I would like to share a new children’s book that I received for a review. Keyana Loves Her Friend (Keyana 2) by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley (Author), Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Illustrator) this is part of a series of books so make sure you check them all out as they make wonderful Gifts.
I was reading the book when C and B came in from hanging out at the park. Charlie sat down next to me and said what are you reading. I showed Charlie the cover of the book. Charlie said mom Lily and Payton would like this book. I agreed with Charlie and didn’t say anything else. I finished reading the book and sat it down on my desk.
Later that day Charlie picked it up and began reading the story half-way through Charlie said mom if Jason saw this book he would think its for girls but its not any child or adult should read the story as they will learn what it takes to become a real friend. I agreed with Charlie and we believe this book should be in every school library.
Like in our family Nia moved away which is what Charlie did from his friends but like Nia she is coming back for a visit. You should see the list Keyana has compiled for them. I wish I was there so I could rock out at a Hip Hop Punk Rock Dance Party while Charlie’s wants to travel to a distant lands on a magical bike ride. Would you like to go with them?
Keyna calls Nia to remind her what to pack and lets her know what they are going to do including a bike ride only Nia wants to bring her scooter. Kenya doesn’t want things to change and talks to her dad about the scooter. Her dad reminds her its okay if things change because you will discover new things you like to do.
Kenya notices Nia’s hair is different and her brother Miles appears and ask Nia to try her scooter so Kenya decides to as well. They finish playing and stop at the store for a snack. Before you ask what happens I’m not going to tell you because you need to pick up your own copy of the book to find out what happens.
Then a accident happens do you think anyone gets hurt? I’m not telling you must read the book to find out. Ahh on Nia is upset can you guess why and no, I’m not telling you what happened outside you need to read the book to find out. Mom comes out and ask why they aren’t seeing eye to eye.
What do you think happens? Kenya tells her mom how she feels and her mom tells her its okay if things change because there friendship will become stronger. Do you think this is true? I know it did with Charlie and his best friend Bradley. The build a fort with Miles and have popsicules which makes the rest of the sleepover was a huge success.
About:
Keyana throws a spectacular slumber party in this sweet picture book that explores both the easy and tough parts of friendship, written by bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley (I Love My Hair!).
Keyana is hosting her very best friend, Nia, over for a night of games, dancing, and splashing in the pool! But when Keyana and Nia have trouble seeing eye-to-eye, they’ll have to come together to remember just how much they care about each other.
With more warm illustrations by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, Natasha Anastasia Tarpley’s Keyana Loves her Friend gives young-readers a fresh new lesson on conflict resolution and the importance of friendship.
About the Author: Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Natasha Anastasia Tarpley started writing when she was seven years old, and from that young age she understood that stories could change the world. She is the author of the bestselling picture book I Love My Hair!, Bippity Bop Barbershop, The Me I Choose to Be, among other titles. Natasha is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and is the cofounder of Voonderbar! Media, a project seeking to expand the depictions of children of color in media. She lives with her family in Chicago, Illinois.
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. She received her BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Creating images and stories that speak to the hearts of children and those that guide them is her greatest joy. Charnelle currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband. She is the illustrator of Remember to Dream, Ebere, The Real Santa, Just Like Mama, and many other titles.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
