MCBD, a celebration of the diversity of kidlit, was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen and is back for its eighth year and I am excited to be supporting the mission of MCBD which helps parents, teachers, librarians and students by increasing awareness of the need for diversity in children’s literature. Publishers and authors generously provide books to bloggers like me so that I can share them with people like you. The book I am sharing in this post was sent to me by Peachtree Publishing for an honest review.
GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY
By Kelly Starling Lyons (author) and Daniel Minter (illustrator)
Peachtree Publishing: 2019
Picture book for ages 4-8
Setting: Granny’s rural home in the south
Themes: Family, Family Reunions, Black American History
The story begins:
On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home.
Lil Alan is excited to be going to the family reunion celebration at great-grandma Granny’s. He’ll see cousins, eat favorite foods, play games, and listen to family stories. Everyone is bringing something – a song to sing, a story to read, a musical duet, and a scrapbook. But Lil Alan is worried because he has nothing to share.
The weekend rolls on with a worship service tractor rides, and Lil Alan learns more about his family’s past and what they have overcome. Then he knows and he collects treasures from their land and shares the significance of each item.
GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY is a stunning book in every way. The water color illustrations which glow on the page earned the illustrator a Caldecott honor. The language is as beautiful as a song with phrases like Grandma “showers our cheeks with peppermint kisses,” night skies with “a sweep of sparkling stars,” Granny “scattering corn for chickens like tiny bits of gold,” and grown-ups who “slap cards and checkers.” The story is warm and filled with love and makes the reader wish to be a part of this joyful family. Highly recommended for diverse school and family bookshelves.
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This is such a great book review! Thanks so much for joining us for Multicultural Children’s Book Day! #ReadYourWorld
Thanks, Mia, for taking the time to read my reviews and for putting on the amazing MCBD!