Children's Picture Book Database at Miami University

James Baldwin, or "Jimmy" as his friends and family would call him, grows up in Harlem New York and graduates from a high school in the Bronx. He writes songs, poems, plays, and stories because writing flows freely out of him, just like the dreams he imagines for his future. Jimmy loves to read and goes to church, museums, movies, and plays --- and he enjoys the encouragement of many mentors. Through the power of his words and his stories, Jimmy moves to Paris, France, but he eventually returns to America to interview southerners about the changing times known as the civil rights movement. His book, The Fire Next Time, deepens American's understanding of racism, and then Jimmy moves back to France to serve as a haven for those of all backgrounds and experiences.

This black and white picture book vividly portrays a historical time when immigrants set sail for America. They hope for better lives and dream of prosperity. This journey comes from the immigrant's perspective, in the form of a movie, where language is a not a barrier.

Florrie is named after a famous African American actress of the 1920's. Florrie learns the importance of working hard. Having big dreams will help Florrie and her family achieve anything. They learn that the Tree of Hope reflects the glory days of Harlem's Lafayette Theatre- a time when a black man shines through the Great Depression.

Tamika loves spending time with her Grandfather. They enjoy walking, talking, and going to theatre together. One day, Tamika gets afraid while watching her Grandfather rehearse for a play. Tamika learns about different emotions, and especially that her Grandfather will always love her.

Kevin loves spending time with his dad. Kevin learns that after he works hard, he can play hard with is dad. Kevin and his dad spend the day cleaning the house, then they play sports and go to the movies. Oh what fun!

A young girl listens to her grandfather share his deep love for music and the piano. Grandfather shares the history of silent movies, Vaudeville, Ragtime, and Broadway. He never lets his passion for music end and continues to share it with his grandaughter.

Sassy uses her unique characteristics and height to become a great ballet dancer. Sassy does not allow bullying from the other students to prevent her from trying out for a summer dance festival. Sassy learns the benefits of perseverence and self-esteem.

A science fair project turns into a play for Mrs. Pages 5th grade students at Webster School. You will learn about atoms found in water and all the places where water is found. Discover why these students thing water is the most amazing substance on Earth.

A young girl receives a trunk full of costumes for her birthday. Her new found love for acting has her trying out for the school play. On the day of auditions she gets stagefright. While, at first she is disappointed with the outcome, she makes the best of it in the end.

Fernando, a little boy from Mexico, loses his favorite uncle. The family celebrates a holiday called Day of the Dead. Fernando must find the perfect gift to remember his uncle. What does he choose?

Beni is so excited because he's finally old enough to really understand his Jewish heritage and the traditions of his faith. In his quest for understanding, he encounters a number of situations, from learning the beauty of togetherness after reconciling with his feuding cousin, Max, to recreating the Pukim in a play with his friends and cousins. Through all of this, Beni truly begins to see the magical feeling of togetherness and heritage that his religion encompasses.

Angelo Polo is a young boy who passionately wants to be a clown like his grandfather Zan Polo. His grandfather tells him that the theater is no place for a little boy. Finally, Zan Polo tells Angelo that he can be the little red rooster who crows in the last act. So, Angelo scurries and runs all over the city to prepare for his performance during the carnival. It turns out that Angelo is an excellent rooster and his grandfather agrees that the theater can be a place for a little boy.

Join this boy's pride as he shares his town's sights and sounds the way he sees and hears them. You'll see Harlem along the river, street, and neighborhood.

Mimi Swan loves the ballet. She practices her dancing all of the time and shows that she is very persistent. Mimi Swan dances her way into the Paris Opera House to perform in a production of Swan Lake.

Tibs, the cat, is tired of waiting for his family to feed him every morning, so he decides to start doing it himself!This encourages Tibs to embark on different adventures around town. Everyone thinks that Tibs is such a clever cat, but a turn of events makes Tibs wonder...is he really that clever?

A hungry wolf wanders into an unfamiliar area as he is walking around town. He smells his favorite food, pigs, and looks around to find out from where the smell is coming. The wolf looks up and sees that the ballet Swine Lake is playing inside of a theater. He gets a ticket and takes his seat with the intention of eating the dancing pigs in th show. He ends up becoming entranced by the love story and finds that he is not hungry anymore. The next day he goes to see the show again but this time when a monster in the show is about to appear on stage, the wolf jumps from his seat to the stage and plays the role of monster. The next day he sees good reviews in the newspaper.

Leo goes to the theatre with his friends every weekend. On Saturday, Marty, a bully, is disruptive in the theatre. The usher thinks it is Leo so he is thrown out. The next Saturday, Leo looks forward to going to the theatre, but his violin teacher wants to teach him a new piece. Leo is upset that he will miss the movie, but he goes to practice anyway. In the end, Leo's hard work pays off when his picture with his violin appears on the movie screen later that night when his mother takes him to see the later show.