Barbra Hesson's July children's book roundup features four new titles: Funjeepups #2: A Beautiful Song / A Star Wish by Michael Slack, We Are the Story by Richard Wagamese, The Story Hunter by Barbara Reid, and Beautiful Black Boy by Sophia Robinson.
Funjeepups #2: A Beautiful Song / A Star Wish
Michael Slack's Funjeepups #2 (Tundra) introduces young readers to Button, Dot, and Dollop—three woodland creatures living in a magical forest. In A Beautiful Song, the trio hears a bird with a captivating melody and tries to replicate it using their own instruments. In A Star Wish, a cloudy night during a campout prevents them from seeing stars, but they discover a shiny new friend and enjoy games and treats around the campfire. The easy text and colorful panels make this comic series perfect for beginner readers.
We Are the Story
In We Are the Story by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Swift Water), a young student is asked to write about what makes him proud to be Canadian. Closing his eyes, he hears ancestral voices in Dene, Cree, Mi'kmaq, Blackfoot, Ojibway, Inuktitut, Hungarian, German, Gaelic, Portuguese, French, Mandarin, and English. They remind him of all who came to Canada and share their stories. Vibrant illustrations celebrate Indigenous landscapes and family unity.
The Story Hunter
Barbara Reid's The Story Hunter (North Winds Press) follows a young Stone Age boy on a hunt with his family. When they discover a cave with spectacular prehistoric drawings from a past hunt, they add their own marks and share stories. Plasticine artwork using light and shadow highlights the journey, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient hunters.
Beautiful Black Boy
Sophia Robinson's Beautiful Black Boy, illustrated by Ken Daley (Orchard Books), uses bold, bright, and joyful illustrations to affirm a young Black boy's attributes. The book delivers powerful messages about living in hope, speaking up, trying new things, and dreaming big. It encourages exploration, leadership, learning from mistakes, and asking questions—a celebration of fulfillment, love, and self-love.
