Since our first event in 2017 our core values at Boogie Down Books have been Joy, Justice, and Community. Nowhere do those values come more alive than when we join together with our community to create joyful reading experiences with books that inspire us to make the world better and more just for all. We know how important these values are for all of you and for our world, not just right now, but always. Thank you for joining us!

Boogie Down Storytime is a family-friendly experience that cultivates early literacy awareness through joyful reading experiences. Each storytime is led by our Storytime Manager Wesley Sanders, generally lasts about 45-60 minutes, and includes:

• Interactive read-aloud of a new or classic children's book by an author, illustrator, or educator
• Q&A so young readers can engage directly with the reader
• Opportunities for young readers to thrive and learn from repetition with rituals and routines like mindful breathing that build social-emotional skills
• Interactive questioning and discussion activities that build community and celebrate the contributions young readers make to conversations about books, reading, and the world
• Welcome shoutouts to honor and acknowledge each individual child in our community
• Active time for young readers to move, cultivate bodily awareness, and develop motor skills through yoga poses inspired by that week's book, led by Bronx yoga teacher Jazy Cintron.

In addition to single-event tickets available here, Boogie Down Storytime is also available as a Monthly Membership and in 5-pack bundles with and without the featured books. These options make great gifts!

A unique Zoom link will be sent to registered families each week. Your registration is for one family/household. Our team devotes a tremendous amount of time, thought, and energy to producing storytime, and as a small business we thank you for acting with integrity and not sharing your log-in credentials.

ABOUT YOUR MAMA:

A sweet twist on the age-old “yo mama” joke, celebrating fierce moms everywhere with playful lyricism and gorgeous illustrations. Perfect for Mother’s Day.

Yo’ mama so sweet, she could be a bakery. She dresses so fine, she could have a clothing line. And, even when you mess up, she’s so forgiving, she lets you keep on living. Heartwarming and richly imagined, Your Mama twists an old joke into a point of pride that honors the love, hard work, and dedication of mamas everywhere.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

NoNieqa Ramos is an educator who wrote The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary, a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens, a 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection, and a 2019 In the Margins Award Top Ten pick. Her debut picture book, Your Mama, earned a starred review from School Library Journal. She is a proud member of Las Musas, the Soaring 20s, and PB Debut Troupe 21. She lives in Virginia with her family.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Jacqueline Alcántara is a freelance illustrator and artist who spends her days drawing, writing and globe-trotting with her dog Possum. She is particularly excited about promoting inclusiveness and diversity in children’s literature and the illustration field in general. Her debut picture book, The Field, written by Baptiste Paul,was named a Best Book of 2018 by School Library Journal, Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, and Shelf Awareness. Freedom Soup, written by Tami Charles, has been named a Kids IndieNext Pick, a Kirkus Best Book of 2019, and has received four starred reviews! Jacqueline lives in Chicago, Illinois.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Our event provides a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate. Anyone violating these rules will be expelled from the event at the discretion of the organizers.

PHOTOS & RECORDING: Events may be recorded, and video and photos may be posted on our website, social media, and elsewhere. If you would prefer not to be visible, please ensure that your video is off.

PRIVACY: Registrants will be added to the Boogie Down Books mailing list. Your contact information will never be shared or sold. You may unsubscribe or update your subscription at any time.