For Our Daughters

by Mel Nyoko, Joelle Avelino (Illustrator)

Overview

An inspirational and empowering book about what mothers, especially Black mothers, want their daughters to know.

This inspiring book gives girls permission to let their lights shine. They want all girls to know that there are no limits on what they can achieve. 

One by one, common misconceptins are flipped and replaced by empowering statements such as your hair is like a magnificent crown or
you are like the moon among stars, or you shine the brightest. They suggest that if people doubt you or try to discourage your ambitions, you should disregard them and pursue your dreams to the fullest. Page after page offers examples of how girls can respond to discouraging situations and triumph. 

Powerful and striking images filled with vibrant colors add to the impact and truth of this encouraging text.

Words and pictures encourage and inspire all girls everywhere, but particularly Black girls.  For Our Daughters is a testament to love who you are, exactly as you are.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593428108
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	04/16/2024
Sold by:	Random House
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	13 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Mel Nyoko is a Congolese born British writer and poet who's performed across the UK, USA, and Africa with her collection of poetry. She spent a year travelling eighteen African countries where she taught English and poetry in schools. She lives in London. This is her debut picture book.
@JustMellN

Joelle Avelino is a Congolese and Angolan Illustrator who grew up in the United Kingdom. She obtained a BA (Hons) in Illustration with Marketing from the University of Hertfordshire. Joelle collaborated with author Dapo Adeola to create Hey You! An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black, winner of the British Book Awards Illustrated Book of the Year. And she worked on the 25th anniversary edition of Baroness Floella Benjamin’s classic memoir Coming to England.
@joelle_avelino

Editorial Reviews

★ "A lyrical celebration of individuality penned in a rhythm that begs to be read aloud....A flat-out stunner, this book is a loving ode to strength and potential." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Will boost girls’ self-esteem while giving them concrete tools for thriving." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

★ 04/01/2024

PreS-Gr 3—Poet Nyoko's debut picture book is a lyrical celebration of individuality penned in a rhythm that begs to be read aloud. The premise, that every person's unique qualities may not always be understood and honored, is met with an uplifting series of responses. Hair too coily? No, it's a magnificent crown. Voice too loud? No, it "will tell the world your unique story." Nyoko deftly balances empowering language with more specific imagery: darker skin mirrors that of ancient queens whose statues can be found in museums, and a wider nose is a connection to the ancestors. Avelino elegantly interprets Nyoko's words, imbuing them with warmth and an approachable beauty, and bringing her own impeccable sense of balance. Some pages boast broad, colorful depictions of flowers and butterflies, while others are minimalistic and quiet. The layout always leaves room for the words to breathe. The loveliness of the illustrations is a kid-friendly one, and many readers will see themselves here—some for the first time. There are mosques and headwraps, a bald ballerina and an Ashanti queen. Short enough to be read aloud, but important enough to be put in the hands of older readers, this book should be in every library. VERDICT A flat-out stunner, this book is a loving ode to strength and potential, enthusiastically recommended for all libraries.—Kate Newcombe

School Library Journal

2024-02-03
Affirmations from mothers to their daughters abound in this pro-girl picture book.

The opening spread shows a brown-skinned mother, dressed in a beautifully patterned orange and yellow African print dress with matching head wrap, holding a darker-skinned infant. The two gaze into each other’s eyes. This image appears inside a golden frame, held aloft by hands that match the baby’s skin. Speaking in second person, an unseen maternal narrator tells the little one, “There are billions of people in this world, but they are not you. / That’s why you are remarkable.” Throughout, girls from different cultural backgrounds, with varying skin tones and hair textures, hear negative comments from others, while the motherly voice offers a comeback for each one. “If they sneer and say, ‘Your nose is too wide,’” the narrator says, “You must hold your head high and tell them / you are a reflection of your ancestors’ beauty.” This guidance will help Black and brown children facing common microaggressions. The advice will also make children from the dominant culture aware of the damage of these hurtful remarks. Incorporating deep, rich colors, Avelino’s personable images depict joyful girls overcoming discrimination and confidently moving through the world. Several illustrations also remind girls that family and ancestors can affirm their worth.

Will boost girls’ self-esteem while giving them concrete tools for thriving. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews