about Ella Jenkins, “The First Lady of Children’s Folk Song,” and her contribution to children’s music education. Ella Jenkins is considered the first lady of children''s music. At a time when children’s music was mostly novelty songs and movie soundtracks, she believed that music could be a powerful tool to teach. From the very beginning, she believed that a child’s natural curiosity and good nature could be fed by introducing them to the folk rhythms, music, and dance of cultures from all over the world. This book tells Ella’s story from the time she was a young child, first learning about music through her Uncle Flood playing harmonica, to her encounters with racial discrimination, and finally her involvement with the folk music movement and her discovery that music could be a powerful tool to teach children and bridge cultures, leading her to perform and work with children on all seven continents (including Antarctica!). LIVING LEGEND: The text draws heavily from personal interviews the author conducted with Ella and her manager, which does a great job of helping to tell Ella’s story in her own words. WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS: Sings and celebrates today’s continued need for more diverse books! A GREAT GIFT: With rhythmic text and musical illustrations, this book makes a perfect present for anyone who loves music or nonfiction, or both! Perfect for: - Fans of Ella Jenkins - Teachers and librarians looking for their next picture book biography - Parents, teachers, and caregivers of children who love music or nonfiction, or both! - Gift givers looking for a beautiful, musical book

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book • Robert F. Sibert Honor Book An evocative picture book biography about the prolific life of Jackie Ormes, whose groundbreaking cartoons became some of the first empowering depictions of Black women in America! Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature "Jackie joy" while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting? Rising stars Traci N. Todd, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, and Shannon Wright, co-creator of the bestselling graphic novel Twins, have crafted a gorgeous and heartfelt tribute to the indelible legacy of Jackie Ormes, whose life and work still influences illustrators and cartoonists today.

Stacey Abrams, politician and Nobel peace prize nominee, is brought to life in this poetic picture book biography that follows Abrams''s fight for voters'' rights. Narrated by Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer, this powerful story tells how Abrams''s work was inspired by those luminaries before her. "Sometimes she would light the way. Sometimes her way would be lit by others..." Stacey Abrams was always destined for big things, because she always imagined more. Now she protects the least powerful, works toward making voting fair and easy, and demands better for Georgia and every other state in this nation. Stacey Abrams''s determination, perseverance, and courage will inspire younger generations to make meaningful change in the world. Traci Todd''s lyrical text is coupled with stunning artwork from Laura Freeman, Coretta Scott King Honoree for Hidden Figures. Use this book to encourage conversation at home and the classroom about Black women and voting. This book is perfect for Black History Month and to be shared alongside such powerful titles as Kamala Harris: Rooted In Justice by Nikki Grimes and I Dissent by Debbie Levy.

A 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award Honoree! This luminous, defining picture book biography illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinson, tells the remarkable and inspiring story of acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy. Cover may vary. Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in small town North Carolina, Nina Simone was a musical child. She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. She loved the way his music began softly and then tumbled to thunder, like her mother''s preaching, and in much the same way as her career. During her first performances under the name of Nina Simone her voice was rich and sweet but as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam, Nina''s voice soon became a thunderous roar as she raised her voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination.

When different animals try to join a special dance, they all fail for different reasons, from grumpiness to sneezing.

"Sing to the tune of ''London Bridge is Falling Down''"--T.p.

At a drum circle on the beach, Caleb learns about the different kinds of drums and how they are played in their countries of origin, while Reggie scares up trouble with unexpected consequences.

When different animals try to join a special dance, they all fail for different reasons, from grumpiness to sneezing.

Henry''s happy song begins with only a little whistle. But soon everyone is making music.