In honor of black history month I want to promote these little board books I found in my local Target. They are Itty Bitty Biography series - Lift-A-Flap Board Books published by Piggy Toes Press and distributed by Bendon, Inc (ISBN: 9781690242901)
I'm talking specifically about these three dollar board books I found at Target. The Itty-Bitty Biography series seems to be a pretty popular non-fiction series of books for young readers, but these Lift-A-Flap books specifically were aimed at toddler aged listeners and really entertained my two year old.
Illustrations
Neither the author nor the illustrator is credited on these these little treasures, but I love the illustrations. They are fitting to the story, and the opening flaps are engaging for my restless toddler. Unlike the illustrations of the other Itty-Bitty Biography books that I have found online, these illustrations show characters - not caricatures. Also, the cover art shows the famous historical figures as a children which is what drew my interest in the first place.
The Story
Both books start with the iconic historical figures as children. They explain that Harriet and George Washington Carver were born slaves, but does not go into detail about what slavery is.
Harriet's story goes on to explain how she was inspired by Bible stories of Moses, and songs of freedom. It moves her into adulthood on the night she ran away. She followed the North Star to freedom, and despite the danger went back again and again to rescue others.
George Washington Carver's story explains how when he was set free was set free he continued living with the Carvers where he had access to education. His story mentions that he had to go to a black's only school then presistent on to a college that would allow black students to study science. As he grew he taught others.
These stories are fast paced, about ten pages long. They follow the characters from being curious kids, to studious adults, and eventually brave icons that changed the world for the better and helped those around them.
What I liked.
These stories are simple, easy to read and well worded. The fact that both these characters were born into slavery is not omitted; the horrors of slavery is not dwelled upon. The obstacles each faced as a result of their birth and their time in history are handled very well. Harriet was sold away from her family. George had to find an "all black school" to attend in order to continue his education. These struggles are there for parents to elaborate on and explain further as they see fit, but are not dwelled on as the books are clearly aimed to educate and inspire very young children.
What I loved
And educate them it does. The names of both characters are repeated several times throughout their books promoting name recognition. When Harriet Tubman's name was mentioned on the radio, in relation to the still not realized twenty dollar bills, my daughter looked up and repeated her name because she recognized it from the story book. The brevity of the stories as well as the engaging illustrations held my daughters attention each time I read them. She enjoys lifting the flaps and revealing the changing illustrations on the other side.
I also love that at end of the books the story is summarized in a way that brings the person's life full circle. For example the end of Harriet Tubman's book reads as follows
"Pretty soon, people started telling stories about Harriet Tubman. They called her "Moses" because she led her people to freedom, just like her favorite Bible story. A very little girl had very big dreams of being free. She grew up to be a very brave woman who made her dream come true for herself and for many others."
The accompanying illustration shows Harriet as an older woman - lift the flap and she turns back into a young girl. I love this because it feels like the story is about the little girl - a character the listener can relate to and be inspired by. Older Harriet may feel unreachable, and therefore boring. But all great people were children once.
My Dislikes
My only dislike is that I can't seem to buy more of these books by the same creative team. I wish I'd paid more attention to who the other characters were in this limited series. When I went back to the Target where I found them, there were only a few more "Harriet Tubman" books left. I'm pretty sure there was at least one other woman and one other man I could have chosen from.
As I've mentioned neither author nor illustrator is credited. A search of Google, and even the Piggy Toe
website only shows these other itty-bitty biographies. In my opinion those covers are fare less attractive.
I'm hoping that promoting these books on this tiny blog will give a boost to whomever put them together. Perhaps they will create more like them.
In My Opinion
This limited series is a great way to introduce the names of these iconic historical heroes to the very youngest learners. These stories are guilt free and accessible to white children as well as kids of non-African decent. I believe it is possibly, nay! Necessary to find inspiration in the past, and boost the self-esteem of next generation of black creators. In only ten pages these books manage to be informative, and also very respectful to the memories of the people they talk about.
If you know more about these books, and where I might find more of them please subscribe and leave a comment, or message me on Twitter.
Until next time, I'm Porsche B. Yeary.
I'll see you on the next page.