Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
Picture books aren’t just for children. Picture books are for grown-ups too! Listen in as we speak with picture book authors, illustrators, and enthusiasts about how these stories contribute to human thriving. Discover how picture books can affirm our experiences, introduce us to new perspectives, serve as conversation starters, foster meaningful reflection, and give us words to make sense of the world! Ultimately, you’re never too old for a great picture book AND these tiny tales can lead to big connection! Join us for the journey, and discover something that might contribute to YOUR thriving.
Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
S1E1 | Tameka Fryer Brown and 'Twelve Dinging Doorbells'
Today we’re talking family, fun, food traditions, and love with Tameka Fryer Brown!
“I think picture books minister to us. In all kinds of ways. Not only do they bring joy, but they also can encourage healing. They can make us feel seen.” –Tameka Fryer Brown
Today’s Picture Book: Twelve Dinging Doorbells by Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Tameka is a picture book author who writes to sow seeds of self-love, pride, connectivity, and inclusion in the hearts of children. Her books (Brown Baby Lullaby, My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood, and Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day) have won awards like the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award and the Anna Dewdney Read Together Award, and have been honored on best book lists by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, New York Public Library, Bank Street College, NPR, Parents Latina Magazine, The Little Free Library, and more. Tameka newest picture books include Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm’s Fight for Change and That Flag.
Book Description: Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact. The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there's no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise.
A cumulative all-holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy!
Please consider supporting your local independent booksellers by purchasing Twelve Dinging Doorbells. Find a store here: https://www.indiebound.org/
Other mentions in this episode:
#ThanksgivingWithBlackFamilies
Writing your own version of Twelve Dinging Doorbells: https://tamekafryerbrown.com/resources/stuff-for-twelve-dinging-doorbells/
Questions for further engagement based on the discussion:
1. What is it about ourselves and our family gatherings that are special?
2. What are some things that we can do to stay more connected to our families and friends?
Find Tameka:
Website: https://tamekafryerbrown.com/
Twitter: @teebrownkidlit
Instagram: @tamekafryerbrown
Facebook: @tamekafryerbrownchildrensbookauthor
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Ripening Time, Patrice's 2nd picture book, releases April 22, 2025. Order your copy from your local bookstore or one of Patrice's local bookstores!
Also, please visit the podcast’s bookshop.org page for a complete list of books discussed!
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