Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise

Lavaille Lavette ∙ Illustrated by David Wilkerson

Hardcover

Published on May 2, 2023 | 24 Pages

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Ebook

Published on May 2, 2023 | 24 Pages

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Grades Up to Kindergarten
Ages 2–5

This inspiring Little Golden Book tells the story of one young boy’s first experience celebrating Juneteenth.

When Jayylen’s grandfather, Paw Paw Jimmy, begins preparing for a big Juneteenth celebration, Jayylen has a lot of questions. Most importantly, what is Juneteenth? His mother and Paw Paw Jimmy explain that the holiday marks the anniversary of when enslaved African Americans found out that they were free. Paw Paw Jimmy plays some zydeco for him, which is the type of music they will dance to at the celebration. Jayylen practices every day so that he will be able to play the frottoir (a percussion instrument similar to a washboard) for everyone. But will he be able to pull off an even bigger surprise for the day?

"For parents who want to introduce the meaning behind their Juneteenth celebrations." —School Library Journal

ISBN 9780593568149 (Hardcover)
Published on May 2, 2023
Published by Golden Books
Pages 24
Dimensions 6-5/8 x 8
Age Range 2-5 years
Grade Up to Kindergarten

ISBN 9780593568156 (Ebook)
Published on May 2, 2023
Published by Golden Books
Pages 24
Age Range 2-5 years
Grade Up to Kindergarten

Lavaille Lavette

Lavaille Lavette is a New York Times’ bestselling author and editor, social entrepreneur, educator, leadership and business development expert. A former teacher and school district administrator, Lavaille served as Special Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige. She is a Founding Board Member and the first President of the Luanda Africa Sister City Association, and currently she serves on the board of advisers for Huvr Inc. and BreakOut App. She has used her branding, merchandising and sales expertise to manage a number of business ventures with well-known celebrities and athletes in the publishing, aviation, food, retail, and sports industries. In her leisure time she enjoys skateboarding, supporting various charitable ventures, and spending time with her husband John, family and friends.

David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson is an American illustrator who was born in Denver, CO, and is currently based in Maryland. He’s worked as a designer on various projects for clients such as Hulu, Cartoon Network, Springhill Company, FOX Sports, and FUSE. David developed a love for illustration during his time at the Savannah College of Art and Design. In addition to music, he was heavily influenced by illustrators like Ronald Wimberly, Justin Bua, Joe Madureira, Kevin Dart, Gyimah Gariba, and Scott Wills. David believes that creation itself is what we live in, and he’s spent the last 20+ years creating the most authentic version of himself as possible