Posted in Books and Reading, Fun in nature, Parenting

5 Fun and Educational Father-Daughter Activities Inspired by ‘Dad Is My Best Friend’

Father-daughter bonding activities are important for creating lasting memories and building a strong relationship between dads and their daughters. Inspired by the heartwarming children’s book “Dad Is My Best Friend” by Kerice and Kavion Robinson, we’ve put together a list of five fun and educational activities that dads and daughters can enjoy together.

From bike riding adventures to counting exercises, these activities provide a great opportunity for dads and daughters to bond while also learning and having fun. So whether you’re looking for new ways to spend time with your daughter or want to create more meaningful memories, these activities are sure to be a hit!

You can purchase “Dad Is My Best Friend” from Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble.

Front cover of children's book 'Dad is my Best Friend' written by Kerice Robinson

Dad and Daughter Bonding: 5 Fun and Educational Activities

Suggestions for fun learning activities or adventures that kids can enjoy inspired by “Dad Is My Best Friend” book:

  1. Bike Riding Adventure: Inspired by Angela and her dad’s bike riding adventures in the book, kids can go on their own bike rides with their dads or father figures. This could be an opportunity to teach kids about bike safety, road signs, and basic maintenance.
  2. Counting Exercise: The book includes counting exercises that kids can join in on. Parents can encourage their children to practice counting by counting objects around the house or while out on a walk. This could also be extended to include basic addition and subtraction exercises.
  3. Outdoor Exploration: Angela and her dad go on outdoor adventures in the book, including racing. Parents can take their kids on hikes or nature walks in their local park or nature reserve. This could be an opportunity to teach kids about the different plants, animals, and insects they may come across.
  4. Fitness Fun: Angela and her dad do push-ups together in the book. Parents can encourage their kids to join in on simple fitness activities such as jumping jacks, squats, and lunges. This could be an opportunity to teach kids about the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
  5. Storytelling: Parents can use the book as inspiration to share their own childhood stories with their children. This could be an opportunity to bond with their kids and teach them about their family history and values.

Overall, the book provides a great opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together, bond, and create lasting memories.

Posted in African Diaspora, Books and Reading, holiday

Readers’ Favorite 5 Star Review for “I is for Imani”

Reviewed by Ana-Maria Leasa for Readers’ Favorite

I is for Imani! by Kerice Robinson is a children’s book that teaches the alphabet from the Kwanzaa celebration perspective. Throughout this book, kids not only learn the alphabet but also interesting and new facts about the Kwanzaa celebration. Each of the 26 letters of the alphabet is accompanied by one or two words that start with the respective letter, together with an interesting fact about that word related to the Kwanzaa celebration. For example, I for Imani, representing the 7th principle of Kwanzaa, which means faith; M for Mkeka, which represents a table mat made from cloth or straw; and Z for Zawadi, which means gift in Swahili and is given on the 7th day of Kwanzaa. These are a few of the fun new words and facts learned throughout this book.

One of the things I liked about I is for Imani! by Kerice Robinson is the beautiful illustrations that accompany each word, representing specific actions, objects, or characters. In each illustration, the characters display to perfection the emotion, message, and action intended. In doing so, the author provided me with a better understanding and an accurate mental image of words unknown to me. For example, the word Kinara in Kwanzaa means candleholder, and I didn’t know how it looked until I read this book. I also liked the additional how-to-pronounce examples provided for a few of the words, like the word Ujima (oo-GEE-mah). I found myself intrigued and entertained by the difference between how the word is written and how the word is pronounced.

I is for Imani - book cover
Posted in Books and Reading, Reading

Readers’ Favorite 5 Star Review for Dad Is My Best Friend

Reviewed by Savannah Aldridge for Readers’ Favorite

Dad Is My Best Friend by Kerice K. Robinson and illustrated by Kavion Robinson tells the story of the beautiful relationship between a father and daughter. Our narrator Andrea is a young girl who proudly proclaims that her dad is her best friend. She then takes us on an ordinary yet fun-filled day spent with her father. Together, they race and bike outside and then come indoors for some more exercise together. We get to count how many push-ups Andrea’s dad can do with her sitting on his back. Finally, at the end of a long day, he tucks her into bed with love.


After reading this book, the first word that came to my mind was “cozy.” Kerice K. Robinson notes in the beginning that some of the scenes were inspired by her early memories with her father, and the genuine love between dad and daughter is deeply evident throughout this book. The story feels gentle, safe, warm, and cozy! Another endearing part of Dad Is My Best Friend is its beautiful artwork. Each picture is bright, detailed, focused, and truly captures the love in Angela and her father’s relationship. The vocabulary sounds like the genuine narrative of a young girl, which makes the book perfect for early readers who need a book they can go through on their own. However, I believe the best way for a kid to enjoy this book is to snuggle up with their dad. A warning to fathers who plan to read it. Your kid will want you to do push-ups while they sit on your back because it looks like fun in the book. Get ready for a father-daughter bonding workout!

Posted in Authors, Books and Reading

Kerice Robinson’s Debut Picture Book “Dad Is My Best Friend” releases just in time for Father’s Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On Sale June 2022 | Dad Is My Best Friend | Written by Kerice Robinson | Illustrated by Kavion Robinson

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Unabashed Kids Media is pleased to announce the publication of “Dad is My Best Friend“, written by Kerice Robinson and illustrated by Kavion Robinson.

Dad is my best friend - front cover

The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive for the children’s book “Dad Is My Best Friend.” The book is author, Kerice Robinson’s debut picture book set for wide release on June 1, 2022.

Caribbean illustrator Kavion Robinson’s oil paintings beautifully portray a father and daughter’s heartwarming bond in “Dad Is My Best Friend.” The reader will learn why Angela’s dad is her best friend as she recounts all the fun things they do together. Racing, bike riding, and push-ups are some of the things Angela loves to do with her dad. Readers will have the chance to count and interact with Angela and her dad while they exercise. 

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“My earliest memory of my father is of him working out by the front door of our home. He would do push-ups in front of the door. One day I climbed onto his back and began to count, just like Angela.”Author Kerice Robinson

To forever cherish the memories of those special times with her dad, Kerice Robinson wrote: “Dad Is My Best Friend” based loosely on her own childhood experiences. Purchase your copy on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles.

Dad is my best friend - back cover

About the Illustrator Kavion Robinson

Kavion Robinson is a Jamaican-born painter and illustrator, recognized most notably for his illustrative figure paintings.  He attended the University of The Arts in Philadelphia majoring in traditional illustration. His artistic style can be described as conceptual realism. The subjects of his paintings are highly influenced by his childhood in Jamaica.  As a painter, “I made it my goal to paint images of cultural and historical significance. I have dedicated my career as an artist to depicting black life and history in an enlightening and educational manner”.

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About the Author Kerice Robinson

Author Kerice Robinson’s debut picture book Dad Is My Best Friend is inspired by her childhood experiences with her father. Kerice is passionate about early childhood education and creative writing. Kerice founded Unabashed Kids, a children’s media brand focused on academic and social-emotional education. Kerice plans to grow Unabashed Kids through the creation and promotion of educational videos, articles, picture books, and lesson plans.

Posted in Activity, Arts and Crafts, Books and Reading, holiday

Groundhog’s Day Classroom Activities!

Groundhog's day

Reading books, arts & crafts, writing stories, and making themed treats are great classroom activities for Groundhog’s Day.

dirt pie recipe

For Groundhog’s Day make some “Dirt Pie”. Dirt Pie is a chocolate pudding with oreo cookies. Add some gummy worms to add to the groundhog digging theme and make the sweet treat even sweeter.

Posted in Books and Reading, holiday

An African American Christmas Book List

Celebrate a diverse Christmas with these storybooks for kids. These children’s picture books feature African American characters and even a black Santa. This list will help you celebrate the importance of Black characters and families depicted in a positive light through Christmas stories.

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Christmas cats coloring page
Parker's elf

Parker’s Elf: A book about managing emotions by Martha Sylla Underwood

Determined to prove that he has mastered his emotions and is secretly guided by a magical Christmas elf, Parker journeys through a series of events to remind his parents of the lessons he’s learned.

Purchase on Amazon

Danny's Christmas list

Danny’s Christmas List by Tieska Jumbo

When Danny and his family visit a local Christmas market, he finds himself in a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Santa.

Purchase on Amazon

A piece of black cake for Santa

A Piece of Black Cake for Santa by Yolanda T. Marshall and illustrated by Subi Bosa

Femi and her friends plan to leave some traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake.

Purchase on Amazon


The night before christmas

The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling written by Noland Nixon and Illustrated by Angela Y. Nixon

A retelling of Clement Moore’s classic holiday poem, complemented with illustrations of African American characters.

Purchase on Amazon

count with santa

Count with Santa: A fun Christmas Counting Book by Angela Y. Nixon

Count all of the gifts and toys that Santa will bring.

Purchase on Amazon

Marcus and Mikayla wait for Santa

Marcus and Mikayla Wait for Santa: An African American Christmas Book for Kids by Sunny Mai

Children get to stay awake with Marcus and Mikayla as they wait for Santa.

Purchase on Amazon


The Day Santa Got sick

The Day Santa Got Sick by Deanne Samuels and illustrated by Oliver Kryzz Bundoc

What happens if Santa can not drive the sleigh on Christmas eve? Read “The Day Santa Got Sick” to find out how toys are delivered when Santa is sick.

Purchase on Amazon

I got the Christmas Spirit

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison

Explore the joys of the holiday season with this beautifully illustrated book.

Purchase on Amazon

Santa's Secret

Santa’s Secret by Britney Harris

In a fun-filled adventure to the North Pole Carson finds out that Santa has one huge magical secret.

Purchase on Amazon


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Posted in Books and Reading, holiday

The Ultimate List of Fun and Adventurous Christmas Books for Kids

The Elf who couldn't read

Our 2021 Christmas book highlight is “The Elf who couldn’t Read” written by Sonica Ellis and illustrated by Harriet Rodis.

Perfectly themed for Christmas “The Elf who couldn’t Read” helps children overcome their reading fears as they go on a Christmas adventure with Jingles. Jingles is tasked with helping Santa read the Christmas list, however, Jingles does not know how to read yet. Young readers get to help Jingles sound out words. A well-written story that will keep children engaged during Christmas storytime.

Get your copy on Amazon. FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.


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Christmas cats coloring page

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Posted in Books and Reading, holiday, phonics, Reading

Press Release “I is for Imani: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book”

I is for Imani

Unabashed Kids Media is happy to announce the release of “I is for Imani!: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book” written by Kerice Robinson. Learn about the celebration of Kwanzaa with this brightly colored holiday letter book. Children will go through each letter in the alphabet and learn how it relates to the principles of Kwanzaa.

“I is for Imani” teaches kids about Kwanzaa in a fun and easy to digest way. Simple ABCs of Kwanzaa book. The book has a word for every letter in the alphabet and relates the words to Kwanzaa. The book also gives a simple and kid-friendly definition of each word. Purchase on Amazon or Google Play.

Take a Peek Inside: “I is for Imani!”

I is for Imani: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book
Take a peek inside “I is for Imani”

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Posted in Books and Reading

10 Fun Halloween Themed Picture Books for Kids!

Let’s get in the Halloween spirit! These 10 fun Halloween themed picture books will get kids and adults excited for the holiday. Click any of our affiliate links to get the book on Amazon.

Peek a flap board book

Boo! Halloween Lift-a-Flap Book Ages 0 to 4. This is a super fun peek-a-boo board book. Kids get to look around the pumpkins, choose their favorite costume, take a haunted ride, and so much more. This book will be a Halloween adventure for little ones.

big pumpkin

Pig Pumpkin Written by Erica Silverman and Illustrated by S.D. Schindler – Kindle Only. Children get to read how a witch who grew the biggest pumpkin, makes her Halloween pumpkin pie.

creepy pair of underwear

Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds and Illustrated by Peter Brown. Super funny story about a brave rabbit and a strange pair of underwear. Kids will love it.

weird but true national geographic

Weird but true Halloween: 300 Spooky facts to scare you silly. Kids will have so much fun with this one. This National Geographic Kids book proves that all Halloween Children’s books don’t have to be fiction.

berenstain bears trick or treat

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan & Jan Berenstain. Take a visit to the Bear Country with this classic Berenstain Bears Halloween story.

Corduroy's Best Halloween Ever

Corduroy’s Best Halloween Ever! by Don Freeman and illustrated by Lisa McCure. Come along for the journey as Corduroy gets ready for Halloween.

Room on the broom

Room on the Broom written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. This is a heart warming story of wits, friendship, and inclusivity.

The monster on the block

That Monster on the Block written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Luke Flowers. What does it mean to accept others in different forms? This book features vampire, monsters and goblins but it is much more than a Halloween book.

The little old lady who was not afraid of anything

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything – Kindle Only. What do you think can scare a brave Little Old Lady?

The night before Halloween

The Night Before Halloween written by Natasha Wing and illustrated Cynthia Fisher. This is a silly spooky Halloween story.

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Unabashed Kids has published an Halloween Activity Book for kids ages 4 to 10. Included in this activity book are 50 pages of Halloween-themed counting, coloring, pencil skills, mazes, and word searches. Purchase for only $4.50 on Amazon! This is a super fun Halloween Activity Book for kids ages 4 to 10. ISBN 979-8539884543

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Pirate coloring page
Witch Word Search - Halloween Themed for kindergarteners
Unscramble the Words -  Halloween themed