Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy

by Van G. Garrett, Reginald C Adams (Illustrator), Samson Bimbo Adenugba (Illustrator)

Overview

A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.

A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year—and why they celebrate their African American history!

The poetic text includes selected lyrics from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780358574255
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/02/2023
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Van G. Garrett is the author of Kicks, his debut picture book, and Juneteenth. An acclaimed poet, he won the Poetry Question National Chapbook Contest for Scrap and the Best Book of African American Poetry from the Texas Association of Authors for 49: Wings and Prayers. He is a musician and visual artist.

Reginald C. Adams is a public artist whose studio, based in Houston, Texas, is world-renowned for award-winning murals, sculptures, and art installations strategically located in historic and underserved communities across the U.S. He was the lead artist and Creative Director for Absolute Equality, the new Juneteenth mural in Galveston, Texas.

Samson Bimbo Adenugba is a Houston-based painter / illustrator. Originally from Nigeria in West Africa, he has spent over two decades building a prolific career in visual art and design. His works are in both private and public collections in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Since relocating to the U.S., he has ventured into public art design and production. He was a key team member on Absolute Equality, the Juneteenth mural in Galveston, Texas.

Editorial Reviews

05/22/2023

Garrett’s observational storytelling combines detailed ink and watercolor scenes from muralists Adams and Adenugba to create a stirring portrait of a Juneteenth spent in Galveston, Tex., where the holiday began. A Black family of four packs their car for a road trip: “We loaded the car/ in search of sounds and stars.// Snacks in backpacks.” Upon arriving, they make their way to the Strand, toting a wagon full of picnic fixings and waving at other attendees until finding a place to watch the parade. When it starts—musicians play, floats pass—the child narrator muses, “This parade felt different.... Many of the people on the big, bright floats looked like me.” And as the festivities continue, and the main character’s mother tells them of Juneteenth’s history—pictured in historical vignettes—the youth soon understands “why we drove the miles/ and strangers smiled.” Ending with a crowd joining together for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” this slice-of-life portrait of Juneteenth cements the day not merely as one of jubilation, but as a celebration of community too. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 4–8. (May)

Publishers Weekly

Imparting children with civic knowledge from a young age can be transformative, and Juneteenth does just that… Through beautiful illustrations and enlightening storytelling, kids will learn the importance of this holiday.” — TODAY.com

“An unfolding of the senses—sights, sounds, and scents of a parade—with the added enlightenment of the important history and significance of the celebration… A perfect read-aloud and an excellent platform for discussing African American history.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“Vibrant, highly textured watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations depict the sense of community the author conveys through the simple, poetic text. An ideal read-aloud… A stirring introduction to an important holiday — Kirkus Reviews

“Garrett’s observational storytelling combines detailed ink and watercolor scenes from muralists Adams and Adenugba to create a stirring portrait… Cements the day not merely as one of jubilation, but as a celebration of community too.” — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

★ 04/21/2023

PreS-Gr 3—This story follows a young boy who journeys to Galveston, TX, to celebrate Juneteenth for the first time. His parents have packed the car and made sandwiches as if preparing for any other parade. But as the boy and his family set up their place to watch, the parade becomes an experience like no other. First, it's the music; then, the realization that the people on the floats look like him. The smells of familiar food only reinforce that this parade is special. Sure, there are many familiar sights, such as a queen and the tossing of candy and beads, but this parade celebrates so much more. As his mom explains, it is a celebration of history, of overcoming struggle and abuse, of pride and hope. In a joyful climax, as fireworks explode over the ocean, voices chorus, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Readers will experience the Juneteenth celebration simultaneously with the young boy as an unfolding of the senses—sights, sounds, and scents of a parade—with the added enlightenment of the important history and significance of the celebration. Pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations highlight the colorfulness while adding detail to the many sights and faces of the people in the street dancing, cheering, and reveling in the fun. Particularly poignant are the images of historical figures who endured and triumphed over slavery, highlighted as the fireworks begin. VERDICT A memorable introduction to the richness of Juneteenth as well as to the significance of the celebration to the African American community. A perfect read-aloud and an excellent platform for discussing African American history.—C.J Connor

School Library Journal

2023-03-14
A child experiences Juneteenth with their family.

The day starts with a Black family loading their car with blankets, food, and drums in preparation for a trip to Galveston, Texas. When they arrive at the Strand, the young protagonist pulls a wagon full of supplies as the family looks for a place to watch the parade. With the perfect spot secured, they unpack their food and listen for the sounds of the parade beginning. However, the narrator notes that this parade feels different from those held on Labor Day or the Fourth of July: “Many of the people on the big, bright floats looked like me.” Taking it all in, the protagonist points out the “soulful rhythms” of the marching bands’ music along with the beauty queens riding in decorated cars. Most notably, the protagonist observes the camaraderie of the participants as they “[rejoice] in the ending of slavery in Texas.” Vibrant, highly textured watercolor–and–pen-and-ink illustrations depict the sense of community the author conveys through the simple, poetic text. An ideal read-aloud, the story focuses more on the feelings of taking part in the parade than on the origins of Juneteenth, but it might inspire young readers to seek out more information. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A stirring introduction to an important holiday. (author’s and artists’ notes) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews