review wi book horoscopes Black History Month Books for Kids

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Your parents and your teachers try to tell you about the past. You like the stories they share, the things your grandparents did and the important celebrities that lived long ago. It's history and it's fun to know, so why not reach for these Black History Month books for kids ages 5 to 8?

Who doesn't love ice cream? If you do, then you'll love reading "Ice Cream Man" by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, illustrated by Keith Mallet (Random House Kids, $18.99). It's the story of Augustus Jackson, who was born a slave in Philadelphia and worked for a time at the White House, but he never forgot his dreams. Jackson wanted to give everyone a chance to have ice cream, which was then only available to rich people. How could he make the treat and get it to new neighborhoods without it melting into a sticky puddle? Kids will find the answer here.

The child who wants to be like his favorite hero will enjoy "Me and Muhammad Ali" by Jabari Asim, illustrated by AG Ford (Nancy Paulsen Books, $17.99). Here, young Langston is a big fan of boxer Muhammad Ali, in part because Ali's swagger gives Langston confidence. Like Ali, Langston wants to "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" but a chance to see his idol might fly away like a bird. Then a hero steps in and saves the day. Be sure to read the author's note at the end, for the full effect of this charming tale.

For the kid who wants a wider story with thrilling patriotism, there are two books to look for: first, "My Red, White, and Blue by Alana Tyson, illustrated by London Ladd (Philomel, $18.99) is the story of our flag and the time when it didn't seem to represent everyone in America. Once, the flag had a history of scars with the stars and strife with the stripes but all that changed when people began to use their voices. Today, the flag means diversity for all, especially for a brown child who loves the red, white, and blue — and especially for your child, who will love the thoughtful rhyme that makes this book.

Then, "An American Story" by Kwame Alexander, art by Dare Coulter (Little, Brown, $18.99) is a tale of freedom, equality, "yesterday's nightmare" and the courage to make today better. It's a story about a story, and how there are times when things aren't fair but people can work to make it better. This is a beautiful book but beware of one important thing: some of the words might be scary for very young children and the artwork, though gorgeous, can be harsh. Read it through once before reading it aloud.

And if these books aren't enough for your storytime, be sure to check with your librarian or bookseller. There are lots more Black History books to bring home and to enjoy with your 5-to-8-year old or for kids of any age, because Black History is American history, too.

WI

ARIES As the week begins, you could be inspired to dive deeper into a research project or game plan for advancing your professional path. Either way, you'll feel empowered to find time in your day to take steps that could lead to real evolution, change, and fulfillment. Lucky Numbers: 6, 10, 15

TAURUS If you've been craving sweet, joyful, spontaneous fun with loved ones and opportunities for self-expression, you'll get a green light to put work on the back burner in pursuit of pleasure and creativity at the start of the week. Finding ways to shake up your routine and broaden your horizons could actually bring you a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 9

GEMINI You could find yourself craving a deep, meaningful experience with loved ones as the week gets underway. Doing some soul searching and opening up about what's really on your mind and in your heart can help you connect with your nearest and dearest on a whole new level. It could feel transformative personally and for your bond. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 39

CANCER Your to-do list might feel extra long but also enlivening at the start of the week. This can be an exciting time to make new connections, strike up interesting conversations, or brainstorm thrilling big-picture proposals with colleagues. Lean in to the frenetic, cerebral vibe of the moment and you'll thrive, setting the stage for intellectual gratification down the road. Lucky Numbers: 16, 17, 36

LEO You might want to strike out on your own-and against the wishes of higher-ups or colleagues-as the week starts. Just make sure you think about the consequences before diving in. Later, it's a brilliant, beautiful time to get clear on your long-term financial goals and come up with a step-by-step action plan that will support your professional path and help you bring home well-deserved rewards. The more diligent and consistent you can be when keeping with this plan, the greater the rewards, not to mention transformation. Lucky Numbers: 15, 21, 45

VIRGO In the beginning of the week, you enjoy the opportunity to get clear on personal intentions and get the ball rolling on making them real. Finding your voice and owning your right to pleasure, fun, and joy will be integral to seeing results. Lucky Numbers: 18, 19, 57

LIBRA Taking a timeout from the daily grind to tune in to your heart and pay attention to your dreams might feel like a must as the week starts. Journaling or talking through what you find with a therapist or dear friend could prove enlightening and help you lay the groundwork for more emotional fulfillment down the road. This is a sweet time for planting seeds! Lucky Numbers: 10, 18, 35

SCORPIO You might feel like rebelling against your current situation on the job or in a close one-on-one relationship early in the week. Just be sure you've thought it through before making a potentially gasp-worthy plunge. Later, it's a fruitful time to initiate a team effort. Working with others not only feels fulfilling but is supported by the cosmos. Send out those emails, set up those meetings and brainstorms, and plan online meetings galore. Your hard work could lead to an exciting group win. Lucky Numbers: 11, 17, 29

SAGITTARIUS As the week starts, you'll be fired up to make moves on the job (think calling a meeting with higher-ups or researching a new position), not just for short-term aims but with your big-picture goals in mind. Though you might be more enthusiastic and self-assured than usual right now, taking it one step at a time can keep you grounded and set for steady achievement. Lucky Numbers: 3, 10, 34

CAPRICORN You'll be itching to break free of your usual routine and have an experience that's different, unique, and supportive of your personal growth when the week starts. Consider new ways to soak up knowledge, be it through online classes, meditation apps, or road trips. Whatever feels right is sure to be the best, most fulfilling way forward. Lucky Numbers: 7, 26, 55

AQUARIUS Connecting on a deeper level within your closest relationship can feel especially appealing and exciting in the beginning of the week. Take time to think about what you really want out of this bond, then feel free to speak from the heart. This could bring you even closer. Later, you'll be getting clear on the reciprocity that exists and that you want out of your nearest and dearest relationships. If it feels like you're giving more than you take, or vice versa, it might be time to rethink your approach and have a heart-to-heart talk that sets a healing, emotionally satisfying tone. Lucky Numbers: 15, 20, 33

PISCES Whether you've been dreaming of a new adventure with your sweetheart or wanting to open yourself up to meeting someone special, you'll have a lovely opportunity to key in on your vision as the week begins. Thanks to the cosmos, support from friends can make it even easier to turn your hopes into a reality. Later, you will do well to tread lightly when it comes to money issues, because a conflict around finances could be easily blown out of proportion. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 31