Jill Scott Reads “Pretty Brown Face” & “Brown Boy Joy” | Bookmarks

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In this lesson, Marley Dias introduces two uplifting stories, *Pretty Brown Face* and *Brown Boy Joy*, which celebrate self-acceptance and confidence. The first story encourages children to appreciate their unique features, while the second highlights the joy and strength found in embracing one’s identity. The overarching message is to recognize and cherish one’s individuality and to shine brightly in the world.
  1. What do you love most about your face?
  2. What makes you feel happy and full of joy?
  3. How can you shine bright and be special just like the characters in the stories?

Welcome to Story Time!

Hi there! I’m Marley Dias, and I’m so happy to share some wonderful stories with you. Today, we’re going to enjoy two special books that celebrate how amazing we all are!

Pretty Brown Face

Our first story is called Pretty Brown Face. It’s written by Andrea Pinkney and has beautiful pictures by Brian Pinkney. Let’s see what this story is all about!

Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a lovely face looking back at you. This face has curly, soft hair, big bright eyes, a proud nose, and lips ready to give a kiss. The chin stands out strong, and this face is as special as can be. Guess what? That face in the mirror is yours!

Now, think about your favorite part of your face. What do you love most about it?

Brown Boy Joy

Our next story is called Brown Boy Joy, written and illustrated by Thomishia Booker. Are you ready for more fun?

This story is about a boy who is full of joy and shines like gold. He smiles from ear to ear and feels brave and strong. Even though he might be small, he walks with pride and knows he is wonderfully made. His dreams are big, and he knows he can do anything!

He is happy and confident, and no one can take away his joy. Wherever he goes, he shines like a star. He is loved by everyone and stands tall, filled with love and light. He is smart, kind, and feels like royalty. That’s Brown Boy Joy!

What makes you happy? What brings you joy?

Remember Who You Are

As we finish our story time, remember that you are special and amazing just the way you are. You have a gift to share with the world, so be brave and shine bright!

Thanks for joining me for these wonderful stories. Bye for now!

  • What is your favorite part of your face, and why do you love it? Can you think of a time when you felt proud of how you look?
  • Just like the boy in Brown Boy Joy, what are some things that make you feel happy and confident? Can you share a moment when you felt really joyful?
  • Both stories talk about being special and amazing. What makes you feel special, and how do you show others that they are special too?
  1. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Find a mirror and take a moment to look at your reflection. What do you see? Can you spot your curly hair, bright eyes, or proud nose? Draw a picture of your face and label your favorite parts. Share your drawing with a friend or family member and tell them what you love most about your face.

  2. Joyful Jumps: Think about what makes you feel happy and full of joy, just like the boy in Brown Boy Joy. Is it playing with friends, dancing, or maybe drawing? Create a “Joyful Jumps” dance move that shows how happy you feel. Teach your dance to someone else and have a mini dance party together!

  3. Joy and Pride Hunt: Go on a “Joy and Pride Hunt” around your home or classroom. Look for things that make you feel proud and happy. It could be a favorite toy, a drawing you made, or a book you love. Share what you found with your classmates and explain why it brings you joy or makes you proud.

Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:

[theme music playing]

Hi, I’m Marley Dias. Welcome to Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices. I’m excited to present two books that celebrate our beautiful faces and the joy they bring us. The first book is *Pretty Brown Face*, written by Andrea Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney. The second book is *Brown Boy Joy*, written and illustrated by Thomishia Booker.

These books will be read by the talented Jill Scott from a recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

Well, hi! I get to read you a story. Are you ready? Okay! This story is called *Pretty Brown Face*.

[smiling] “Whose face is that staring back at me? It’s a pretty brown face. There’s so much to see. Look at that hair, curly and soft. Look at those eyes, opening wide. Look at that nose, sitting there proud. Look at those lips… making a kiss. Look at that chin, poking out strong. That pretty brown face is as special as it can be. That face in the mirror belongs to me.”

*Pretty Brown Face*. Now tell me, what is your favorite part of your face? And why?

[imitates fanfare] This book is filled with all the things little brown boys love. Now, let’s read *Brown Boy Joy*. Are you ready? Okay!

[speaking with enthusiasm] “I am Brown Boy Joy and I shine like gold. Smiling ear-to-ear. Boom! Smash! Bam! Pow! I am fearless and I am bold. Small but mighty as I walk with pride. I am wonderfully made. Future bright, eyes wide. No dream too big. No, not for me. I am Brown and amazing, can’t you see? I am Brown Boy Joy, always reaching for the sky. I walk into a room with my head held high. You can tell by my stride, I am happy as can be. No one on earth can steal the joy inside me. Wherever I go, no matter how near or far, you will always find me shining like a star. With a heart so pure, I am loved by all. Walking into my glory, I am standing tall. Filled with love and light, I speak my mind. Take a look at me, I am smart and kind. Sitting on my throne like royalty. Brown Boy Joy. Yes, that’s me.”

What makes you happy? What brings you joy? Bye!

[“Don’t Forget Who You Are” by Common ft. PJ plays]

♪ You were born with it, adorned with it ♪
♪ A gift to the world, go and give it ♪
♪ Fearlessly made, no need to be afraid ♪
♪ Angels, I’m with you, the path is laid ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Do-do do-do da-di ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Do-do do-do da-di ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Do-do do-do da-di ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪
♪ Don’t forget who you are ♪

This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while ensuring clarity and appropriateness.

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