Brown Sugar Babies

Text and photography by Charles R. Smith, Jr.

Little, Brown Books For Young Readers

• ISBN-10 : 0786806222
• ISBN-13 : 978-0786806225

Previously released in hardcover form and now available as a board book, Smith’s book of poems and photographs spotlight giggly, playful Black babies in all shades of brown.  The text likens each child to a delicious treat, one that evokes feelings of love in all those who see them.  Interspersed throughout the book are touching shots of the babies being cuddled and played with by their parents, delighting in their own bundles of “brown sugar,” as well as detailed shots of the babies’ faces.  Pictures of the treats are also highlighted at the beginning of each baby’s section.  

Annelisa J. Purdie is a senior children’s librarian with the New York Public Library.  She graduated with her MLIS degree from St. John’s University, and works in Harlem.  Her work includes an emphasis on history, STEM and the arts as a means of sparking innovation and establishing a sense of pride among members of the community.  Annelisa coordinates interactive children’s programs and literacy initiatives, and works with educators and various other community partners in servicing the children of New York City. 

The February 2021 GLLI theme, #BlackIsBeautiful, is curated by guest editor, Shauntee Burns-Simpson.

Shauntee Burns-Simpson (MLIS) currently serves as the 2020-2022 President of BCALA. She is the Associate Director of School Outreach for The New York Public Library. An ambassador for libraries and Youth Librarian, President Burns-Simpson enjoys connecting people to the public library and its resources. She works closely with at-risk teens and fosters a love of reading & learning with her innovative programs. In addition to leading BCALA, she chairs the American Library Association Office of Diversity, Literacy, & Outreach Services (ODLOS) Committee on Diversity.