Guest Post by Author Angela Dalton
Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story Is a Spiritual Journey That Affirms Black Children
As a child, I would perch myself on the armrest of my great-grandmother's wheelchair during humid summers on the porch of my grandparent's sedate country home. As cicadas wheezily welcomed the transition from afternoon to dusk, Great-Grandma Brady would whisper the secrets of nature she'd learned from her mother. From the protection of the moon's light to the promise of healing conjured by the rhythms of hummingbird wings, she taught me gratitude for the spiritual gifts hidden in my surroundings.
Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. It transported me back to a time of learning how to find symbolism in and appreciation for the objects or creatures around me. As the story opens, Dayo begins her morning remembering a dream in which a yellow bird appeared. Her parents lovingly give their daughter the autonomy to decipher what the bird's appearance means. As Dayo walks to her best friend's home for lunch, she encounters spiritual discoveries around her as she considers the bird's meaning. By the story's end, Dayo's contemplation delivers a satisfying observation that the simplest things can bring us joy and good fortune.
Through the spirited writing of Williams and Bell-Spruill and the enchantingly textured illustrations by Sawyer Cloud, readers are not just reading a story but experiencing an adventure. The illustrations bring the story to life, showcasing how the natural world can inspire who we are and our place in it. Lovely moments throughout showcase Dayo's family's daily spiritual practices. These practices include cleaning rituals that preserve peace and stability in their home, honoring ancestors, and sharing abundance with the friends they love. Â
While Hoodooism wasn't a part of my upbringing, the story resonated with me as a powerful reminder of the rewards one receives when we pay attention to our environment. Readers will have similar connections. Dayo's family traditions may present differently, but their significance is universal. Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story is a gift for all children, but it especially affirms Black children. Readers will also find a delicious surprise tucked in the back of the book!
Author of Post: Angela Dalton
https://angeladalton.com/