Everyone deserves to see themselves on the page, starting with our youngest readers. The brand new Mini Mirrors series from Shout Mouse Press features books for toddlers that celebrate diverse families and experiences. 

Our 2022 titles were authored by student parents enrolled in Generation Hope’s Scholar Program in Washington, DC. Over the summer, our story coaches met with these student parents to craft these four books. 

These books do a lot in less than thirty pages! They help kids learn about the days of the week and the community members that make up our families, or explore sounds and rhymes while teaching about Central America. They use imagination and curiosity to help kids manage separation anxiety, or celebrate diversity while honoring identities that don’t always get featured in books. 

Hardcover editions of the Mini Mirrors Series will be available this fall (Publication Day November 15th, 2022) with sturdy board book editions to follow in Spring 2023!

Sebastian’s Apartment Family 

ISBN: 978-1-950807-48-2 | 28 pages
Authors: Tayla, Sarah & Sholachauntel
Illustrator: Jordyn Flood

Learn the days of the week with Sebastian and meet his extended family of neighbors!

On Mondays, Sebastian reads poetry with Mr. and Mrs. Howe. On Tuesdays, he plays with parrots at the Iveys! While his mom is at school, Sebastian spends each day at a different home in his apartment building. What happens the rest of the week as he plays the days away? This rhyming book, written by student parents, celebrates the power of community coming together to help raise a child.

Central America, ¡mira, mira, mira!

ISBN: 978-1-950807-50-5 | 24 pages
Authors: Araceli, Edith & Juliana
Illustrator: Shurjo Mukhi

Toddlers will love this fun chanting book celebrating Central America!

From swimming in the sea in Panama to smelling abuela’s cafecito in Costa Rica, there are so many things to love about Central America! This fun and rhythmic book, inspired by Brown Bear, Brown Bear, was written by young mothers who wanted to celebrate their Central American heritage with their children. The sweet sayings, fun sounds, and charming collages in a bilingual children’s book will make little ones clap, smile, and learn about the world.

Where Could Mama Be?

ISBN: 978-1-950807-47-5 | 28 pages
Authors: Emely, Isayanna & Daysha 
Illustrator: Ian Springer

A whimsical book about imagination that will comfort kids with separation anxiety.

What’s mama doing all day? The student parents who wrote this book know the questions that kids can have when their mamas need to leave for work or school. And they know the power of young imaginations, too! This book reassures them of mama’s love when they’re apart. Whether fighting dragons or earning credits, all these mamas are out making the world a better place in their own way.

Mamas Just Like You! 

ISBN: 978-1-950807-49-9 | 30 pages
Authors: Sinnah, Chae & Marilyn 
Illustrator: Alex Perkins

Showing love for all the different mamas being their unique selves!

If we know one thing for sure, there are many sorts of mamas, and they are all worth celebrating! This inclusive toddler book champions mothers doing their jobs and pursuing their passions, alongside their admiring kiddos. Written by three student parents, this book especially highlights mothers who might not normally appear in the pages of a book. From construction mamas to student mamas to tattooed mamas—there’s no one way to look like a mom!