This lyrical first book in the Brown Sugar Baby series is a celebration of the powerful love, and protective, comforting instincts of a mother for her child. Its soothing rhythm and tender rhymes are highlighted by whimsical and charming illustrations – perfect for storytime.

Brown Sugar Baby Christmas Joy

It is Brown Sugar Baby's first Christmas! When the three Aunties swirl in, full of love and sweetness, Baby is the center of family joy and new traditions. Award-winning Kevin Lewis does it again, writing another lyrical and relatable celebration of unconditional love. This African American family is full of warmth and celebration, and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

"Children and adults alike will enjoy the cozy comfort found in Southerland’s scenes full of ginger kisses and delicious treats. Readers will feel as if they have been wrapped in a warm hug after reading." — School Library Journal


Brown Sugar Baby Sweetest Love

It's Brown Sugar Baby's first Valentine's Day! In this multigenerational story, Brown Sugar Baby is in the kitchen baking sweet Valentine treats with Grandpa and Mom. Award-winning author Kevin Lewis delivers another lyrical and relatable celebration of unconditional love. This African American family is full of warmth and celebration, reminding us we have lots of love to share.

Brown sugar baby, dark eyes spark bright with glee, don’t shoo fly pie, pie of my eye, stay right here with me.

"Fun and touching"

"...the text echoes of traditional African American poetry in the style of Paul Laurence Dunbar. Well suited for cozy lap readings..."

—Kirkus Reviews

Kevin Lewis is the author of many children’s picture books for toddler and early elementary grades including the classics Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo, My Truck Is Stuck, and Halloween favorite, The Runaway Pumpkin.

Jestenia Southerland Jestenia Southerland loves stories that spark the imagination, and the potential of passing that feeling on to others is what drives her as an illustrator. When she's not drawing, she loves spending time with her two dogs, Kojack and Katia.

At Cottage Door Press, we believe in creating stories that reflect the boundless possibilities of all children. We hope to create books that inspire little ones to connect, encourage them to dream, give them cause to celebrate, and allow them to see themselves beautifully reflected in the stories they read.