Book Description Review “Whether this delightful book is a mirror or a window for a child, it is a must-read for its celebration of love for oneself and one’s family. – Starred Review” – Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA, School Library Journal“Celebration of community and belonging. – Starred Review” – Publishers Weekly“This “celebration” makes magic out of the everyday joys of being in the world. – Starred Review” – Kirkus Reviews Read more From the Back Cover ABSOLUTELY LOVELY. – Jacqueline Woodson: National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate 2018, Author of Brown Girl Dreaming, National Book Award Winner 2014, Another Brooklyn, National Book Award Finalist 2016 Read more About the Author Samara Cole Doyon is both a second-generation Haitian American and a deeply rooted Mainer, with half of the roots of her family tree reaching generations deep into the soil of the Pine Tree State. She is a freelance writer, teacher, wife, and mother. She has been a regular contributor at Black Girl In Maine Media and has been featured in the “Deep Water” poetry column of the Portland Press Herald.Kaylani Juanita’s mission as an artist is to support the stories of the underrepresented and create new ways for people to imagine themselves. Her work has appeared at the Society of Illustrators and the BBC website, and she is the illustrator of the picture books Ta-Da! and winner of the ALA Stonewall Book Award for When Aidan Became a Brother . She lives in the Bay Area in California. Look for her online at kaylanijuanita.com and @kaylanijuanita on Twitter and Instagram. Read more Customers Review: My entire family LOVES this book. My daughter is 10. The poetry and artistry is amazing. What I loved most about this book is my daughter connected so deeply with how nature was depicted. From the clothes to the activities, to being at home. When I moved to Maine many, many years ago I noticed how children, libraries and stores were very connected to Maine authors for children’s stories. Dr’s. even gave out children’s books by Maine Authors during well visits. As we loved the children’s stories by Maine authors, never once have we come across a story depicting beautiful shades of Brown girls by a Maine Author. This book should be in everyone’s collection. A must for all children. I would recommend this book for adults as well as a reminder of the beauty in the world that is Magnificently Brown.
My daughter loves this book so much. The poetic language and gorgeous illustrations are such a treat. The best part for us is she gets to see herself in the story — her different moods, activities, hair styles and her beauty. We brought one into her classroom and the teachers and kids were loving it. This should be in every school library.
Superb children book
This book is a verbal and visual celebration of being comfortable in the gorgeous skin that you are in. The lyrical poetic language is inspiring and heartwarming making it a perfect story to share one-on-one. Little girls express the different shades of brown that they witness around them in the world. They compare the tones they find to different physical and personality attributes that they possess. They use terms such as: deep secret brown… like my eyes, feathery brown…like my lashes, amber brown…like my hair, radiant brown.. like my skin, smooth, creamy brown…like my laughter, and thundering brown… like my power, just to name a few. The girls know deep down in their hearts that they are beautiful both inside and out making each glow with pride and happiness because of that unconditional truth.The author has included a diverse cast of characters representing different ethnic cultures and also those with disabilities. The illustrations are gorgeous. They are full of rich details that are portrayed in soft, warm, autumn colours … a perfect pallet to impact the reader visually and invite them into the coziness of the story. The text will influence both young and old alike as it is shared together. This “celebration-of-life” book should be in every elementary school library and would be perfect to give as a gift. I highly recommend this book.
‘Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration’ by Samara Cole Doyon with art by Kaylani Juanita is a picture book glorying in how we can see ourselves in the world around us.A young girl compares rivers and trees and honey to the color of her skin and eyelashes and eyes. She is cared for by family. She spends time in nature. She is a gloriously happy child.The verse in this book is amazing. I was completely taken in from the first page. The art is exuberant and beautiful. Everyone should have a book where they can see themselves. It’s also good to have books that show us that we have more in common than not.I received a review copy of this ebook issue from Tilbury House Publishing, Myrick Marketing & Media LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
This book is a poignant, meaningful, and spot on love story for black and brown children and their beautiful selves. Doyon’s lyricism paired with Juanita’s vibrant illustrations make this a must-have for children of all ages. |
7 reviews