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Children's reading lists

13 wonderful children’s books by Black authors and illustrators

The Bench

#1 New York Times Bestselling Picture Book 
 
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex's first children's book, The Bench, beautifully captures the special relationship between father and son, as seen through a mother's eyes. The book's storytelling and illustration give us snapshots of shared moments that evoke a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion. 
 
This is your bench 
Where you'll witness great joy. 
From here you will rest 
See the growth of our boy. 
 
In The Bench, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between father and son and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family. 
 
Evoking a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion, The Bench gives readers a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons - moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and lasting comfort. 
 
Working in watercolour for the first time, Caldecott-winning, bestselling illustrator Christian Robinson expands on his signature style to bring joy and softness to the pages, reflecting the beauty of a father's love through a mother's eyes. 
 
With a universal message, this thoughtful and heartwarming read-aloud is destined to be treasured by families for generations to come.

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex (Author) 
 Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, is a mother, wife, feminist, and activist. Through the nonprofit work of the Archewell Foundation, she and her husband are committed to activating compassion in communities across the world. She currently resides in her home state of California with her family, two dogs, and a growing flock of rescue chicken. 
 
Christian Robinson (Illustrator) 
 Christian Robinson received a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for his art in Last Stop on Market Street. He is the author and illustrator of the picture books Another and You Matter, and he has illustrated many more, including Milo Imagines the World, Carmela Full of Wishes, and the Gaston and Friends series.

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex's first children's book, The Bench, beautifully captures the special relationship between father and son, as seen through a mother's eyes. The book's storytelling and illustration give us snapshots of shared moments that evoke a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion. 
 
This is your bench 
Where you'll witness great joy. 
From here you will rest 
See the growth of our boy. 
 
In The Bench, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between father and son and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family. 
 
Evoking a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion, The Bench gives readers a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons - moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and lasting comfort. 
 
Working in watercolour for the first time, Caldecott-winning, bestselling illustrator Christian Robinson expands on his signature style to bring joy and softness to the pages, reflecting the beauty of a father's love through a mother's eyes. 
 
With a universal message, this thoughtful and heartwarming read-aloud is destined to be treasured by families for generations to come.

Last Stop on Market Street

Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt, CJ, you're a better witness for what's beautiful." 
 
CJ begins his weekly bus journey around the city with disappointment and dissatisfaction, wondering why he and his family can't drive a car like his friends. Through energy and encouragement, CJ's nana helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine. 
 
This beautifully illustrated, emotive picture book explores urban life with honesty, interest and gratitude. 
 
Last Stop on Market Street has won multiple awards and spent time at the number one spot in the New York Times Bestseller List.

Matt de la Peña (Author) Matt de la Peña is the New York Times Bestselling, Newbery Medal-winning author of young adult novels and critically-acclaimed picture books. His short fiction and essays have appeared in the New York Times and various literary journals. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, where he teaches creative writing. You can visit Matt and find out more about his books at mattdelapena.com and follow him on Twitter at @mattdelapena. Christian Robinson (Illustrator) Christian Robinson received a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for his art in Last Stop on Market Street. He is the author and illustrator of the picture books Another and You Matter, and he has illustrated many more, including Milo Imagines the World, Carmela Full of Wishes, and the Gaston and Friends series.

"Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt, CJ, you're a better witness for what's beautiful." 
 
CJ begins his weekly bus journey around the city with disappointment and dissatisfaction, wondering why he and his family can't drive a car like his friends. Through energy and encouragement, CJ's nana helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine. 
 
This beautifully illustrated, emotive picture book explores urban life with honesty, interest and gratitude. 
 
Last Stop on Market Street has won multiple awards and spent time at the number one spot in the New York Times Bestseller List.

Christian Robinson

Amanda Gorman

Gorman immerses readers in the experience, assuring them that they are not alone in their longings for a better world.... An engaging offering whose hopeful message will resonate with readers of all ages.

[A] soaring poem about change&hellip; Together, the creators chronicle a child trusting their inner voice and working out how to address what feels in need of care, while Robinson&rsquo;s neighborhood scenes, portraying a community of varying abilities, ages, and skin tones, model collaboration as a means for metamorphosis

The picture book&rsquo;s second-person point of view invites the audience to feel as if they&rsquo;re a part of the story and empowered to change something within their community. The use of collage perfectly communicates the idea of what once was trash being transformed anew&hellip; This picture book&rsquo;s timely message about coming together to make a change is a perfect addition to all libraries

A timeless picture book for the next generation of writers

The stunning new picture book by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Christian Robinson. 
 
You're told that 
This won't work, 
But how will you know 
If you never try? 
 
Presidential inaugural poet and #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christian Robinson have created a timeless message of hope. 
 
Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change. 
 
With intimate and inspiring text and powerfully stunning illustrations, Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact.

Christian Robinson

Books by Christian Robinson

Articles featuring Christian Robinson

13 wonderful children’s books by Black authors and illustrators

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