"Oso’s metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer’s beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled...A stellar work that belongs in every collection serving young people." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"An outstanding collaboration has created a title that will be shared by all. Filled with extraordinary art, this picture book is a necessary addition to shelves on culture, image-positivity, and SEL, in a wonderful ode to the beauty of Black hair." —School Library Journal (starred review)Celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of Black hair in this poetic picture book that journeys through time, from stunning debut author Maisha Oso and NAACP Image Award nominee artist London Ladd of Black Gold.My hair is a book.Watch me open it,part it,take a look.Black hair has been telling stories for generations, from ponytails of ancient tribes and Nubian vibes to cornrows that mapped paths to freedom for enslaved Africans. There have been stories about dance with styles that twist and swoop and the sweetest stories of Cinna-buns and Afro puffs made perfect in the hottest kitchens. In each of these stories, one notion rings true: Black hair is everything—rich with history, a thesaurus, an atlas, and more, telling of truth, trials, and undeniable beauty.Maisha Oso’s powerful and uplifting text and London Ladd’s soul-stirring illustrations capture the remarkable nature of Black hair and remind us that whether it be curly, kinky, coarse, or straight, Black hair is beautiful.A New York Public Library Best Book of 2024!

Before the Ships is a powerful and poetic celebrationof the early roots of Black history. The great achievements and accomplishments across Africa priorto the Transatlantic slave trade are told through melodious textand evocative illustrations, that culminate into the strength andresilience of modern-day Black people.For so many of us, the first introduction to Black history beginswith lessons about slavery. While slavery is a crucial part ofAfrican-American history, it is not the beginning. In fact, thereis a rich history tied to the continent of Africa that deservesto be told and to be marveled at - which is exactly what MaishaOso does in Before the Ships.With sparse yet moving text, Maisha takes us back in time to beforethe advent of the Transatlantic slave trade. We see the grandnessof African royalty, the bravery of warriors like the Queenof Kush, and stories being told in song with griots and drums.Candice Bradley's gorgeous and reflective illustrations illuminatethe strength of Black history and Black joy, reminding readersabout the power within us all.

Literal-minded Venus Washington misunderstands the secret recipe behind her beloved lasagna in this first book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Venus Washington isn’t sure why her parents named her that, since she was born on Earth and she’s never been to Washington. One thing she does know: her favorite food is cotton candy. But after that, it’s definitely lasagna. Yummy, gooey, cheesy lasagna. Grandma makes the best lasagna. Venus wants to know her super delicious recipe—until Grandpa lets it slip that the secret ingredient may be toes. Yuck! With the help of BFF Summer, WEF (Worst Enemy Forever) Winter, and super-smart pet Hamsterburger, Venus sets out to save her family from the worst secret ingredient ever!

Literal-minded Venus Washington misunderstands the secret recipe behind her beloved lasagna in this first book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Venus Washington isn’t sure why her parents named her that, since she was born on Earth and she’s never been to Washington. One thing she does know: her favorite food is cotton candy. But after that, it’s definitely lasagna. Yummy, gooey, cheesy lasagna. Grandma makes the best lasagna. Venus wants to know her super delicious recipe—until Grandpa lets it slip that the secret ingredient may be toes. Yuck! With the help of BFF Summer, WEF (Worst Enemy Forever) Winter, and super-smart pet Hamsterburger, Venus sets out to save her family from the worst secret ingredient ever!

It's party pandemonium when Venus Washington tries to plan her little brother's birthday bash in this second book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Meet Venus Washington. Her boring baby brother Zion is about to have his first birthday party, and Mama and Daddy said Venus could help with decorations. But Venus knows she's basically in charge. Her plan is perfect: Invite her classmates (even the annoying ones) and their pets Make sure everyone brings a present for her or they can't get into the party Set up a secret VIP room for the Very Important Presents Save Daddy from getting his arm and leg chopped off by the party clown Can Venus throw the party of the centuryand protect Daddy's limbs? Or will Zion's first birthday turn into the biggest blowout out all time?

It's party pandemonium when Venus Washington tries to plan her little brother's birthday bash in this second book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Meet Venus Washington. Her boring baby brother Zion is about to have his first birthday party, and Mama and Daddy said Venus could help with decorations. But Venus knows she's basically in charge. Her plan is perfect: Invite her classmates (even the annoying ones) and their pets Make sure everyone brings a present for her or they can't get into the party Set up a secret VIP room for the Very Important Presents Save Daddy from getting his arm and leg chopped off by the party clown Can Venus throw the party of the centuryand protect Daddy's limbs? Or will Zion's first birthday turn into the biggest blowout out all time?

It's party pandemonium when Venus Washington tries to plan her little brother's birthday bash in this second book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Meet Venus Washington. Her boring baby brother Zion is about to have his first birthday party, and Mama and Daddy said Venus could help with decorations. But Venus knows she's basically in charge. Her plan is perfect: Invite her classmates (even the annoying ones) and their pets Make sure everyone brings a present for her or they can't get into the party Set up a secret VIP room for the Very Important Presents Save Daddy from getting his arm and leg chopped off by the party clown Can Venus throw the party of the centuryand protect Daddy's limbs? Or will Zion's first birthday turn into the biggest blowout out all time?

Get ready for out-of-this-world laughs as Venus Washington tries to uncover the truth about her mysterious origin in the third book of this hilarious chapter book seriesperfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia, Junie B. Jones, and Dory Fantasmagory.Venus Washington is grounded. But it isn't her fault. When Mama says they're going on a trip to visit her family, Daddy lets slip that their destination is part of Venus's name. So she figures they must be going to Venusthe planet! Which means she's half alien. Obviously. After all, she's heard that Mama has eyes in the back of her head. Venus tries to find those extra eyeswith disastrous results. Can she convince everyone she's from outer space? Or will she be grounded forever?

Get ready for out-of-this-world laughs as Venus Washington tries to uncover the truth about her mysterious origin in the third book of this hilarious chapter book seriesperfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia, Junie B. Jones, and Dory Fantasmagory.Venus Washington is grounded. But it isn't her fault. When Mama says they're going on a trip to visit her family, Daddy lets slip that their destination is part of Venus's name. So she figures they must be going to Venusthe planet! Which means she's half alien. Obviously. After all, she's heard that Mama has eyes in the back of her head. Venus tries to find those extra eyeswith disastrous results. Can she convince everyone she's from outer space? Or will she be grounded forever?

Get ready for out-of-this-world laughs as Venus Washington tries to uncover the truth about her mysterious origin in the third book of this hilarious chapter book seriesperfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia, Junie B. Jones, and Dory Fantasmagory.Venus Washington is grounded. But it isn't her fault. When Mama says they're going on a trip to visit her family, Daddy lets slip that their destination is part of Venus's name. So she figures they must be going to Venusthe planet! Which means she's half alien. Obviously. After all, she's heard that Mama has eyes in the back of her head. Venus tries to find those extra eyeswith disastrous results. Can she convince everyone she's from outer space? Or will she be grounded forever?

How to Catch a Turkey meets The Night Before series in this vibrant picture book anticipating Thanksgiving, part of the laugh-out-loud rhyming It's Almost Time For series!It's almost time for Thanksgiving, and excitement is running high! It might not be here yet, but there's so much to do before the joyful day arrives From family football gatherings to preparing the most fantastic and fanciful feast to watching wondrous parade floats on TV, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way It's Almost Time forThanksgiving! is a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstanding at play before the characters catch on. This picture book makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight!

Will surely be a smash hit as a classroom read-aloud. Booklist (starred review) on Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama The three books in the Venus Washington series full of hilarious misunderstandings and hijinks are perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory and now available together in one shrink-wrapped paperback collection!Venus Washington has a planet-sized imagination and a talent for turning the ordinary into the extraordinarywhich sometimes get her into super-sized trouble! One day shes uncovering the toe-tally gross secret in Grandmas lasagna, the next shes masterminding the wildest birthday party in town, and then shes pretty sure shes blasting off to Venus itself. Packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos, these three books bring together Venus, her besties (and frenemies), her loveable family, and Hamsterburger the hamster. Perfect for fans of funny, fast-paced chapter books that kids want to read again and again! This zany shrink-wrapped paperback collection includes: Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout Venus Washington, Eye Spy

The How to Catch series meets The Night Before series in the laugh-out-loud, rhyming It's Almost Time For picture books celebrating the anticipation that builds as holidays get closer. The three books highlighting fall festivities are now available together in one paper over board boxed set!When it's almost time for a holiday, excitement runs high! It may not be here yet, but there's so much to do before the joyful day arrives From crafting creative Halloween costumes to preparing a fanciful Thanksgiving feast to decorating delightful Christmas trees, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way These three picture books are a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstandings at play before the characters catch on. This boxed set makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight! This festive boxed set includes: It's Almost Time forHalloween! It's Almost Time forThanksgiving! It's Almost Time forChristmas!

"Oso’s metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer’s beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled...A stellar work that belongs in every collection serving young people." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"An outstanding collaboration has created a title that will be shared by all. Filled with extraordinary art, this picture book is a necessary addition to shelves on culture, image-positivity, and SEL, in a wonderful ode to the beauty of Black hair." —School Library Journal (starred review)Celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of Black hair in this poetic picture book that journeys through time, from stunning debut author Maisha Oso and NAACP Image Award nominee artist London Ladd of Black Gold.My hair is a book.Watch me open it,part it,take a look.Black hair has been telling stories for generations, from ponytails of ancient tribes and Nubian vibes to cornrows that mapped paths to freedom for enslaved Africans. There have been stories about dance with styles that twist and swoop and the sweetest stories of Cinna-buns and Afro puffs made perfect in the hottest kitchens. In each of these stories, one notion rings true: Black hair is everything—rich with history, a thesaurus, an atlas, and more, telling of truth, trials, and undeniable beauty.Maisha Oso’s powerful and uplifting text and London Ladd’s soul-stirring illustrations capture the remarkable nature of Black hair and remind us that whether it be curly, kinky, coarse, or straight, Black hair is beautiful.A New York Public Library Best Book of 2024!

Before the Ships is a powerful and poetic celebrationof the early roots of Black history. The great achievements and accomplishments across Africa priorto the Transatlantic slave trade are told through melodious textand evocative illustrations, that culminate into the strength andresilience of modern-day Black people.For so many of us, the first introduction to Black history beginswith lessons about slavery. While slavery is a crucial part ofAfrican-American history, it is not the beginning. In fact, thereis a rich history tied to the continent of Africa that deservesto be told and to be marveled at - which is exactly what MaishaOso does in Before the Ships.With sparse yet moving text, Maisha takes us back in time to beforethe advent of the Transatlantic slave trade. We see the grandnessof African royalty, the bravery of warriors like the Queenof Kush, and stories being told in song with griots and drums.Candice Bradley's gorgeous and reflective illustrations illuminatethe strength of Black history and Black joy, reminding readersabout the power within us all.

Literal-minded Venus Washington misunderstands the secret recipe behind her beloved lasagna in this first book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Venus Washington isn’t sure why her parents named her that, since she was born on Earth and she’s never been to Washington. One thing she does know: her favorite food is cotton candy. But after that, it’s definitely lasagna. Yummy, gooey, cheesy lasagna. Grandma makes the best lasagna. Venus wants to know her super delicious recipe—until Grandpa lets it slip that the secret ingredient may be toes. Yuck! With the help of BFF Summer, WEF (Worst Enemy Forever) Winter, and super-smart pet Hamsterburger, Venus sets out to save her family from the worst secret ingredient ever!

Literal-minded Venus Washington misunderstands the secret recipe behind her beloved lasagna in this first book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Venus Washington isn’t sure why her parents named her that, since she was born on Earth and she’s never been to Washington. One thing she does know: her favorite food is cotton candy. But after that, it’s definitely lasagna. Yummy, gooey, cheesy lasagna. Grandma makes the best lasagna. Venus wants to know her super delicious recipe—until Grandpa lets it slip that the secret ingredient may be toes. Yuck! With the help of BFF Summer, WEF (Worst Enemy Forever) Winter, and super-smart pet Hamsterburger, Venus sets out to save her family from the worst secret ingredient ever!

It's party pandemonium when Venus Washington tries to plan her little brother's birthday bash in this second book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Meet Venus Washington. Her boring baby brother Zion is about to have his first birthday party, and Mama and Daddy said Venus could help with decorations. But Venus knows she's basically in charge. Her plan is perfect: Invite her classmates (even the annoying ones) and their pets Make sure everyone brings a present for her or they can't get into the party Set up a secret VIP room for the Very Important Presents Save Daddy from getting his arm and leg chopped off by the party clown Can Venus throw the party of the centuryand protect Daddy's limbs? Or will Zion's first birthday turn into the biggest blowout out all time?

It's party pandemonium when Venus Washington tries to plan her little brother's birthday bash in this second book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Meet Venus Washington. Her boring baby brother Zion is about to have his first birthday party, and Mama and Daddy said Venus could help with decorations. But Venus knows she's basically in charge. Her plan is perfect: Invite her classmates (even the annoying ones) and their pets Make sure everyone brings a present for her or they can't get into the party Set up a secret VIP room for the Very Important Presents Save Daddy from getting his arm and leg chopped off by the party clown Can Venus throw the party of the centuryand protect Daddy's limbs? Or will Zion's first birthday turn into the biggest blowout out all time?

It's party pandemonium when Venus Washington tries to plan her little brother's birthday bash in this second book in the hilarious chapter book series perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory!Meet Venus Washington. Her boring baby brother Zion is about to have his first birthday party, and Mama and Daddy said Venus could help with decorations. But Venus knows she's basically in charge. Her plan is perfect: Invite her classmates (even the annoying ones) and their pets Make sure everyone brings a present for her or they can't get into the party Set up a secret VIP room for the Very Important Presents Save Daddy from getting his arm and leg chopped off by the party clown Can Venus throw the party of the centuryand protect Daddy's limbs? Or will Zion's first birthday turn into the biggest blowout out all time?

Get ready for out-of-this-world laughs as Venus Washington tries to uncover the truth about her mysterious origin in the third book of this hilarious chapter book seriesperfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia, Junie B. Jones, and Dory Fantasmagory.Venus Washington is grounded. But it isn't her fault. When Mama says they're going on a trip to visit her family, Daddy lets slip that their destination is part of Venus's name. So she figures they must be going to Venusthe planet! Which means she's half alien. Obviously. After all, she's heard that Mama has eyes in the back of her head. Venus tries to find those extra eyeswith disastrous results. Can she convince everyone she's from outer space? Or will she be grounded forever?

Get ready for out-of-this-world laughs as Venus Washington tries to uncover the truth about her mysterious origin in the third book of this hilarious chapter book seriesperfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia, Junie B. Jones, and Dory Fantasmagory.Venus Washington is grounded. But it isn't her fault. When Mama says they're going on a trip to visit her family, Daddy lets slip that their destination is part of Venus's name. So she figures they must be going to Venusthe planet! Which means she's half alien. Obviously. After all, she's heard that Mama has eyes in the back of her head. Venus tries to find those extra eyeswith disastrous results. Can she convince everyone she's from outer space? Or will she be grounded forever?

Get ready for out-of-this-world laughs as Venus Washington tries to uncover the truth about her mysterious origin in the third book of this hilarious chapter book seriesperfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia, Junie B. Jones, and Dory Fantasmagory.Venus Washington is grounded. But it isn't her fault. When Mama says they're going on a trip to visit her family, Daddy lets slip that their destination is part of Venus's name. So she figures they must be going to Venusthe planet! Which means she's half alien. Obviously. After all, she's heard that Mama has eyes in the back of her head. Venus tries to find those extra eyeswith disastrous results. Can she convince everyone she's from outer space? Or will she be grounded forever?

How to Catch a Turkey meets The Night Before series in this vibrant picture book anticipating Thanksgiving, part of the laugh-out-loud rhyming It's Almost Time For series!It's almost time for Thanksgiving, and excitement is running high! It might not be here yet, but there's so much to do before the joyful day arrives From family football gatherings to preparing the most fantastic and fanciful feast to watching wondrous parade floats on TV, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way It's Almost Time forThanksgiving! is a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstanding at play before the characters catch on. This picture book makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight!

Will surely be a smash hit as a classroom read-aloud. Booklist (starred review) on Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama The three books in the Venus Washington series full of hilarious misunderstandings and hijinks are perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Dory Fantasmagory and now available together in one shrink-wrapped paperback collection!Venus Washington has a planet-sized imagination and a talent for turning the ordinary into the extraordinarywhich sometimes get her into super-sized trouble! One day shes uncovering the toe-tally gross secret in Grandmas lasagna, the next shes masterminding the wildest birthday party in town, and then shes pretty sure shes blasting off to Venus itself. Packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos, these three books bring together Venus, her besties (and frenemies), her loveable family, and Hamsterburger the hamster. Perfect for fans of funny, fast-paced chapter books that kids want to read again and again! This zany shrink-wrapped paperback collection includes: Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout Venus Washington, Eye Spy

The How to Catch series meets The Night Before series in the laugh-out-loud, rhyming It's Almost Time For picture books celebrating the anticipation that builds as holidays get closer. The three books highlighting fall festivities are now available together in one paper over board boxed set!When it's almost time for a holiday, excitement runs high! It may not be here yet, but there's so much to do before the joyful day arrives From crafting creative Halloween costumes to preparing a fanciful Thanksgiving feast to decorating delightful Christmas trees, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way These three picture books are a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstandings at play before the characters catch on. This boxed set makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight! This festive boxed set includes: It's Almost Time forHalloween! It's Almost Time forThanksgiving! It's Almost Time forChristmas!