Traci N. Todd

An inspirational love letter from caregiver to a child, Hello, Beautiful is an intimate and uplifting depiction of love and courage. With its warmth and promise for a bold and confident future, it lyrically reminds children that they should take up space, follow their own unique paths, and find humanity in everyone around them and, most importantly, in themselves - because that is beautiful.

A beautiful, bold and moving collection of 100 poems by Black poets for the whole family to treasure. Discover classic favourites and new stars in a book that belongs on every child's bookshelf. This gorgeously-illustrated children's anthology makes the perfect introduction to poets such as Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes, Benjamin Zephaniah, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, Caleb Femi and Joseph Coelho. It also features brand new work from celebrated writers such as Nikki Grimes and Carole Boston Weatherford. Compiled by award-winning picture book writer and editor Traci N. Todd, this collection touches a wide range of themes - hope and struggle, joy and pride, home and food, music and family. Each poem is perfectly paired with vibrant, heartfelt illustrations from Jade Orlando. This is a gift book to cherish - a brilliant tribute to the rich literary history and bright future of Black writing.

Once upon a time, children's music was just Mother Goose, nursery songs, and lullabies. And then came Ella Jenkins.Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and living legend dubbed “The First Lady of Children’s Music.” For nearly 70 years, she has been writing and performing music that has entertained and engaged generations of young listeners. In Make a Pretty Sound, Ella’s life and legacy are captured in vibrant sights, sounds, and stories that leap right off the page. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Chicago, Ella grew up loving music of all kinds—the call-and-response of Cab Calloway, the exciting rhythms of Moroccan and Indian records spun in a local record shop, the bluesy notes her uncle teased from his harmonica. She listened to music from around the world, and no matter what language it was in, she could feel what it meant—the bridge in understanding and feeling that music offers from one heart to another. When she began working with children, she knew just what to do. She knew music would offer children a kinetic learning experience that engaged them physically, verbally, and empathetically, creating community out of song. Soon, she was recording her own albums and became an international star. In these beautifully illustrated pages, Ella’s journey—from the gritty streets of Chicago to the classrooms where she found her calling to an opportunity to raise her voice for freedom alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., to the spotlight of the world’s stage—is rhythmically, joyfully, brilliantly illuminated. For readers familiar with Ella Jenkins or new to her work, this nonfiction picture book offers a treasury of inspiration that touches on American history, civil rights, cultural awareness, and the incredible power of music.A LIVING LEGEND: Drawing on personal interviews the author conducted with Ella and her manager, this is Ella’s story told in her own words. For all who have felt the impact of her work in children's programming, in classrooms, and in their homes, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore the legacy of an artist who offers children the gift of music and the gift of knowing that another human heart reaches out to theirs. LYRICAL TEXT AND ART: Rhythmic text and colorful illustrations celebrate the musicality of Ella's life and convey the singular joy that is found in the sharing of music! BEAUTIFUL GIFT BOOK: With extraordinary writing and beautiful art, this book makes a perfect present for any young reader who loves music, biographies, or both.Perfect for: Fans of Ella Jenkins Parents, teachers, and caregivers of children who love music Teachers and librarians looking for a great picture book biography Anyone interested in multicultural music for kids Readers who enjoy the Little People, BIG DREAMS and Who Is/Who Was biography series Gift givers looking for a children’s music book for birthday, holiday, or any celebratory occasion