The #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Stacey's Extraordinary Words and the critically acclaimed author of Take Back the Block join together to create this heartwarming, empowering celebration of Black joy!We are joy—showing off our moves and tick-tocking to the drumbeatsof our created culture—the culture that moves the world.We are joy—full surrounded by laughter, and lightand love, and love, and love.Shining with lyrical prose and gorgeously vibrant art, this delightful picture book read-together is an inspiring celebration of the beauty and strength of Black culture, Black community, and Black family. It's an empowering affirmation that joy—especially black joy, is all around us—in the people we love, in our commmunities, and in our hearts.
On sale: June 2, 2026
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9780593647738
Chrystal D. Giles is a champion for diversity and representation in children’s literature. She is the critcally acclaimed author of
Take Back the Block and
Not An Easy Win, which both received multiple accolades, best of lists, and starred reviews. Chrystal lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and son and is currently working on her next middle-grade novel.
Kitt Thomas (they/them) is a #1
New York Times bestselling illustrator and two time NAACP Image Award winner. They are a first-generation Lucian American, an author, and a graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design with a BFA in visual studies. Kitt’s mission is to celebrate Black culture with their drawings and to encourage inclusion in all forms of art, as they found it hard to see themself properly represented in the media they enjoyed growing up. Kitt has illustrated many picture books including
Stacey's Extraordinary Words, Patchwork Prince, and
My Fade is Fresh.
★ "
A colorful celebration of Black childhood joy....Persistently lovely and hopeful, a potent mirror." —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "This
uplifting tribute to ancestry, advocacy, and aspiration aptly meditates on the sustaining power of joy." —
Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "In Giles’s debut picture book, readers ride a lyrical wave of sights and sounds that celebrate growing up as a Black child in a space that reflects beauty, resilience, and connection...
A notable addition to children’s literature that affirms joy as enduring, communal, and rooted in culture and identity." —
School Library Journal, starred review
