Frankie and Friends: Breaking News
In a charming new chapter-book series by a social-change advocate, young Frankie emulates her journalist mama by reporting on household news with the help of her sister and an unlikely news crew.
Frankie’s mama is leaving to cover a breaking news story. Frankie, Papa and Frankie’s teenage sister, Raven, are all proud of Mama, even though they miss her when she’s away. But Frankie has a great idea: she can make her own news show! After all, Mama has told her that news is happening around her all the time. With a little assistance from her friends – including her doll Farrah, Robert the toy robot, and her tabby cat, Nina Simone – Frankie prepares for her first “broadcast”. And when she hears someone crying in the house, she knows that’s the developing story she must cover.
With sweet illustrations throughout, this engaging new series embraces communication and compassion and is a refreshing portrayal of Black women in journalism.
Christine Platt is a literacy advocate and historian who believes in using the power of storytelling as a tool for social change. She holds a BA in Africana studies, an MA in African American studies, and a JD in general law. Although her only daughter is now in college, Christine Platt continues to draw on their adventures together as inspiration for her children’s literature. She has written more than thirty books for young readers and currently resides in Washington, DC.
Artist Alea Marley was born in the UK with Barbadian roots. Her other books include award-winning poet Dean Atta's picture-book début Confetti, the picture-book of the Bob Marley song Is This Love, adapted by Bob's daughter Cedella Marley, and Phoebe Dupree Is Coming to Tea for Walker Books. Follow her on Instagram @aleamarley.