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just and joyful world

A parent-led storytime and playdate bringing local families together through children’s books that celebrate diversity, acceptance, and empathy, followed by open Mega Blok play. Ages 0-5.

Suggested donation: $25 (or any amount meaningful to you) to support the 

over 1,000 people are detained at Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, NJ

 — our friends, neighbors, and community members who have been taken by ICE and face deportation. In detention, men and women often  purchase their own toiletries due to the poor quality of what they are given, along with staples like rice, noodles and sausage to make up for the frequent inedible food served.

They also must fund communication accounts to make phone and video calls to family, lawyers and friends, providing a critical connection to the outside world and sometimes their only connection to their loved ones. These funds are often vital in providing some comfort in their lives.

 is working with other organizations on the ground at Delaney Hall to help fund commissary and communication accounts to those who need — and urgently need your support. 

The cover image comes from one of the books we will be reading: 

Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading 

 book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share.

They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park

is a 2024 children's picture book by author Tonya Duncan Ellis and illustrator Jenin Mohammed. Bringing to life the 150-year story of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas, and the origins of Juneteenth, this moving picture book, with lyrical text and vibrant artwork, is an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage and joy of Black America.

 by Julie Merberg is a board book for toddlers that introduces young children to historical activists and protest movements through simple, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, allowing them to join in by shouting "NO, NO!".

We’re looking forward to seeing you all! 💛

Storytime For A Just And Joyful World