Filled with Greenfield’s moving poems, complemented by Minter’s dramatic portraits—dominated by rich shades of blue, of women and babies; a unique and moving tribute to the women who caught the babies and continue to do so today.The Women Who Caught the Babies highlights important aspects of the training and work of African American midwives and the ways in which they have helped, and continue to help, so many families by "catching" their babies at birth. The blend of Eloise Greenfield's poetry and Daniel Minter's art evokes heartfelt appreciation of the abilities of African American midwifes over the course of time. The poem, "Africa to America," begins the poetic journey. The poem, "The Women," both heralds the poetry/art pairing and concludes it with a note of gratitude to these women. The poem that ends the book is "Miss Rovenia Mayo," who was the midwife who caught newborn Eloise.
What happens when the family closes the front door and leaves the house for an outing? "The head of cabbage, sitting in the fridge, hears the front door close, hears the click of the key … He looks out … sees his people leave … He stands in the middle of the floor … throws his head back and yells, "PAR-TAY!" Children and adults will experience this house party through the buoyant, rhythmic words of Eloise Greenfield and the playful, exuberant illustrations of Don Tate. Read and join the PAR-TAY!
He Seemed Normal . . . I used to think people could see my anxiety, at least until I played violin in concert as a child. My Dad recorded the performance—I didn’t recognize the composed person who was supposed to be me. I have always been an anxious person with a learning disability. To compensate, I’ve learned one strategy never fails: When trying something new, ask friends to join in so you can figure it out together. That’s how I approached dating and the search for my “Manicorn.” These are the dates and the men who made them, in one way or another, unforgettable.
