October is Black History Month, which honours the history, traditions, arts and culture of Black people both in the UK and across the globe.
Tiana Akoh-Arrey from south-east London, wrote her first book at the age of seven, called My Afro: Twin Best Friends.
Speaking during Black History Month Tiana told the PA news agency, ‘I wanted to show that people who have my type of hair have challenges and sometimes find it hard to love their hair texture plus all the struggle of making it look beautiful.’
With help from the publishing company, the book sold more than 700 copies, which Tiana said, ‘meant a lot to me’, and she has plans to publish more.
‘I’ve had a lot of comments on social media and also little girls all around the world have been showing pictures of my book saying that they love it and feel empowered to wear their afro hair to school, so that makes me really happy,’ she added.
Laura Henry-Allain, early years expert and the creator of JoJo and Gran Gran, has a special episode on BBC iplayer for Black History Month.
‘Delighted to share this special JoJo and Gran Gran Black History Month episode, said Laura. ‘This episode was written by the talented Katrina Smith-Jackson.A big thanks to all those involved with this episode, especially the Black Cultural Archives.’
In It’s Time for a Voyage, JoJo and Gran Gran visit an exhibition to learn about the time Gran Gran moved from Saint Lucia to England when she was a little girl. Lots of people have donated special objects and photos for the exhibition, including Gran Gran who donates her precious little duffle coat, her only memento from that time. But as JoJo and Gran Gran explore the exhibition, Gran Gran makes some extra-special discoveries of her own.
A special episode of Jo Jo and Gran Gran on BBC iplayer for Black History Month
More ideas and resources
EYFS Activities – We’ve explored…our hair
Nursery Equipment: Books – A mirror to see ourselves
'Dos and Don’ts' on how to celebrate Black History month from Liz Pemberton on Birth to 5 Matters
Check out Liz Pemberton's four-part series for Nursery World on how early years leaders can instil anti-racist practice.
Children’s books
My Skin, Your Skin by Laura Henry-Allian, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu
A powerful book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about race and anti-racism. Most importantly, the book empowers children to be the best versions of themselves; to have self-love, self-esteem and self-worth, irrespective of their skin colour. For children aged four and above.
Free resources although devised for key stage 1, also suitable for Early Years.
So much! By Trish Cooke and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
A multiple award-winning story, So Much is a celebration of family life.
Look up! By Nathan Bryon and illustrated by Dapo Adeola
Encourages to children to reach for the stars, winner of the overall Waterstones children’s book of the year prize, and the illustrated book category in 2020.
Meet hilarious, science-mad chatterbox, Rocket - she's going to be the greatest astronaut, star-catcher, space-traveller that has ever lived!
Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne
A picture book classic, named one of the best culturally diverse picture books in the UK, this is the story of Handa, who's part of the Luo tribe in south-west Kenya.
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