Yaya and the Sea

Reach for this book when you want to introduce your child to the concept of spiritual mindfulness and the beauty of honoring one's ancestors through nature. It is a gentle, lyrical exploration of a young Black girl named Yaya who joins her mother and aunties for a spring ritual at the ocean, where they offer gifts of flowers and fruit to the water. The story beautifully captures the transition from winter to spring and the feeling of belonging to something much larger than oneself. It is a perfect choice for parents looking to normalize diverse spiritual practices or for those who want to foster a deeper, more reverent connection between their child and the natural environment. The vibrant paintings and soothing rhythm make it an ideal bedtime or quiet-time read for children ages 4 to 8.