Brown Babies Books Summer Fund

OVERVIEW:

The children's book industry in the US is a multi-billion-dollar industry where there are over 100 million books sold annually. 

Yet in an industry that seeks to educate, support and entertain our youngest members of society, less than 25% of published authors in the US are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or People of Color). Of that percentage, only 6% are LatinX and 8% are Black authors.

There is a lack of diversity in the book world that hinders children of color from seeing themselves fully represented in the books that they read and ultimately creates a barrier to access of such books as they aren't readily available on the shelves of local department and big box stores. 

Brown Babies Books works to remove the barriers of access by offering diverse titles written by BIPOC authors and illustrators that allow children to not only see themselves reflected in the stories that they read, but also see themselves as future writers, storytellers, poets, illustrators and more.  We are an online, indie book store that specializes in children’s, teen, and young adult literature that has been written/illustrated by authors of color.

This summer we are looking to build awareness and access to these books by participating in various community based pop-up events and public storytime sessions through Chicago's "Sundays on State Street". We are raising funds to cover costs for registrations, storytime setup (generators, sound, canopy, outdoor ground seating), storage space and more. 

Will you support us in this mission?  Your financial contribution can help us extend our reach into more homes as we look to diversify children's bookshelves and share the gift of reading throughout our community this summer. 

CHOOSE A REWARD & HELP US BRING OUR MISSION TO LIFE

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STATS & MORE:

ABOUT TAMECA &

BROWN BABIES BOOKS:

My favorite book as a child was Corduroy. While the book featured a storyline about a cute little brown teddy bear from a department store’s toy aisle with a desire to find a home (and his lost button); that’s not what made the book my favorite. Nope, Corduroy was cute; but Lisa, the little girl who ultimately brought Corduroy home, is who drew me to the story. Why?                                                                                                                                                                                 

Well, its simple; Lisa looked like me. A little black girl, with freshly pressed hair, a frugal mother, and a determination to get the teddy bear of her dreams. While Corduroy’s adventure in the book was funny and exciting, it was the first time I’d seen a black/brown character in a storybook before and even at the age of 4, I knew the importance of that piece.

To this day I love children’s literature and often seek to give books as gifts. However, in recent years I began to notice that finding children’s books with diverse character/author representation was alarmingly difficult. Surely, authors of color exist and are writing books featuring characters that children can connect with and enjoy. Yet, in a society where there are more books featuring animals as main characters, than children of color; finding such books was challenging. Hence, Brown Babies Books was born.

Brown Babies Books is an online, indie bookstore that specializes in children’s books that are written/illustrated by authors of color and starring characters of color.  Here at Brown Babies Books we love children's literature and like to encourage children in establishing and keeping good reading habits.

We also believe in, and support the understanding that we need more diverse children's books where children can see themselves, their families, dreams, interests and lifestyle in the characters they read about.  Let's face it, representation matters!