Picture books celebrate women’s history
If you’re looking for picture books to read with your little ones during the coronavirus social distancing window, here is an assortment of good ones that celebrate women and their accomplishments for Women’s History Month.
“Althea Gibson:
The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl”
By Megan Reid and illustrated by
Laura Freeman HarperCollins,
$17.99, 32 pgs.
Ages 4-8
Here’s a worthy story about the first black athlete to win Wimbeldon and the French and U.S. Open championships. She was tall, quick and fearless, a “fleet-of-foot” girl. Gibson’s story is told through the words of debut author Megan Reid and Coretta Scott King Honor-winning illustrator Laura Freeman. It’s a beautiful tribute to a legend.
“It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way” By Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad HarperCollins,
$17.99, 48 pgs.
Ages 4-8
Many may not know the story of Japanese-American illustrator Gyo Fujikawa (1908-1998), whose family was forced into an internment camp in California during World War II. But author Kyo Maclear tells how Fujikawa turned the pain of that experience into revolutionary artwork, “Babies.” It depicted Asian, Anglo and black babies playing together. Fujikawa’s work quietly helped to build unity in a racially divided nation.
“A is for Audra: Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z”
By John Robert Allman and illustrated by Peter Emmerich Penguin Random House, $18.99., 48 pgs.
Ages 3-7 Broadway’s leading ladies are given center stage in this lyrical picture book by author John Robert Allman and illustrator Peter Emmerich. It’s colorful, vibrant and fun, and gives children a lesson in theater and women’s history, starting with Tony Award winner Audra McDonald.
“Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell” Written and illustrated by Selina Alko HarperCollins, $18.99, 32 pgs.
Ages 4-8
The world knows Joni Mitchell’s inspirational music, but young readers will learn about her life in Selina Alko’s dreamy, watercolor book. “Joni Mitchell painted with words,” Alko writes. The books features a young Joni, who suffered from polio but loved to dance and play the piano. It continues through her adulthood as one of the world’s most beloved female artists.
“Along Came Coco: A Story about
Coco Chanel”
By Eva Byrne Abrams, $16.99, 32 pgs. Ages 4-7
Coco Chanel’s life story has been told many times. But this picture book shows a young girl who found her passion for fashion and style during a time when children, especially girls, were meant to be seen not heard. Chanel grew up in an orphanage overseen by strict nuns, but her rebel spirit is what gave her wings to become a pioneering fashion designer.