Jelly Fries A Fish For Dinner

Written by Jennifer Hill Booker & Erin Hill Williams
Illustrations and Art Direction by: J'Aaron Merchant

Jelly is excited when she gets to go on a fishing trip with her grandma and fry her catch for the family dinner!

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Hazel's Happy Home

Written by The Students of Charles Evans Hughes
Elementary School, J.B Blakenship & Sit Stay Read
Illustrations by: J'Aaron Merchant

Adopted dog, Hazel, recounts the activities of a typical day with her family. Created as part of the SitStayRead curriculum, this book was inspired by real stories written by second grade students in a Chicago Public Elementary School.

Anna's Amazing Adventure

Written by Briana Ellis
Illustrations and Art Direction by: J'Aaron Merchant

Grab your passport and join Anna as she takes on an adventure of a lifetime around the world. Prepare for an educational journey as you explore the world's greatest wonders. 

Ways To Be Kind

Written by Ana Ortiz
Illustrations and Art Direction by: J'Aaron Merchant

Ways To Be Kind is a short story about a young migrant's journey to a new country and the kindness she experiences from new friends along the way. 

Blurry Brown Eyes

Written by Tiffany Gratton - McDuffie
Illustrations and Art Direction by: J'Aaron Merchant

Aiden dreams of playing in the game and scoring the winning shot, but there are those that feel he won't be able to. Can Aiden achieve his dream in 

Your Own Kind Of Beautiful!

Written by Tamera Pray Frazier
Concept By Jenny Pray
Illustrations by: J'Aaron Merchant

Daisy enjoys a carefree life of a typical second grader. She has loving parents and an awesome older sister Vivian. Everything seems perfect in Daisy’s world, until the day she confides in Vivian she is unhappy with her kinky hair. Her Afro puffs don’t bounce and move like the other girls at her school. A heart to heart talk with Vivian reinforces the fact that ​real ​beauty comes from the heart AND there is beauty, and benefits in Daisy’s beautiful kinky hair! 

Homecoming!

Written by La-Donia Alford-Jefferies
Illustrations by: J'Aaron Merchant

Homecoming is a children's book that celebrates the HBCU Homecoming experience. Join this family as they head back to the yard to enjoy Homecoming festivities such as a football game, greek life, and a marching band.

Embrace It!

Written by: Michael Bonner
Illustrations by: J'Aaron Merchant

Isaiah has begun second grade and he is full of joy! He is in love with his classroom design and has made new friends, as well. But something unexpected happens when Isaiah tries to solve a math problem. The tablet keeps making a loud noise, indicating that his answer is incorrect, and he quickly becomes angry. Isaiah reacts by picking up his tablet and slamming it down in frustration! Read the rest of the story to see what happens next!