Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Some girls are bold. Some are quiet. Some feel powerful, worried, joyful, lonely, proud, or unsure. Just Like Me opens its pages wide enough for many kinds of girls to be seen. This illustrated poetry collection offers short, vivid pieces that feel like small portraits. Through poems about friendship, family, confidence, body image, place, and emotion, readers can meet girls who may feel familiar and girls whose lives may be different from their own. With Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s bright, expressive artwork and welcoming voice, this book is a thoughtful choice for readers who enjoy poetry, self-expression, and books that celebrate individuality and connection.

This little goat loves to sing, climb, and keep going, even when everyone around her thinks she is too much trouble. In Shake It Off!, a curious goat lands in a serious problem when she gets stuck in a well. Some neighbors have already given up on her, but she is clever, determined, and not ready to stay down. With humor and energy, the story shows how a tough situation can become a chance to think differently. Playful and encouraging, this picture book is a lively choice for readers who enjoy animal stories with courage, resilience, and a smart surprise at the center.

The Sunday dinner table is ready. The food smells delicious. Everyone is hungry. Then Auntie Mabel begins the blessing. At first, her prayer is a familiar family tradition. But Auntie Mabel has a lot to be thankful for, and soon she is blessing the yams, the Brussels sprouts, the furniture, the people around the table, and much more while the meal waits. Young readers will recognize the funny impatience of wanting dinner to start and the warmth of being surrounded by family. Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table is a joyful, humorous picture book about food, relatives, and the rituals that make family gatherings unforgettable.

Vanessa wants her first day of school to go perfectly, so she chooses an outfit that is bright, fancy, and impossible to miss. Her classmates notice her right away, but the attention does not feel the way she hoped. Soon Vanessa begins wondering if she should be quieter, plainer, and even easier to name. With help from her mother, she starts to understand the meaning and beauty behind who she is. The story speaks gently to any child who has worried about fitting in while still wanting to be seen. Becoming Vanessa is a warm first-day-of-school picture book about confidence, identity, and learning to bring your full self into the classroom.

Anyiaka loves the people in her Gullah Geechee family. Her sister seems beautiful, her mother seems wise, and her grandmother is an artist with a gift for making things feel meaningful. But Anyiaka does not always feel as if she fits beside them. During a visit to her grandparents’ home, she notices all the ways she feels different. Then Grandma’s art studio, and a special set of nesting dolls, offer a new way to see family, beauty, and what can be carried from one generation to the next. Nesting Dolls is a tender picture book about heritage, self-worth, and the quiet strength found inside a family’s stories.

A familiar song becomes a doorway into the courage of the Civil Rights Movement. Let Freedom Sing uses the rhythm of This Little Light of Mine to introduce young readers to the struggle for civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s. Through clear, memorable scenes, the book shows unfair rules, brave choices, and people whose actions helped bring change. The tone is honest for children without losing its hope. With mixed-media artwork and an introduction by Ruby Bridges, this picture book offers an accessible way for early elementary readers to begin learning about segregation, protest, and the power of letting your light shine.

Grandma Mimi’s purse is never just a purse. When she comes to visit, her granddaughter knows there might be sweet treats, shiny jewelry, keepsakes from faraway places, or a surprise tucked inside just for her. This warm, stylish picture book turns an ordinary visit into a celebration of family, imagination, and the special magic grandparents bring. Young readers will enjoy peeking into each new treasure while feeling the closeness between Grandma Mimi and the child who adores her. Bright, lively artwork and joyful details make Grandma's Purse especially appealing for readers who love stories about family traditions, dressing up, and everyday moments that feel wonderfully special.

Mary does not just get dressed. Mary arrives. In this playful twist on Mother Goose, stylish Mary brings bows, sparkle, and serious fashion sense to school. Soon some familiar nursery-rhyme friends are getting glamorous makeovers too, from fabulous shoes to a brand-new crown. But when recess comes, all that fancy flair may not be the easiest thing to wear on the playground. Written in lively rhyme, Mary Had a Little Glam is a funny, energetic picture book for readers who enjoy fashion, wordplay, and classic nursery-rhyme characters with a fresh modern spin.

Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks knew unfair rules were wrong, and she was ready to do something about them. The Youngest Marcher tells the true story of Audrey’s role in the 1963 Birmingham civil rights protests. As adults planned marches, picketing, and a campaign to fill the jails, Audrey listened closely and chose to take part. The book presents her bravery in a way young readers can understand, showing that children were not only watching history happen; some helped make it happen. Clear, powerful storytelling and expressive illustrations make this biography a compelling introduction to the Civil Rights Movement, activism, and one child’s remarkable courage.

Get ready to rock the first day of school! MJ is absolutely thrilled to start kindergarten, and she knows she is going to have a fantastic time. With her hair freshly braided and her mother's special tiara resting proudly on her head, she feels completely unstoppable. But MJ knows that her beautiful tiara is not just for show. It serves as a wonderful reminder of all the amazing things she brings to her new classroom. From her bright smile and warm kindness to her impressive soccer skills on the playground, MJ is ready to share her unique talents with everyone she meets. This joyful story is the perfect way to build excitement and confidence for the newest students heading off to school. You will love following along as this confident little girl makes new friends, spreads happiness, and truly rules her very first day of kindergarten.

Art does not have to stay on an easel. It can be music, stories, cooking, performance, paint, movement, and any idea brave enough to begin. In Think Big, a classroom of energetic children explores creativity in many forms. They try, make, imagine, and discover that art can come from many hands and many kinds of minds. The book’s lively poem follows the joy of creating together, where one idea can lead to another and every child has something to offer. Warm, playful, and encouraging, this picture book is a celebration of imagination, classroom community, and artistic expression. It is a strong choice for readers who like making things, sharing ideas, and seeing how creativity can fill a whole room.

Zulay and her three best friends learn, laugh, and move through first grade together. Zulay is blind, but her school days are filled with the same lessons, friendships, and questions as everyone else’s. When Field Day is announced, Zulay surprises people by choosing a race. Running is not simple for her, but with practice, guidance, and the encouragement of those who believe in her, she works toward a goal that matters to her. The story presents disability with warmth and respect while keeping Zulay’s personality, friendships, and determination at the center. My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay is a thoughtful picture book about school, courage, and being supported without being underestimated.

The race for class representative is officially on, and Jada Jones is ready to win. She has great ideas for her school and is campaigning as hard as she can. Jada wants to prove she is the best person for the job, so she starts making big promises to her classmates to get their votes. But running for office is a lot more complicated than she expected. Suddenly, rumors start spreading around the school about Jada having a secret fear of public speaking. She does not know who started the whispers, and she is not sure which friends she can actually trust. The pressure is building, and her list of campaign promises is getting impossible to keep. Is winning the election really worth losing her closest friends? You will be hooked on every page as Jada navigates the messy world of school politics. This engaging chapter book is perfect for anyone who loves reading about real school challenges, friendship drama, and learning how to be an honest leader.

Bad moments do not get the last word in this sunny picture book inspired by Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. Every Little Thing follows a boy through a day of small troubles and gentle reassurance. With three special birds nearby and a rhythm that invites reading or singing aloud, the story turns worry into comfort and reminds readers that mistakes, rain clouds, and hard feelings can pass. Cedella Marley’s adaptation brings new verses to her father’s song, while Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s colorful illustrations keep the mood warm and playful. It is a cheerful choice for readers who enjoy music-filled stories about hope, family, and feeling better.

A beat, a bright idea, and one girl’s big heart bring a whole neighborhood together. Adapted from Bob Marley’s beloved song, One Love follows a young girl as she gathers friends, family, and neighbors to help make their community better. The story carries the joyful feeling of music while showing how kindness and teamwork can turn shared hope into action. With cheerful illustrations and a message that feels both simple and powerful, this picture book invites young readers to think about love, cooperation, and the good things people can create when they work side by side.

Justin is finally on a soccer team, and he could not be happier! He loves everything about the game and is completely ready for his very first practice. But things take a tough turn as soon as he steps onto the field. A taller girl walks right up to him and calls him Shorty. She tells Justin that he is way too little to play sports and that he should just pack up and go home. Justin is shocked and unsure of what to do. He loves playing soccer, but he really does not want to be teased. How do you handle someone who is being mean? Join Justin as he learns how to stand tall and handle a bully. This inspiring story offers helpful advice for navigating difficult situations while staying true to what you love.