NATASHA TRIPPLETT
Books
"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." - C.S. Lewis
The Blue Pickup
Illustrated by: Monica Mikai
Published by: HarperCollins
A charming story about a young girl who loves fixing automobiles with her grandfather on the warm grounds of Jamaica, Natasha Tripplett's debut picture book is a perfect pick for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and The Old Truck. Ju-Girl’s favorite days are the ones spent with Granddad in his garage, fixing cars and hearing stories about his old blue pickup. Granddad used to drive the blue pickup all over the island, bringing happiness to many. And now it just sits in the driveway. One day, Ju-Girl asks Granddad if he’d ever fix it, and he’s unsure at first. But the pair soon finds out just what it takes to restore the memory of the blue pickup and to create new stories along the way. This heartwarming layered tale, brought to life with lush illustrations by Monica Mikai (Thank a Farmer), reminds us about the joy of repairing things with our hands and preserving stories with our hearts.
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Juneteenth Is
Illustrated by: Daniel J. O'Brien
Published by: Chronicle Books
This story shares an intimate look at the Juneteenth holiday. It is a warm exploration of a family and a community. Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another. This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. With poignant text and vivid illustrations, Juneteenth Is offers a window and a mirror for readers, resonating with kids who will see themselves reflected in its pages and those who hope to understand experiences beyond their own.
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photo credit: Heather m Whiting
Planted with Love: Growing into a Family
Illustrated by: Adriana Predoi
Published by: WaterBrook (March 11, 2025)
A heartfelt picture book about one child's experience in foster care that reminds all kids that—just like a garden—love from the right source will help them bloom.
Lamar has lived in seven homes in three years and has never stayed anywhere long enough to put down roots. As he watches his new foster mom tend to her garden each day, he soon joins her with cautious curiosity. Together, they plant, they weed, they water . . . until one day Lamar's anger and feelings of uncertainty lead him to destroy the garden.
But through his foster mother's love and care, Lamar discovers that just like her garden, he is wanted, he is loved, he has been planted, and he will bloom.
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Downtown Doors
Illustrated by: Leah Giles
Published by: WaterBrook (September 16, 2025)
Join a mother and son on a journey through their city’s downtown in this picture book that celebrates strong communities–the love they give us, and what we can give back in return.
When Wendall and Mama take their weekly downtown walk, he always pays attention to the doors they pass.
Wood doors. Glass doors. Metal doors. Doors that spill yummy smells into the street. Doors up top. Doors down below. There are doors of all shapes and sizes.As they later make their way back home, Wendall can’t help but think about all the people behind each door. They all open their hearts and make him feel loved and at home. Could he be an open door to people in his community too?
With stunning and evocative artwork, Downtown Doors is a heartwarming layered tale that highlights the importance and beauty of community when navigating life's challenges and caring for our neighbors.
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