12 Books About Colors for Children

Posted on August 18, 2021September 1, 2021 by Unabashed Kids Media

Learn to identify colors with these books.

We’ve created a list of 12 colorful children’s books that teach color theory in an entertaining way. These books will help children identify colors and mix colors. All books are chosen by Unabashed Kid’s Editors and are affiliate linked to amazon.com. To purchase books from this list just click on the book cover or title, to shop directly on Amazon.

Dog’s Colorful Day by Emma Dodd

In this story Dog starts off the day with one black spot on his ear. But it seems that wherever he goes, he runs, rolls, and trots right into more colors. As he wanders around town, Dog collects spots made of red jam, blue paint, pink ice cream, and more.

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A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni

All of the animals have colors of their own except for the chameleon. He is yellow like a lemon, even black and orange striped like a tiger! Then one day a chameleon has an idea to remain one color forever by staying on the greenest leaf he can find. But in the autumn, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red . . . and so does the chameleon.

This book is perfect for teaching children to identify all of the colors around us. As a bonus the book also teaches a great lesson about friendship, as the chameleon meets another chameleon to travel with him.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Duncan’s crayons go on strike. They write letters to express their grievances. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best? Coloring.

A fun activity for 1st to 3rd graders is to have them write their own letter’s from Duncan or the crayons perspective. This is a great letter writing exercise.

The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt

Every kid has probably lost a crayon or entire box of crayons at school or on a road trip. In this story Duncan finds out what happens to lost crayons.

How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors? by Jane Yolen

Board book to help dinosaur loving toddlers learn their colors. Jane Yolen’s Dinosaur series is super fun and creative. Children find answers to some of the most creative questions.

Color by Ruth Heller

This book is for upper elementary kids. A perfect walk through of how artwork is created on paper. Great for an elementary art classroom.

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Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni

Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, kept separate. When they finally find each other, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green!

This is an amazing picture book for children as it shows them color mixing instead of telling them. The book has very few words, but tells a wonderful story through images.

Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin

Did you know that monsters love to scribble, mix, dance, and wiggle?! Why? Because monsters love to make new colors! Children will have a blast reading this story.

Color Dance by Ann Jonas

The girl in red, the girl in yellow, the girl in blue, and the boy in black and white are all set to stir up the rainbow. This super creative story will aid in teaching color mixing.

Mix it Up by Herve Tullet

As the title suggest, the readers will learn to mix colors. Very simple writing with color splattered mixtures. This book gets to the point and is a great reference for learning about color mixing.

White Rabbits Color by Alan Baker

Children will enjoy learning about colors with White Rabbit.

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Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh

This playful introduction to colors will appeal to any curious preschooler. One day three white mice discover three jars of paint–red, blue, and yellow. But what happens when they splash in the colors, mixing the red and blue?

Take a look inside “Red, Blue, and Green! What color is on my plate?“

Best color book for toddlers.
k to "1 2 3! What can I eat?" and "ABC Name My Food!", "Red, Blue, and Green! What colors are on my plate?" is a food-themed book for young readers.

A color and food recognition book for toddlers.

The companion book to “1 2 3! What can I eat?” and “ABC Name My Food!”, “Red, Blue, and Green! What colors are on my plate?” is a food-themed book for young readers.

Children look through over 20 brightly colored “real images” of foods and name the color of each food. Fruits, vegetables, carbs, meats, and cheeses make up a beautiful rainbow-colored plate. A perfect book to introduce picky eaters to new foods. Come along for the journey and discover new delicious foods.

Available for $3.99 USD on Amazon

Books and Reading

Start The School Year Off Right, With These Books!

Posted on August 11, 2021August 12, 2021 by Unabashed Kids Media

Is your little one nervous about going to school for the first time? OR Are you a teacher looking for a book to help introduce a positive classroom dynamic? Starting fresh in a new environment, meeting a teacher and new classmates can seem overwhelming to children. This list of books will help students feel more comfortable about the new school year. Scroll down and choose a book to help start the school year off right.

List of books to read on the first day of school (Elementary / Primary School)

The Night Before First Grade! Written by Natasha Wing – Available on Amazon

It is the night before the first grade! Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore’s classic tale will help children through their back-to-school jitters.

The night before first grade book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

"A Letter From Your Teacher" book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

A Letter From Your Teacher- on the first day of school. Written by Shannon Olsen – Available on Amazon

This heartwarming picture book helps teachers welcome their students on the first day of school. Through a letter written from the teacher’s point of view, students are given the message that their new teacher is someone they will get to form a special bond with.

Our Classroom is a Family by Shannon Olsen – Available on Amazon

“Family isn’t always your relatives. It’s the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”

Teachers build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe. Reading “Our class is a family” on the first day of school, sets the ton for the inclusiveness that will be carried out throughout the school year.

"Our Class is a Family" book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

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"Unique Start from 6 Feet Apart" book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

A Unique Start from 6 Feet Apart by Emily Oquendo – Available on Amazon

Students returning to school in fall 2021, will experience a school year different than any precious years. These students will wear mask, social distance, and be taught plenty of hygiene methods to prevent virus spreading in schools.

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff – Available on Amazon

“If you take a mouse to school, he’ll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he’ll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he’ll need a notebook and some pencils. He’ll probably want to share your backpack, too.”

"If you take a mouse to school" book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

"The Day You Begin" book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

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The Day You Begin by Jaqueline Woodson – Available on Amazon

This book is perfect for upper primary school students, grades 3 to 5. There will always be a new kid in school, no matter what grade level. This story will help students understand that we are all different, but it is ok to embrace our differences.

“There will be a times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.”

“There will be many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.”

Ellie the Elephant Makes New Friends at School by Agnes Green – Available on Amazon

“I woke up this morning, as happy as could be, excited for the day ahead, dressing hurriedly, I raced downstairs and kissed my mom, on my first day of school.”

"Ellie the Elephant Makes New Friends at school" book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

"I got the School Spirit" book is on the Unabashed Kids back to school list.

I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison – Available on Amazon

A celebration of the first day of school. This beautifully illustrated book will get students ready to learn all school year.

Are there any “back to school” books left off this list? Use the comment section to share some of your favorite back to school books for elementary kids.

The best homeschool workbook for kindergarten and first grade.

Activity

10 Super Simple Playdoh Activities

Posted on July 3, 2021June 23, 2021 by Unabashed Kids

Learn and Play with Clay

Playing with play dough, theraputty, or clay is more than just a fun, creative, and relaxing sensory activity. Squishing, pinching, rolling, squeezing, smashing, making shapes, pretend food, and animals with these materials are all great for building muscles in the hands. Theraputty is exceptionally great because it comes in various resistances. Playing with clay is an amazing fine motor activity for children. You can choose to use only your hands, household items, or purchase playdoh toys on amazon. Children will have fun learning and playing with clay using these 10 super simple playdoh activities.

1.) Hide small objects like coins, beads, or tiny stones for your child to hide and bury and then pull out. Please be careful with young children to ensure they do not eat small objects.

2.) Roll the clay out into a really long log or snake then twist and turn the snake to form letters, shapes, or numbers.

3.) Roll clay into a string, cut it into small pieces with a scissor. This is a great activity for kids just learning to use scissors.

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4.) Pinch off small pieces with just the thumb and index finger to make “confetti”.

5.) Use stamps, puzzle pieces, or letter magnets to press into the putty to also work on educational components. You can even use cups, bowls, spoons, or other household items to make shapes.

6.) Make a rainbow and learn about colors with play dough.

7.) Learn about the weather by making rain and sunshine out of clay.

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8.) Bug-themed fun! Create bugs that children read about all the time. Butterflies, ladybugs, and caterpillars are easy to make with play dough. See our list of 10 Fun Bug and Insect-themed books.

9.) Read “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza” then make your clay pizza or other food.

10.) Practice letter recognition by rolling clay into letters. You make an example and then have the children try.

Continue reading our blog for more activities for young children.

Learning the Parts of a Plant

Plant a Seed – Watch it Grow! Activity for Kids

3 Interactive Counting and Subtraction Song Activities for ages 2 to 6

Unabashed Kids is an affiliate for Amazon. That means that if you use the links found on the blog to make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the purchase price. It never changes the price you pay and we select every item mentioned on the blog!

Arts and Crafts

4th of July Craft for Kids

Posted on June 28, 2021July 1, 2023 by Unabashed Kids

Handprint USA Flag Preschool — Group USA Flag Craft

How to make a Group U.S. Flag

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This 4th of July flag for kids was a great group activity for the pre-kindergarten class. Continue reading to find out how we made a group flag in our pre-k classroom.

Teacher Preparation:

Gather Materials
Set out the white pages (1 per each student) and the 1 blue page.
Draw lines on the white pages (2 lines for large hands and 4 lines for small hands). Assign paper based on the kids’ hand size.
Have a plate of red and a plate of white paint.
Set a time out in your busy class day to monitor hand-printing.

Making Stars

Gather White paint and dark blue paper
Paint the Child’s hand with white paint.
Push hand firmly down on dark blue construction paper.
Do the same for the next child in line.

Making Stripes

Paint one hand of each child red.
Use white paper. Have them press their hand down, lift, and press down in a straight line. Lines drawn on the paper, make it easier for a child to follow.
Monitoring by an adult will prevent a large mess. Please use washable paint.

Putting it all together: Making the Flag

The class created the flag as a group and it stayed on the wall from Memorial Day until a little after July 4th, in a year-round school program. The children then got to take home their independent page, which is the white paper with red handprints. The blue paper has all the children’s handprints on the page; the teacher kept this page.

To make the group flag you will need three white pages taped together on the vertical side.

The top white page must have 5 lines (4 drawn lines) and the other two must have 4 lines (2 drawn lines). This will ensure that there are 13 stripes on the flag.

The blue paper with white handprints will represent the stars of the flag. Tape this to the upper left corner.

Make an even rectangle with all of the student hand prints. Some student papers may need to be taped off to the side if you have an odd number of students.

The preschool was closed for 4th of July, but we held a small celebration with our class the Friday before 4th of July. Our circle time activities were U.S. centered, and we read a book about the 4th of July. Amazon has a great inventory of 4th of July Children’s Books. (View Here)

Unabashed Kids is an affiliate for Amazon and other online retailers. That means that if you use the links found on the U-Kids blog to make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the purchase price. It never changes the price you pay and we select every item mentioned on the blog!

Materials List

White Construction Paper

Crayola White Paint

Blue Construction Paper

Crayola Red Paint

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More Unabashed Arts and Crafts

A Father’s Day Craft that Dad will Love

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childrens books about plants and flowers

Books and Reading

Plant and Flower Books – Unabashed Kids List

Posted on June 26, 2021July 15, 2021 by Unabashed Kids

Storytime provides a great opportunity to teach new lessons to children. This list of 12 books about plants and flowers is a wonderful addition to a plant life cycle lesson for children. At the bottom of this post you can take a look at our plant themed lesson plans which include with FREE worksheets.

12 Books about Flower and Plant Growth

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons

Seeds! Seeds! Seeds! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

How a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt

The Great Garden Escape

Seed to Plant – National Geographic Kids

A Seed is Sleepy

Oh Say Can You Seed?: All About Flowering Plants (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)

Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

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When you purchase any of the 12 books about flower and plant growth, using links on our website, Unabashed Kids may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you). Your support helps us continue to discover and share incredible kids’ books!

Activity

Learning the Parts of a Plant

Posted on June 15, 2021June 23, 2021 by Unabashed Kids

Parts of a Plant: Lesson Plan and Worksheets for Kids

This article will provide a FREE lesson plan for teachers along with worksheets for kids who are learning the parts of plants.

What are the different parts of a plant?

Teaching Instructions:

For this activity, you can bring plant to class or even ask your students to bring in a flower to show the class. If you have access to open grass, pick a daisy to show the class. Ask the students questions about the parts of a plant. Is it a flower, tree, or vegetable plant? Where are the different parts of the plants located? Point out the different parts of the plant as the students talk about them. Show the children the stem, roots (if they are any visible), leaves on the plant, petals (flower plants), and/or fruit or vegetable bearings from the plant.

Have students define the vocabulary words listed below. Ask students for definitions before defining the words for them. This gets them thinking and allows you to see how much they already know.

Read a plant book to the children and have them complete a worksheet based on their knowledge level. View worksheets below and check out our unabashed list of books about plants.

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parts-of-a-flower-printable-worksheet-1 FREE Download

growing-a-plant-worksheet Download

plant Vocabulary:

Toddler to Kindergarten

Seed
Soil
Plant
Grow
Sprout
Root
Stem
leaf

First Grade to 3rd Grade

All Toddler to Kindergarten Vocab
Flower Buds
Seedling
Petals
living and non-living
Germination
photosynthesis

Learn about the parts of a plant infographic

FIND MORE PLANT AND FLOWER THEMED ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Plant and Flower Books – Unabashed Kids List

Activity

Plant a Seed – Watch it Grow! Activity for Kids

Posted on June 15, 2021April 1, 2023 by Unabashed Kids

Plant Life – Lesson Plan for Young Kids

This is an easy, fun, and interactive lesson plan that can be doctored to serve kids from ages 2 to 12. Older children can go more in-depth by making detailed observations and learning plant terms, and life science. Included in this lesson plan are ideas for planting a classroom garden. Scroll below this article to view a list of books about plants, learning plant parts worksheet, and plant/flower-related craft ideas.

Activity: Planting Seeds

Objective: Plant a seed, and watch it grow! The children will learn how to plant a seed, observe the seed life cycle, and discover the growth of their own plants over time.

Please Note: Planting seeds and tracking their growth will take several weeks.

Items Needed:

planter or cups – with small holes on the bottom
soil
seeds (suggest 3 seeds per student)
area with sun exposure
Spray bottle – water
plate to catch water drainage

Key teaching points:

Seeds come from plants.
Seeds can become small baby plants.
Seeds need water, air, and sunlight to begin growing.
Some seeds are on the outside of the plant. Strawberries have seeds on the outside.
Some seeds grow inside pods.

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Teaching Instructions:

Have a class discussion about seeds and plants. Find out what the children know about seeds. Reading a book to the class can be a helpful way to teach children what they do not know about plants.
Give each child 3 seeds.
Ask children to describe what we might need to plant a seed.
Give each child a cup filled 3/4 full of potting soil. (Fun Activity: have children decorate the cups before planting day.)
Demonstrate poking 3 holes in the soil with your finger, one against each side of the cup, and drop seeds into the hole; have the children do the same.
Demonstrate how to spray the soil with water from a spray bottle so the seed is wet but not swimming in a puddle of water. Have the children take turns spraying their cups.
Have the students point out a place in the room that will give a plant enough sunlight. Place the plants on a tray in an area with adequate sunlight.
Have children take turns spraying their seeds with water daily. Set a time out for your class to check the seeds daily and chart their growth.

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FREE growing-a-plant-worksheet Download

Front cover of children's books written by black authors with black main characters.

Books and Reading

100 Children’s Books with Black Protagonists Written by Black Authors

Posted on June 10, 2021March 13, 2023 by Unabashed Kids

Thanks for visiting. Scroll down to see an unabashed list of 100 children’s books featuring black characters written by black authors.

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“Of 3,200 children’s books published in 2013, just 93 were about black people, according to a study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin” Author Christopher Myers writes in his 2014 New York Times op-ed, titled the Apartheid of Children’s Literature. Sadly, there are more children’s books written about animals than there are about children of color. “This apartheid of literature – in which characters of color are limited to the townships of occasional historical books that concern themselves with the legacies of civil rights and slavery but are never given a pass card to traverse the lands of adventure, curiosity, the imagination of personal growth…” may lead young children to think that stories of happy black children do not exist in real life or books.

Are there books about talking animals?… And superpowers? And the olden days when people dressed funny? And all the combinations of those things? Like talking animals with superpowers in magical futures… but no me?
Opinion ┃ The Apartheid of Children’s Literature – The New York Times

In the most recent years, there has been a significant increase in black children’s book authors and stories with black protagonists. Data shows a 10% increase, from 2% of children’s books published in the year 2013 being about black people to 12% in the year 2020. Stories about black lives are worthy of being told, thought about, discussed, and even celebrated. Many of the newly published books with black protagonists are about self-love, these stories affirm the readers’ own identity.

2018 to 2020 Statistics from Cooperative Children's Book Center

Below is an unabashed list of 100 children’s books with black protagonists written by black authors. The list is meant to celebrate stories about black youth. The list is broken up into 3 categories: 15 board books for baby to age 2, 60 picture books for children 3 to 7, and 25 children’s books for ages 8 to 12. Reading about different cultures, ethnic groups, and races is beneficial to all children. The list is not just for black children or black parents; please consider diversifying your bookshelf, no matter the skin color of the child who will read the book.

15 Board Books for Baby to Age 2: featuring Black Characters

1. Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker

2. Dream Big Little One by Vashti Harrison

3. Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Paul Howard

4. Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee illustrated by Kadir Nelson

5. Please, P uppy, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee illustrated by Kadir Nelson

6. Peekaboo Morning by Rachel Isadora

7. One Love by Cedella Marley

8. Whose Knees Are These? by Jabari Asim

9. Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs illustrated by Shane W. Evans

10. Whose Toes A re Those? by Jabari Asim

Live your life in full color, every tint, every hue. Discover. Explore! Have faith, but love more.
When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner

11. When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner, illustrated by David Catrow

12. Cassie’s Colorful Day by Faith Ringgold

13. Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley

14. I Can Do It Too! by Karen Baicker, illustrated by Kim Wilson- Max

15. Baby Dance by Ann Taylor, illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden

60 Picture Books for kids age 3 to 7: Stories about Joyful Black Children

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1. Daddy Calls Me Man by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Rhonda Mitchell

2. Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer, illustrated Vanessa Brantley-Newton

3. Get Up, Stand Up by Cedella Marley

4. I Need You to Know: The ABC’s of Black Girl Magic by Lora McClain-Muhammad

5. ABC I love Me by Miriam Muhammad

6. Doc like Mommy and Doc Like Daddy by Dr. Crystal Bowe

7. The Patience Song by Dr. Crystal Bowe

8. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o illustrated by Vashti Harrison

9. Just the Two of Us by Will Smith illustrated by Floyd Cooper

10. Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen illustrated by Kadir Nelson

I like to go walking and talking with my mom. First we zigzag walk down the street; it looks strange to the people we meet. Then we take big giant steps, … and talk in loud giant voices…
Johnathan and His Mommy by Irene Smalls

11. Johnathan and His Mommy by Irene Smalls, illustrated by Michael Hays

12. My Nana and Me by Irene Smalls illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson

13. Bippity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley illustrated by E.B. Lewis

14. I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley illustrated by E.B. Lewis

15. Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons

16. Double Bass Blues by Andrea J. Loney

17. Olivia’s Doctor Adventures by Dr. Ashley Denmark

18. Imani’s Moon by Janay Brown-Wood

19. The Meteorologist in Me by Brittney Shipp

20. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Look, look my Pop Pop is a cook.

Pat, Pat. I love my chef hat.
My Pop Pop and Me and a Recipe by Irene Smalls

21. My Pop Pop and Me and a Recipe by Irene Smalls, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson

22. Blue Moon by Alicia Keys & Jessica Walton

23. Swift Walker Science and Geography Books for Kids by Verlyn Tarlton, illustrated by Ravhsan Karimov

24. Doc 2 Doc Series by Dr. Dale Okorodudu

25. Nola The Nurse Series by Dr. Scharmaine Lawson Baker, illustrated by Marvin Alonso

Sleeping on Tar Beach was magical. Laying on the roof in the night, with stars and skyscraper buildings all around me, made me feel rich, like I owned all that I could see.
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

26. Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

27. RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherfield, illustrated by Frank Morrison

28. Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera

29. Bronzeville Boys and Girls by Gwendolyn Brooks, illustrated by Faith Ringgold

30. My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey by Elizabeth Zunon

31. Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe

32. The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan, illustrated by Tom Knight

33. Back to Basics: Dancehall ABC by Latoya Wakefield, illustrated by Kavion Robinson

34. Magic Trash by J. H. Shapiro, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

35. Kayla the Modern Day Princess by Deedee Cummings, illustrated by Charlene Mosley

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36. The Sound that Jazz Makes by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

37. Cassie’s Word Quilt by Faith Ringgold

38. Stitchin’ and Pullin’ by Pratricia McKissack, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

39. Belle, the Last Mule at Gee’s Bend by Bettye Stroud

40.Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold

I am a canvas being painted on by the words of my friends, family, and community. Sometimes the words are painted with blacks and grays, that leave me feeling confused. Other times the palette is filled with blues that make me want to scream and holler in a bluesy kind of way “I am not feeling it today!”
Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

41. Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

42. Harlem Renaissance Party by Faith Ringgold

43. If A Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold

44. Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes

45. Life is Beautiful by Keb’ Mo’, illustrated by Marco Furlotti

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4 6 . A Girl Like Me by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Nina Crews

47 . Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

48. Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

49. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

50. Saturday by Oge Mora

51. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

52. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

53. Curlilocks and the Big Bad Hairbrush (series)by Yolanda King, illustrated by Fanny Liem

54. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

55. Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

56. A Night Out with Mama by Quvenzhane Wallis, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

57. Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe

58. Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe

59. Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier

60. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

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25 Children’s books with Black Protagonist for kids age 8 to 12

1. Little Miss Dancey Pants by Kourtni Mason

2. Firebird by Misty Copeland illustrated by Christopher Myers

3. Bunheads by Misty Copeland illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey

4. Freedom Soup by Tami Charles illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara

5. Salt in His Shoes by Daloris & Roslyn Jordan illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Today is Laundry day! My name is Gary and I love to learn about Great Inventors. Please join me as I learn about Thomas Jennings, the first African American to receive a patent for his invention in the United States.
Gary and the Great Inventors: It’s Laundry Day!

6. Gary and the Great Inventors: It’s Laundry Day! by Akura Marshall Illustrated by Adriel Meka

7. Skin Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry

8. The Real Slam Dunk by Charisse Richardson illustrated by Kadir Nelson

9. Hip Hop Speaks to Children by Nikki Giovanni

10. The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford illustrated by Frank Morrison

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11. When the Beat was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Lanam Carrick Hill, Illustrated by Theodore Taylor the 3rd

12. Sasha Savvy Loves to Code by Sasha Ariel Alston, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

13. Sasha Savvy Starts it Up by Sasha Ariel Alston, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

14. The Little Girl Who Lost Her Smile by Tiffany Cambridge, illustrated by Chloe Ji Yoon

15. The Adventures of Emery Jones, Boy Science Wonder Series by Charles & Elisheba Johnson

16. Black Women in Science by PhD Kimberly Brown Pellum

17. Twins: A Graphic Novel by Varian Johnson, illustrated by Shannon Wright

18. Sophie Washington Series by Tonya Duncan Ellis

19. Simone Visits the Museum by Dr. Kelsi Bracmort, illustrated by Takeia Marie

20. Amma’s Adventures: A Normal School Day by Abena Ofori

One day a man came to the VanDerZee home with a huge contraption called a camera. It was the only camera in Lenox. Click! Boom! The man took the family’s picture and left.
Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee!

21. Take a Picture of Me, James Vanderzee by Andrea J. Loney

22. Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library, by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Valesquez

23. The 5 O’clock Band by Troy Andrews

24. Jada Jones Series by Kelly Starling Lyons

25. The Magnificent Markers Series by Theanne Griffith, illustrated by Reggie Brown

Books and Reading

Unabashed List of Easy to Read Children’s books

Posted on June 5, 2021July 15, 2021 by Unabashed Kids

Build Reading Confidence with these Easy to Read Books (age 3 to 8)

This list is for all of the parents and teachers trying to build reading confidence in their early users. Many kids learn to read sight words and CVC (Consonant Vowel Consonant) words but do not have the confidence to read entire books. Either a new reader loves reading because of the adventure of discovering a new story or they fear reading. The fear stems from new readers coming across words they don’t know. I often hear reading is hard! I also hear reading is fun!

Publishers have different standards when it comes to reading difficulty and level. Some publishers look at the word count others consider the length of the story, but Unabashed Kids specifically chose books that use CVC and sight words for this list. Children who have been introduced to sight words and know their letter sounds will be able to decode words in the story.

Easy reader books that limit word use to only CVC and sight words help build reading confidence. Children will be surprised that they were able to read entire books all on their own. This article contains real storybooks as well as books written to teach CVC reading skills. The CVC books are aimed at instruction and practice. These books are great; parents and teachers love them, but storybooks are what children love. Expose your early reader to both.

Books with repeating phrases or words, assist kids who struggle to sound out new words. Even when a child struggles with one word on a page they will then see the same word or phrase on the next page. They learn these words by sight. Children will often go back to the same book as they learn how to read every word in the book. This is an amazing way to build a confident reader! Do not forget to praise children who are beginning to read. Encouragement will aid in making a happy reader.

All book titles below have affiliate links for purchase through Amazon. Click titles to view on Amazon.

10 Easy to Read Children’s Picture Books

Orange Pear Apple Bear (Classic Board Books) by Emily Gravett

Hug by Jez Alborough

I want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

Home by Corson Ellis

Learn to Read with Tug the Pup and Friends! Box Set 1: Levels Included: A-C (My Very First I Can Read)

Hop on Pop By Dr. Seuss

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

Bob Books: First Stories

Starfall Short-Vowel Pals 16 Decodable Phonics Books

Pete the Cat’s Super Cool Reading Collection: 5 I Can Read Favorites! (My First I Can Read)

Books and Reading

30 Enjoyable Bedtime Stories for Kids

Posted on May 26, 2021November 17, 2021 by Unabashed Kids

Wish your little one goodnight with these amazing bedtime stories.

In this article you will find affiliate links to 30 bedtime stories that will help you wish your little one goodnight. The stories on this list are bedtime themed and perfect goodnight tails for young children. They are also great reads before naptime in preschools. This article starts off with a few common questions about nighttime routines and bedtime stories. Scroll down to see the full list of 30 enjoyable bedtime stories for kids.

Should a bedtime story be short or long?

Sometimes we just want our little ones to fall asleep so that we can get a break. Quick bedtime stories are great for kids who fall asleep quickly or aren’t old enough to follow a longer read-aloud. If your child falls asleep after one short bedtime story or a few long stories, this list contains both short and long bedtime stories to read.

The Unabashed Kids’ suggestion is to allow your child to enjoy the night’s read, don’t rush. Make bedtime an enjoyable family bonding moment.

A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.
Abraham Lincoln

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Why is it important to read bedtime stories?

The time you spend with your little one reading during the day and at night has a lasting impact on their life. These will be moments they remember when they are older and no longer need you to tuck them in at night. The quality time spent right before bed with a young child comforts them, allowing them to unwind at night and fall asleep. Creating a bedtime routine that includes story books for kids will help strengthen family relationships. Most importantly reading at bedtime will foster a lifelong love of books. Reading bedtime stories is an important bonding activity between children and their families.

To book your next dream, read before bed.
Nanette L. Avery

What makes a good bedtime story?

A good bedtime story is one that is written well, illustrated well, and entertaining to the child.

Bedtime stories do not have to take place at night. They do not have to be books that focus on a parent trying to get a little one to sleep. However, this list contains books that are true to the definition of “bedtime” themed stories. The authors who wrote these books intended for them to be read when wishing a child goodnight. Any engaging or relaxing story before bed will do. If you are looking for a few special bedtime-themed books to add to your bookshelf, this list is perfect.

Below you will find a list of some of the best bedtime stories for children. We did not just limit this list to classic bedtime stories, some really fun and unique books are included. We highlight 5 of our favorites. Continue reading to find out why unabashed kids love these 5 bedtime stories. Enjoy!

The Ultimate list of bedtime stories – Use our affiliate link to buy on amazon

Favorite Bedtime Story # 1: Corduroy by Don Freeman. Corduroy is a classic children’s storybook. It teaches lessons in hope and friendship. The reader gets to follow Corduroy (a stuffed teddy bear who wears corduroy overalls) through an emotional adventure inside a department store. Corduroy notices the other toys being taken home by customers; he begins to believe that his missing button is the reason no one has taken him off the shelf. However, he stays hopeful that he will be purchased from the department store by a new friend. Corduroy searches the large department store for his missing button. The book ends with Corduroy being purchased by a girl named Lisa. Lisa brings Corduroy home and she already has a small bed made for her new friend, Corduroy.

“I didn’t know that I had lost a button”, he said to himself. “Tonight I’ll go and see if I can find it”
Corduroy by Don Freeman

Favorite Bedtime Story # 2: “Just Go to Bed” by Mercer Mayer. Another hilarious adventure with Little Critter. Whether or not your child is already familiar with Critter books, they will most definitely enjoy this bedtime story. In this story, Little Critter is not looking forward to bedtime. As he plays make-believe, Dad continuously reminds him of his nighttime routine. It is time for Little Critter to go to bed. Time to take a bath! Time to have a snack! Put on your pajamas and go to bed. After all of his make-believe play, Critter finally realizes he is tired, and he just goes to bed. Whatever order your child’s nighttime routine follows this story will make a great addition.

“It’s time for the cowboy to come inside and get ready for bed.”
Just Go to Bed by Mercer Mayer

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Favorite Bedtime Story # 3: “How do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. This one is for all of our dinosaur lovers. Questions about what a dinosaur does when papa and mama come in to say goodnight, help teach children about controlling cranky behaviors at night. All the questions posed in this book are relatable to things young children do when they don’t want to go to bed. Little ones can learn from the dinosaurs how to properly say goodnight.

Does he mope, does he moan, does he sulk, does he sigh?
How do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Favorite Bedtime Story # 4: “Tomorrow I Will Be Brave!” by Jessica Hische. The day is over. What will your child be tomorrow? Will he/she be brave, curious, smart, or strong? Maybe they will be all of these things tomorrow, but tonight we must sleep. This story is great for teaching self reflection. Maybe today wasn’t the best day, but we always have tomorrow to try again.

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But tonight I am very sleepy. So now it’s time to rest. Tomorrow I’ll be all these things or at the very least I will try my best.
Tomorrow I Will Be Brave! by Jessica

Favorite Bedtime Story #5: “Max and the Tag Along Moon” by Floyd Cooper. This books is great for grandparents who tuck their grandchildren in at night. The story and illustrations give a quiet warm look at a bond between a grandfather and grandson. Max leaves his grandfather’s home at night and the moon tags along for the ride. This gentle story reassures children that those who love them will always be their.

Around a tree, past a field of sleeping cows, the moon stayed quietly with Max.
Max and the Tag Along Moon by Floyd Cooper

Take a look at our Ultimate List of Books about Dad. All about Dad Children’s Book list.

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