Mommy book club for boys

Christopher Paul Curtis crafts another remarkable character, 10-year-old Bud “Not Buddy” Caldwell in this fascinating tale, set in Flint, Michigan during the 1930s. Bud, an orphan, runs away from abusive foster parents and embarks on a quest to find a man he thinks is his father, jazz musician Herman E. Calloway. Guided only by intuition and an old concert flyer, Buddy eventually makes his way to Grand Rapids, experiencing adventure after adventure along the way. Curtis’ storytelling will capture the imagination of any young mind and will show young readers that, like Buddy, nothing can stop a strong mind and a strong will.
http://www.amazon.com/Buddy-first-Curtis-Christopher-Paul/dp/B00BTM5ET0/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373325065&sr=1-6&keywords=%27Bud%2C+Not+Buddy%27+by+Christopher+Paul+Curtis

 

 

 

Author Jabari Asim weaves a rhythmic tale that answers the catchy question “Whose knees are these?” The fun, vivid illustrations feature an African-American character who discovers that his knees are “brown,” “strong,” and “fine.” Our sons will also learn that they should love the brown skin they’re in. This picture book is a perfect bedtime story for your littlest readers.
http://www.amazon.com/Whose-Knees-These-Jabari-Asim/dp/0316735760/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373325266&sr=1-1&keywords=%27Whose+Knees+Are+These%3F%27+by+Jabari+Asim

This is a great book for any young reader struggling to figure out what makes them unique. In this charming story, the author’s younger brother, Linden, can’t seem to find his “it.” His brother and sister have both found their special talent but Linden still isn’t sure. However, after a trip to the dentist and a discussion with his family about faith, Linden soon discovers his life path: to be a dentist himself. Little boys will learn that with faith and hard work, anything is possible.
http://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Do-Tony-Dungy/dp/1416954619/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373325377&sr=1-1&keywords=%27You+Can+Do+It%21%27+by+Tony+Dungy

So many of our young boys want to be like Mike and this picture book will give them the play-by-play for success. Jordan’s mother and sister teamed up as co-authors, giving us an intimate look at Jordan’s early life. Jordan was so insecure about his height he almost gave up the game, especially after an oversized bully teased him on the court. Frustrated, he asks his mother what might make him grow. She suggests putting salt in his shoes and saying a prayer every night. His dad later explains that salt might not make a difference but determination and hard work will. Like Mike, our sons can also chase their dream—despite their self-doubts.
http://www.amazon.com/Salt-His-Shoes-Michael-Pursuit/dp/0689834195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373325486&sr=1-1&keywords=%27Salt+In+His+Shoes%3A+Michael+Jordan+in+Pursuit+of+a+Dream%27+by+Deloris+Jordan

 

There is no question that Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 speech is one of the most important recorded moments in history. Now, through breathtaking illustrations, our youngest readers can relive the words of this powerful man. Our sons will be uplifted by King’s message of equality, peace, love, and most importantly, freedom. This timeless book is a definite must read for any young man of color
http://www.amazon.com/I-Have-Dream-Book-CD/dp/0375858873/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373325604&sr=8-1&keywords=%27I+Have+a+Dream%27+by+Martin+Luther+King+Jr.%2C+Illustrated+by+Kadir+Nelson

 

Booker T. Washington is one of our most celebrated and critiqued African-American historical figures. This vivid picture book focuses on his early struggle to earn an education. Trekking more than 500 miles with only 50 cents in his pocket, Washington traveled on foot to Hampton Institute, where he later received his college degree. Washington went on to educate freedman across the country. His relentless pursuit of his educational goal is a shining example for any young man with a dream.
http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Cents-Dream-Booker-Washington/dp/0316086576/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373325711&sr=1-1&keywords=%27Fifty+Cents+and+a+Dream%3A+Young+Booker+T.+Washington%27

Young boys are sure to be inspired by the life of Satchel “Satch” Paige. Paige was the first African-American player to pitch in the major leagues and to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The husband-and-wife duo depicts the dazzling success of one of baseball’s best through rhythmic words and rich illustrations. This book will motivate our sons to strive for their personal best—on and off the field.
http://www.amazon.com/Satchel-Paige-Lesa-Cline-Ransome/dp/0689856814/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373325802&sr=1-1&keywords=%27Satchel+Paige%27+by+Lesa+Cline-Ransome

Comedian and pop culture icon, Bill Cosby, masterfully tackles one of life’s most difficult emotions: grief. In this short chapter book, the main character Little Bill meets an eccentric but kind neighbor, Alan Mills. Mills’ life lessons about compassion have a profound impact on Little Bill and his entire family. He leaves a legacy that lingers, even after his untimely death. This touching story provides a beautiful example of how young boys and grown men deal with grief, anger and loss. It also shows that boys and men cry too

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Bill-12-Father-level/dp/0590521993/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373325918&sr=1-1&keywords=%27The+Day+I+Saw+My+Father+Cry%27+by+Bill+Cosby

 

 

Set in Tanzania during the 1960s, this delightful tale follows the life of Saruni, a young boy with big plans to purchase a red-and-blue bicycle. He hopes to use the bicycle to help his mother carry her heavy loads to and from the market but meets disappointment when he realizes his “secret money stash” won’t be nearly enough. Saruni, however, gets a bicycle due to an unexpected gift from his father. Young boys will learn that in the end perseverance and determination can help them overcome any obstacle in their path.
http://www.amazon.com/Rows-Piles-Coins-Tololwa-Mollel/dp/0395751861/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373326015&sr=1-1&keywords=%27My+Rows+and+Piles+of+Coins%27+by+Tololwa+M.+Mollel

 

Award-winning artist Kadir Nelson captures the essence of one of our most beloved spirituals in a series of awe-inspiring illustrations. The lyrics of the song serve as a fitting backdrop to Nelson’s rich paintings. Readers get to see the world through the unique lens of a young African-American boy living in San Francisco. Through this beautiful picture book, our sons will learn that our “whole world” is connected and we each play a part in making it a better place.
http://www.amazon.com/Hes-Got-Whole-World-Hands/dp/0142416355/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373326100&sr=1-1&keywords=he%27s+got+the+whole+world+in+his+hands+kadir+nelson










 

 

 

 

 

Mommy Book Club for girls

through her Nana’s eyes. In Nana’s house, there are no mirrors and the narrator doesn’t notice her “imperfections”—clothes that don’t fit, a nose that’s too flat, or skin that’s too black. This story teaches brown girls that it’s their character that defines them—not their circumstances.

 

http://www.amazon.com/No-Mirrors-My-Nanas-House/dp/0152052437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373322780&sr=8-1&keywords=%27No+Mirrors+in+My+Nana%27s+House%27

 

This African take on the classic fairytale Cinderella features beautiful illustrations and teaches girls the true meaning of beauty. Set in Africa, the story features two sisters: Nyasha, who is kind as well as beautiful and Manyara, who is spoiled with a bad temper. Little readers won’t be surprised to learn who becomes queen in the end. There aren’t any blue ball gowns or fairy godmothers in this story. Instead, brown girls will fall in love with an African queen who’s beautiful, inside and out.
http://www.amazon.com/Mufaros-Beautiful-Daughters-John-Steptoe/dp/B000S6A3QC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373323065&sr=8-2&keywords=%27Mufaro%27s+Beautiful+Daughters

This delightful story teaches girls to love their hair and their heritage. The affirmative “I love my hair!” really teaches girls to say “I love myself!” A familiar ritual of combing the tangles from a head full of kinks and curls will give brown girls something to relate to in the story. This book, which starts with tears ends in triumph as the narrator imagines the many styles she can wear her kinky, curly hair. Definitely a great read for any girl who is struggling with loving every bit of her brown girl self.

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Hair-Natasha-Anastasia-Tarpley/dp/0316523755/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373323171&sr=1-1&keywords=%27I+Love+My+Hair+by+Natasha+Anastasia+Tarpley

 

A young girl searches for beautiful things in her inner-city neighborhood and finds that they are actually all around her. Her neighbors show her that there is a lot of beauty in the little things—from a fried fish sandwich to a smooth stone. This story is perfect for teaching our daughters perspective: it’s our outlook that determines our outcome.
http://www.amazon.com/Something-Beautiful-Sharon-Dennis-Wyeth/dp/0440412102/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373323397&sr=1-1&keywords=%27Something+Beautiful%27+by+Sharon+Dennis+Wyeth

Poetic verses promote self-esteem in this fun read about “frizz and fuzz,” “short tight naps” and “plaited strands.” In this vibrant book, a headful of naps is considered a “crown” or “halo.” So, whether rocking braids, a press’n’curl or afro puffs, girls can learn to do any do’ with pride.

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Be-Nappy-Jump-Sun/dp/B0002OKA22/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373323549&sr=1-1&keywords=happy+to+be+nappy

 

Simple text and historical photographs help little readers follow the extraordinary story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school. In the face of racism and segregation, Ruby’s triumphant spirit endures, teaching brown girls they can overcome any obstacle.

http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Bridges-Goes-School-Scholastic/dp/0545108551/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373323614&sr=1-1&keywords=%27Ruby+Bridges+Goes+to+School%3A+My+True+Story%27+by+Ruby+Bridges

 

Loosely based off the life of choreographer Debbie Allen, a young girl overcomes big feet and long legs to achieve her dream of becoming a dancer. Sassy, the main character, gets teased by her dance mates and even her brother because she’s the odd girl out. Budding ballerinas will be inspired by her ability to persevere despite the ridicule and her own self-doubt.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Wings-Debbie-Allen/dp/0142501417/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373323749&sr=1-1&keywords=%27Dancing+in+the+Wings+by+Debbie+Allen

 

In this award-winning tale, Deza Malone, 12, navigates the Great Depression while searching for a father who has left the family to look for work. Deza is smart and spunky and young readers will learn their own incredible strength through the Mighty Miss Malone

http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Miss-Malone-Christopher-Curtis/dp/0440422140/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373323958&sr=1-1&keywords=%27The+Mighty+Miss+Malone%27+by+Christopher+Paul+Curtis

Inspired by the early life of Zora Neale Hurston, this book tells the story of a young girl detective who must solve a murder mystery. Not only is this story engaging for older girls with its twists and turns, it introduces them to one of the most prolific and well-known writers of the Harlem Renaissance

http://www.amazon.com/Zora-Me%C2%A0%C2%A0-ZORA-ME-Hardcover/dp/B008MDUEH6/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373324043&sr=1-3&keywords=%27Zora+and+Me%27+by+Victoria+Bond+and+T.R.+Simon

In the summer of 1968, three sisters, Delphine and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, travel to Oakland, CA to find their mother who abandoned them. Their mother, Cecile, often sends them to the community center where the girls learn about race and revolution. In this powerful novel, the girls struggle to ultimately earn the love of their estranged mother. Delphine, the young heroine, and her rock solid resilience will surely activate any young “actionista.”
http://www.amazon.com/One-Crazy-Summer-Rita-Williams-Garcia/dp/B0080R4AAG/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373324139&sr=1-3&keywords=%27One+Crazy+Summer%27+by+Rita+Williams-Garcia

Keisha Cane and Her Very Sweet Tooth is a delightful new book for young readers, featuring the memorable and mischievous, Keisha Cane.  Keisha’s infamous sweet tooth strikes in the middle of the night and she breaks a cookie jar, sparking a laughable chain of events. Little readers will be able to predict Keisha’s next mishap and will also learn a valuable lesson about making (and fixing) mistakes.
Ashley Foxx is an author, educator and artist. Her first book, Keisha Cane and Her Sweet Tooth is available for little readers. Find her at www.foxxology.com or @foxxology on Twitter.
http://www.foxxology.com/#!books/cnec

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturally Cute!

Love how cute this is:) let your little girl know she is cute just the way she is fro and all:))

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th Of July!! photo courtesy of Divian Conner - Visual Artist

New Link

http://www.chocolatehairvanillacare.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!! Gobble,Gobble

Mommy Owned Business

Mocha Moms Give a warm welcome! to fellow  Mamapreneur Lorna Bradley of Majestic Delights

Q:. Why the baking business?

A:  I had no idea I was going to end up in the Cupcake Business. My mom loved to cook and is currently a caterer. I remember always being around for the baking part!

Q:  what is your creative process like?

A:  I have to be honest and say I am often clueless until I begin. I listen to what my clients want and I try embody that via cake. I try to be as personal as possible so no cakes, or cupcakes are ever really alike. I think that's why our menu can't stop growing.

Q:how do you come up with ideas that inspire you?

A: My partner Nathaly Rodriguez and I are very close so we spend a lot of time brainstorming ideas. We always like to try something new, and hopefully something no one else has thought of. When all else fails, PINTREST!


Q:what made you want to start your business?

A:I actually was encouraged by my church family (Faith Life International Church- Orange City, Fl) to start the business, after baking for a dear friend that was struck by lighting. I wanted to take something that was different and I haven't stopped baking since then, over two years ago.

Q:.who are your personal style icons and why?

A:This is the area that was the most challenging in my life. I did the normal mom move in forgetting yourself for the sake of your family. I have a great husband and six kids so in my mind there was no time to look for looking good. After meeting with my pastor (Pastor Gina Holmes) on day I gained an understanding that I can have a family AND fashion! My sister Tamara Craig and Stylist Sasha Ellis had a lot to do with my style as well. Oh, and I adore Jill Scott's style, she's so comfortable in her skin!


Q:.what's your favorite cd at the moment?

A:My current itunes playlist consist of Mali Music, Da. T.R.U.T.H. and Ne-Yo. I love music that make me feel good. I ALWAYS listen to music while baking.


Q:.what do you do when you feel like you have hit a creative roadblock?

A:I stop and go play with my kids, or go out to dinner with friends. Why waste time I could be using for something else. I have faith that it will come back to me before my deadline.

Q:.what's a typical day like for you

A:Up at 6 to study before the house moves, then wake up I first set of kids and get them out. After that I spend a little helping my teenager get out for school, and then baking. Depending what day it is anything can happen. Some weeks I'm at my church all the time, other weeks I sneek in a nap or two.


Q:.what's your favorite thing to do

A:WRITE! I am currently 100 pages into my first book. That has nothing to do with baking.

 Q:describe your artistic style

A:I'm all over the place, some days I love vintage, other days I'm all modern. I don't like being defined into one category.

 Q::what's the most difficult part of your business

A:Invoices! I hate to request payment. When I become a millionaire, I'm sure I will bake for free all the time. I have a friend in the financial business that literally had to make me get in line with receiving payments.

 Q:what's the best part of your business

A:Deliveries. I can never get enough of watching the happiness of others when I deliver food! It always amazes me that something that takes me about 30 minutes to make can can completely make someone's day.

 Q:what do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur

A:Both of my parents were entrepreneurs (my dad a contractor and my mom a caterer. I never knew what it was like to be sick and not have my mom there, or have to plan a vacation around my dad's job. We would decided to go visit family and leave the same night. I knew it would be hard for me to ever work in corporate America after being raised this way. I love the freedom to be with my family. I love baking cookies and sitting with my kids to help with their homework everyday. I couldn't imagine raising them any other way.


 Q:where do you or what plans to you have for your business in the near future

A:Location, location LOCATION! We are planning to branch out locally and then internationally. My mom is from Jamaica and we would love to open a location there.

 Q:what's your advice to other women or mothers on balancing being a mom and running a business


A:There is no way I could do what I do in my own strength. I value my relationship with God more than the business or anything else. Because of the joy that I have in him, I have strength to balance the family and the business, without being competely stressed out. Also, two heads are always better than one, find a partner if possible. My partner Nathaly brought so much more to the table (she does most of the cake design, fondant is not my friend) and freed me up to do what I do best! BAKE!

Contact info for Majestic Delights

• lorna.bradley2@facebook.com