Today's read was described by one reviewer as taking on a Fancy Nancy style. So, I was curious when I got my hands on it. Plus, (and maybe this is cheating) I've already read the author's previous book, I Love My Hair!, and enjoyed it. This new one is the beginning of what is planned to be an entire picture book series and will hit the shelves around mid-December.
KEYANA LOVES HER FAMILY
by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING...
DECEMBER 13th!!!
Natasha Anastasia Tarpley returns with a breakout new picture book series all about Keyana, the protagonist of her bestselling title I Love My Hair!, and the people and places she adores.
Keyana’s always full of big ideas. Her latest and greatest plan is to host a perfect family movie night. From aunts to uncles to her five favorite cousins, everyone is invited! She knows the best way to impress her guests is with a fabulous soiree, and there’s a lot on her to-do list. But when the night doesn’t go as planned, she’ll have to rely on a little help from the people she loves most.
With warm illustrations by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, this character-centric new picture book series from Natasha Anastasia Tarpley will give Keyana a fresh, commercial update that's perfect for today's young readers.
Keyana’s always full of big ideas. Her latest and greatest plan is to host a perfect family movie night. From aunts to uncles to her five favorite cousins, everyone is invited! She knows the best way to impress her guests is with a fabulous soiree, and there’s a lot on her to-do list. But when the night doesn’t go as planned, she’ll have to rely on a little help from the people she loves most.
With warm illustrations by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, this character-centric new picture book series from Natasha Anastasia Tarpley will give Keyana a fresh, commercial update that's perfect for today's young readers.
MY TIDBITS
Frilly, party vibes meet family support, a little chaos, and learning to stay positive in this new series for picture book fans.
Keyana wants to invite the entire extended family over for a movie night and impress them with her self-organized party. Mom offers to help, but Keyana's sure she has everything under control. Soon, the decorations are up, the food planned, but just when everything seems it might be as perfect as hoped, disaster strikes.
Keyana is an up-beat young girl, who possess a wonderful amount of energy and spice for life. Her attitude is contagious as she does her best to make a fun experience for those, who she enjoys being around the most—her family. Her sense for style and flair round off her cheerful personality, which is sure to draw young listeners in. Her reactions to the mishaps are understandable, and the way things are wheeled back in is wholesome and gives a warm message. While one or two moments were rushed over a bit, the story has a great atmosphere and flow. Especially the relationship of the family is inspiring and nice to experience with Keyana.
The illustrations are bright, cheerful, and give enough details to bring readers back and experience the story on their own. The emotions and scenes come across well and put Keyana and her family in a lovely light. Each scene balances well with the text to make this a great book to read aloud. Some readers might wonder what a soiree is, and that might need to be explained. But the term fits so well with Keyana and adds that special something. Those more sure of their words will have no trouble visiting this one their own.
It will be fun to see where Keyana goes from here.
And here they are...
Natasha Anastasia Tarpley started writing when she was seven years old, and from that young age she understood that stories could change the world. She is the author of the bestselling picture book I Love My Hair!, Bippity Bop Barbershop, The Me I Choose to Be, among other titles. Natasha is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and is the cofounder of Voonderbar! Media, a project seeking to expand the depictions of children of color in media. She lives with her family in Chicago, Illinois.
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. She received her BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Creating images and stories that speak to the hearts of children and those that guide them is her greatest joy. Charnelle currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband. She is the illustrator of Remember to Dream, Ebere, The Real Santa, Just Like Mama, and many other titles.
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. She received her BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Creating images and stories that speak to the hearts of children and those that guide them is her greatest joy. Charnelle currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband. She is the illustrator of Remember to Dream, Ebere, The Real Santa, Just Like Mama, and many other titles.
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