Story Time With Tutus & Tennis Shoes

Our VP looks like me!! Does she look like you or somebody you know? We are watching history being made! This is an exciting time! 

Join Ms. Kanisha in seeing what troublesome Anansi is up to, today! When the other animals laugh at his messy house, Anansi the Spider is embarrassed.  He wants to fix the problem . . . as long as he doesn't have to work too hard. Stomping off in a huff, Anansi stumbles into an amazing secret—Hyena has a magic stick that follows his orders. If he steals it, the spider thinks, he'll have the neatest home in town and he'll never have to work again.  But the magic might be more than Anansi bargained for...

Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel’s imaginative retellings  combined with Janet Stevens’ expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids

Join Ms. Kanisha as she reads a stunning picture-book biography of the High Priestess of Soul and one of the greatest voices of the 20th century.

With evocative  moving prose, readers are introduced to Nina Simone, jazz-music legend and civil-rights activist. Shared as a lullaby to her daughter, a soulful song recounts Simone's career, the trials she faced as an African American woman, and the stand she took during the Civil Rights Movement. This poignant picture book offers a melodic tale that is both a historic account of an iconic figure and an extraordinary look at how far we've come and how far we still need to go for social justice and equality. A timeless and timely message aptly appropriate for today's social and political climates.

Join Ms. Kanisha as she discovers the life of Georgia Gilmore, a hidden figure of history who played a critical role in the civil rights movement and used her passion for baking to help the Montgomery Bus Boycott achieve its goal.

By Dee Romito and Laura Freeman  (Illustrator)

Join Ms. Kanish as she grooves along with Kenya on the journey to finding her favorite song! For inspiration, Kenya accompanies her father to the Caribbean Cultural Center where he plays music. Kenya hears music from Cuba and Trinidad, Haiti and Puerto Rico.  She hears music in all different languages—French, English, Spanish. But still, Kenya can’t decide which song she likes best. 

What song do you like best?

Ms. Kanisha decided it was time for a bonus episode! Today's story is Hip-Hop Lollipop by Susan McElroy Montanari. 

Join Ms. Kanisha as she reads a story about a very talented little girl who has a very special night ahead of her. A night where she’ll get to wear a new dress in the most beautiful shade of blue with shoes that match it perfectly. A night where she’ll get to ride in the fanciest car she’s ever seen! A night that will, of course, include ice cream!

What will be her favorite part of the night? Was her favorite part the dress, the shoes, ice cream , or sharing the night with her mom?

 Join Ms. Kanisha as she reads with you about two peas in a pod, best friends, and sisters, Venus and Serena Williams. They are unstoppable! At age fourteen, Venus played her first professional match. Three years later, it was Serena’s turn. 

By: Lesa Cline-Ransome and Coretta Scott King Honor winner James E. Ransome 

Join Ms. Kanisha as she reads about a little girl named Loretta who tries to find the perfect gift for her new baby cousin in this sweet. Loretta and her parents are so excited that Aunt Esme and Uncle Jax are having a baby! When Gabe arrives, Loretta thinks he is the best baby on the block! Everyone showers him with gifts, but Loretta doesn't know what to give. Can she think of the perfect gift for her baby cousin?

By Pat Zietlow Miller

Illustrated by Alea Marley