Twelve Dinging Doorbells

PreS-Gr 2–On the day of a family’s holiday reunion, the dinging doorbell heralds each new guest. A sweet potato pie, a pair of selfie queens, and a trio of posh siblings are just the beginning of the many attendees. With every ding, the gathering grows increasingly crowded and noisy as players yell, and toddlers squeal. Though having so many people in one place can feel overwhelming, family’s still family and everyone’s having fun. It also helps when there’s a slice of sweet potato pie left. This picture book, with its lyrics a take on the familiar tune “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” is a celebration of African American families and culture. Brown-skinned people in colorful attire grace each spread. The illustrator combined collage art with digital renderings to produce dynamic images of the gathering.