We all know that books can educate, inform, entertain and unlock our wildest imaginations. That’s why Netflix wants to expose preschoolers to this powerful medium at an early age.
Earlier this week (September 1), the streaming powerhouse released the new series Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, on the popular platform. The live-action show highlights a collection of books written by Black authors that speak to the Black experience. With themes that range from identity to justice, each 5-minute episode features a prominent figure reading aloud to viewers, followed up with thought-provoking and engaging questions to stimulate young minds.
The show’s guest list is like a Who’s Who of Hollywood and the arts with familiar famous faces including, Karamo Brown, Grace Byers, Common, Misty Copeland, Tiffany Haddish, Marsai Martin, Caleb McLaughlin, Lupita Nyong’o, Kendrick Sampson, Jill Scott and Jacqueline Woodson.
Marley Dias, host of Netflix’s Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.
What’s more? It’s hosted and produced by Marley Dias, the 15-year-old author, activist and mastermind behind the groundbreaking #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign. The 12-episode series features the following titles: ABC’s For Girls Like Me, Anti-Racist Baby, Brown Boy Joy, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, Firebird, I Am Enough, I Am Perfectly Designed, I Love My Hair, Let’s Talk About Race, Pretty Brown Face, Sulwe, The Day You Begin, We March.
Each of the special guests bring their own unique charm and art of storytelling to the fore in this series. For example, Tiffany Haddish’s unmatched comedic skills are on full display during her reading of I Love My Hair. Of course, Common’s cool, laid-back and friendly approach shines brightly while bringing Let’s Talk About Race to life. Not only is the Grammy-winning artist a guest on the show, his music also makes an appearance. His new motivational song, “Don’t Forget,” can be heard during the end credits of each episode.
Parents and educators can continue the conversations around some of the sensitive topics discussed in the books by visiting netflixbookmarks.com. Netflix partnered with the Association for Library Service to launch this useful online resource to provide reading guides, activities and more to help make reading and learning fun.
This series is sure to be a top pick with families looking to introduce their children to storybooks that are beautifully illustrated with characters that look like them and celebrate their place in the world.
Watch a clip below:
What was your favorite book as a child?
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