Brian Pinkney

Presents a collection of ghost stories with African American themes, designed to be told during the Dark Thirty--the half hour before sunset--when ghosts seem all too believable. A Newbery Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Award Winner, & ALA Notable Children's Book. Reissue.

Caldecott Honor–winning artist and Coretta Scott King Award winner Brian Pinkney explores sibling rivalry with humor, love, and emotional depth in this action-packed story about Brandon and his new baby brother. Perfect for readers of Julius, the Baby of the World, by Kevin Henkes, as well as families welcoming a new sibling.Brandon loves his special blanket, but he isn’t too sure about his new baby brother. When it’s time for supper, a bath, and bed, the baby steals all the attention. Brandon is not happy. In fact, he’s very, very angry. Luckily, Brandon’s blanket (or is it Brandon?) has a few ideas to make everything better.From Caldecott Honor–winning artist and Coretta Scott King Award winner Brian Pinkney, this exuberant, emotionally true, and insightful picture book celebrates a young child’s imagination, being a big brother, and welcoming a new family member. With an expressive, pitch-perfect text and bold, energetic illustrations, Brandon and the Baby is a standout choice for families, classroom sharing, and for social and emotional learning.

Best friends Otter and Beaver both love their stream—but for two completely different reasons! While Otter loves to play in the water, Beaver works hard to build a dam. Hey Otter! Hey Beaver! is a funny and action-packed book about competition, cooperation, and friendship, by Caldecott Honor artist and Coretta Scott King Award winner Brian Pinkney. Otter loves how fast the water in the stream flows; it’s perfect to play in. But Beaver sees flowing water and knows he must get to work. While Otter plays with sticks, twigs, and branches, Beaver works hard to build a dam. When the dam is finished and the swirling water is quiet, the two friends decide to take a break. That is, until Otter plays a silly trick on Beaver, and it’s time to start all over again.Caldecott Honor artist and Coretta Scott King Award winner Brian Pinkney’s playful text and bold, fluid illustrations perfectly capture Otter and Beaver’s exuberant personalities. With themes of friendship, nature, competition, conflict resolution, and sharing, Hey Otter! Hey Beaver! is a standout title for social and emotional learning, as well as an excellent choice for bedtime and school and library story-times.

"Right here, I'm sharing the honest-to-goodness." -- Loretta"I'm gon' reach back, and tell how it all went. I'm gon' speak on it. My way." -- Roly"I got more nerve than a bad tooth. But there's nothing bad about being bold." -- Aggie B.Loretta, Roly, and Aggie B., members of the Little family, each present the vivid story of their young lives, spanning three generations. Their separate stories -- beginning in a cotton field in 1927 and ending at the presidential election of 1968 -- come together to create one unforgettable journey.Through an evocative mix of fictional first-person narratives, spoken-word poems, folk myths, gospel rhythms and blues influences, Loretta Little Looks Back weaves an immersive tapestry that illuminates the dignity of sharecroppers in the rural South. Inspired by storytelling's oral tradition, stirring vignettes are presented in a series of theatrical monologues that paint a gripping, multidimensional portrait of America's struggle for civil rights as seen through the eyes of the children who lived it. The novel's unique format invites us to walk in their shoes. Each encounters an unexpected mystical gift, passed down from one family member to the next, that ignites their experience what it means to reach for freedom.

Two-time Caldecott Honor artist and Coretta Scott King Medalist Brian Pinkney's Time for Kenny is simple, direct, and pitch-perfect for emerging readers. This vibrant, family-oriented picture book is full of boundless energy, action, and unlimited love. A timeless choice for fans of Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Christian Robinson, and Oge Mora. Time for Kenny to get up and enjoy the day with his family In four deceptively simple stories, Brian Pinkney guides readers through a young child's day. First, Kenny must get dressed. Maybe he can wear his mom's shoes? And his grandpa's hat seems to fit perfectly on his head. Luckily, with the help of his family, Kenny is finally set to go. Then he must overcome his fear of the monstrous vacuum cleaner, learn to play soccer with his big sister, and--after all that fun--get ready for bedtime. Bright, colorful, and energetic illustrations create a bold, accessible book for families to treasure and share. Rhythm, repetition, and clear, short sentences make Time for Kenny an excellent choice for emerging readers.

"Right here, I'm sharing the honest-to-goodness.""I'm gon' reach back, and tell how it all went. I'm gon' speak on it. My way.""Say what you want about the way I'm bringing it. Call my recollections running off at the mouth. Or bearing witness. Or speaking my mind."Loretta, Roly, and Aggie B., members of the Little family, each present the vivid story of their young lives, spanning three generations. Their separate tales--beginning in a cotton field in 1927 and ending at the presidential election of 1968 -- come together to create one unforgettable story of a journey from hardship to hope.Through an evocative mix of fictional first-person narratives, spoken word poems, folk myths, gospel rhythms and blues influences, Loretta Little Looks Back weaves an immersive tapestry that illuminates the dignity and strength of sharecroppers in the rural South. Inspired by storytelling's oral tradition, stirring page-to-stage vignettes are presented in a series of theatrical monologues that paint a gripping, multidimensional portrait of America's struggle for civil rights as seen through the eyes of the children who lived it. The novel's unique format invites us to walk in their shoes as they experience what it means to reach for freedom.

A School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2019 Find out what happens when a boy who wants a puppy gets a truck instead in this simple and sweet picture book from Caldecott Honor winner Brian Pinkney. Vroom...beep...bark Carter wants a puppy, but he gets a truck instead. So he pets it, puts a leash around it, and takes it to the park. But the truck won't sit still What will Carter do with his rascally Puppy Truck?

In this lyrical read-aloud filled with rhythm and rhyme and illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Brian Pinkney, follow a little girl as she dances her way to bedtime. Mama says, "Lollipop, stop! Stop!Jumping snapping nonstop."Arms and shoulders pop 'n' lock.Lollie's dancing hip-hop.Watch as Lollipop grooves her way through her bedtime routine, brushing her teeth to the beat and shimmying into pjs. She sways along with her sister, her parents, and even some enthusiastic pets until, finally, Lollie closes her eyes and dances through her dreams. Susan Montanari and Caldecott Honor winner Brian Pinkney offer a playful bedtime read-aloud that perfectly captures the joy of music, movement, and family.

A young girl must face her fears and conquer her nerves to earn her yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do in this relatable and inspirational picture book. When Master Kim announces JoJo is ready to take the test for her yellow belt, butterflies start fluttering in her stomach. JoJo loves Tae Kwon Do, but can she really do a perfect flying side kick and break a board in two? Her family and friends offer all sorts of advice, but JoJo is scared of the tree outside of her window, which doesn't feel like yellow belt material. To push past her fears, JoJo has to learn to trust in herself.

A young boy discovers the joys of making music in this rhythmic, irresistible picture book from Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Brian Pinkey. One day when Max doesn't feel like talking to anybody, he finds two sticks that make a perfect pair of drumsticks. He starts with a Pat...pat-tat on his thighs. Then he's Dum...dum-dedumming on some boxes. Until finally he's Cling...clang...da-BANGING on the garbage pails. Suddenly, when a marching band Thump-di-di-thumps around Max's corner, the most wonderful thing happens, and Max learns that you don't need to talk to say how you feel--especially when you've got music.

A friendship is tested by love and magic in this beautiful retelling of a traditional tale from the French West Indies. On the lush tropical island of Martinique live Clement and Hippolyte, two inseparable friends. When Clement falls in love with the beautiful Pauline, Hippolyte agrees to join his best friend on his journey to propose marriage. But when Pauline accepts Clement's proposal, it enrages her uncle Monsieur Zabocat--reputed to be a quimboiseur, a wizard. To prevent the wedding, the old wizard lures Hippolyte into a deadly trap, forcing him to choose between his friend's safety and his own.

A young boy discovers the joys of making music in this rhythmic, irresistible picture book from Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Brian Pinkey. One day when Max doesn't feel like talking to anybody, he finds two sticks that make a perfect pair of drumsticks. He starts with a Pat...pat-tat on his thighs. Then he's Dum...dum-dedumming on some boxes. Until finally he's Cling...clang...da-BANGING on the garbage pails. Suddenly, when a marching band Thump-di-di-thumps around Max's corner, the most wonderful thing happens, and Max learns that you don't need to talk to say how you feel--especially when you've got music.