Kicks (Hardcover)

Kicks By Van G. Garrett, Reggie Brown (Illustrator) Cover Image

Kicks (Hardcover)

By Van G. Garrett, Reggie Brown (Illustrator)

$17.99


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“A brilliantly written and illustrated ode to sneakers and sneakerheads, young and old. A gift to us all.” —Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author

A fun, lyrical debut picture book, Kicks is an essential read for sneaker fans of all ages, from award-winning poet Van G. Garrett and New York Times bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown.

This is a love letter to sneakers. But not just any sneakers. Only the flyest, floatiest, you-est kicks you can get—the ones that let you soar!

This colorful, rhythmic adventure has something to offer anyone who prizes a great pair of shoes and any reader who loves to play with words.

Van G. Garrett is the author of Kicks, his debut picture book, and Juneteenth. An acclaimed poet, he won the Poetry Question National Chapbook Contest for Scrap and the Best Book of African American Poetry from the Texas Association of Authors for 49: Wings and Prayers. He is a musician and visual artist.



Reggie Brown is an artist and children’s book illustrator. He has a background in corporate graphic design and is now focusing on illustrating for children. His multicultural upbringing as an African American and Filipino man is what drives his true passion of illustrating children’s stories and bringing underrepresented voices alive through his art. Reggie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and lives in San Diego, California, where he enjoys eating burritos, watching Star Wars, and spending time with his wife.

Twitter/Instagram: @reggiebrownart

reggiebrownart.com

"A brilliantly written and illustrated ode to sneakers and sneakerheads, young and old. A gift to us all." — Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author 

 "Garrett and Brown have crafted a fresh and delightful anthem not just to shoes but also the magical way they make us feel." — Oge Mora, Caldecott Honor-winning author of Thank You, Omu! and Saturday 

 "Fresh and fly with art that shines, Kicks is an ode to the perfect shoe for you." — Kwame Mbalia, New York Times bestselling author

“Making his children’s book debut, poet Garrett employs short lines and kid-friendly metaphors... Brown (Who Are Your People?) portrays a vibrant cityscape populated by a stylishly sneaker-clad community of color with varying skin tones and body types.” — Publishers Weekly

“An upbeat, affirming story that works especially well for #RepresentationMatters and Black Boy Joy collections. Complementary books include Floyd Cooper’s Jump! From the Life of Michael Jordan (2004) and Derrick Barnes’ Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017).”
Booklist

“An excellent read-aloud... This fun, lyrical free verse poem pays homage to the joy a pair of new shoes can bring, and its colorful illustrations work well to enhance the joy of the experience. A recommended purchase... especially where poetry is popular.” — School Library Journal

“A charming balance of enthusiasm and pride. Pair this with Boelts’ Those Shoes for a storytime appreciative of some jazzy footwear.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books