SHE SANG PROMISE:
THE STORY OF BETTY MAE JUMPER, SEMINOLE TRIBE LEADER
Written by Jan Godown Annino, illustrated by Lisa Desimini

Betty Mae is born in the wild heart of Florida. Her mother and grandmother are Seminole medicine women who sing stories to her from a time when all the animals talked. Because her father is a French trapper, some people think he has bad spirits, and they chase him away.

One day, the elders come for Betty Mae, to throw her and her bad spirits into the swamp. Betty Mae’s great-uncle chases them off and the family moves to safety. One day, she sees a girl laughing as she looks at drawings and marks on paper. Her friend says she is reading a comic book, and she learned to read in school. From that moment on, Betty Mae says over and over to everyone, “I want to go to school.”

Betty Mae Jumper became a voice for her people, interpreting in courtrooms and hospitals. She helped set up a tribal council and start a newspaper written by Seminole and Miccosukee people. She became one of the first female tribal leaders in modern times, and accepted an appointment to a presidential committee. At the first Seminole Fair, she told stories from the time when all the animals talked.

This true story of a modern legend is beautifully told, and the colorful illustrations bring her world to life.

Highly recommended for all ages.

Published by the National Geographic Society, this book is available at your local bookstore.

A MOST VIVID DAY
Written and illustrated by Justin Young

Tommy the bat loves his world of nighttime. But when a caterpillar tells him about colors beyond black and gray.

Tommy stays awake to see the Sun painting beautiful colors across the sky at dawn. Tommy watches the Sun paint each of the animals in bold colors, but when it is Tommy’s turn, there isn’t any paint left. The animals refuse to share their colors with little Tommy and with a cloud who wants color too. The angry cloud makes rain, which is washing away all the colors and turning the world gray again. What can Tommy do?

This unusual story is a fun way to introduce children to sharing, working together, and valuing the unique beauty in others. For younger children, it will make an excellent book to hear read aloud, and to practice naming the animals and colors. Early readers will enjoy reading this book with its subtle repetition and simple words. Children of all ages will love the creative collaborative painting that Tommy becomes when the animals all learn to work together as a community.

The lively paintings on each page will pull children into the vivid and beautiful world of color. Children and adults will cherish this book, as it gently reminds them to see the possibilities in the colors all around them.

Highly recommended for ages 2 to 8 and beyond.

Published by Golden Tree Press, this book is available at your local bookstore.

THE MAGICAL ADVENTURES OF KRISHNA: HOW A MISCHIEF MAKER SAVED THE WORLD
Written by Vatsala Sperling, illustrated by Peter Weltevrede

Krishna is the eighth son of the princess, imprisoned by her evil brother King Kansa who has killed all of her children. To protect Krishna, his father carries him across the river to live as the child of a cow herder. Krishna grows into a happy and mischievous boy, sneaking into his neighbor’s larders and eating their fresh butter, and playing his flute so the village girls can dance.

But when the evil king sends demons to kill him, Krishna calmly destroys each one. Fin- ally, Krishna must kill the evil king and end his reign of terror. Offered the throne, Krishna chooses to remain a cow herder.

This book introduces children to the adventures of Krishna, whose playful escapades entertain and enlighten. This lively retelling of a classic story from India will capture the imaginations of children everywhere.

These beautiful illustrations glow with subtle shades and highlights. Created with watercolor and tempera paints using classical Indian painting techniques, the detailed paintings bring the story to life.

The book includes an illustrated cast of characters and an introduction about Krishna, a human incarnation of the god Vishnu. Filled with exotic places and amazing beings, this is an appealing and lively book.

Highly recommended for ages 6 and older, and anyone interested in world cultures.

Published by Bear Cub Books, this book is available at your local bookstore.

DEAR BABY, IT’S A COLORFUL WORLD
Written by Carol Casey, illustrated by Jason Oransky

Red is never shy; let’s pretend we’re fire fighters. Orange never takes a nap; let’s jump in the fall leaves. Brown is comforting and cozy; let’s play cowboys and cowgirls. Green is fresh and cool; let’s sit in the soft grass. Yellow is sunny and happy; let’s chase butterflies. Blue shines in the sky and the sea; let’s build a sand castle. Pink is so pretty; let’s have a party. White is clean and sparkling; let’s play in the snow. Purple is royal and rich; let’s be kings and queens.

Let’s look at our own colors. We each have our own unique look, with the beautiful colors of our skin, hair, and eyes. Each person has their own special coloring. And we like it that way. Wouldn’t it be sad if all the colors were gone? Luckily, colors are here to stay. They fill our world with fun and life.

Toddlers and animals play happily in this world drenched with bright color, while a bright green frog jumps from page to page. Full-page illustrations vibrant with color are appealing in their child-like simplicity and joy. Children will enjoy this colorful book, with smiling flowers and happy multicultural children, while learning a subtle lesson about the beauty of diversity.

Recommended for ages up to 6.

Published by Dear Baby Books, this book is available at your local bookstore.