Together We Are Sunshine

Name: Together We Are Sunshine
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
ISBN: 9798217280452

Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Narrator: Sisi Aisha Johnson

Unabridged: 7 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Listening Library

Published: 10/14/2025

Categories: Children's Fiction, African American & Black Stories, Children's Social Themes

Synopsis

In this heartwarming celebration of sisterhood, three girls explore the natural world and discover the harmony of being the littlest, middle, and oldest sister.

Haala, the middle sister, loves to follow along behind her older sister, Sanaa, on their outdoor adventures. But her little sister, Munira, always seems to get in the way. Munira blocks the sun’s kiss, interrupts the wind’s song, and scares away the goldfish’s secrets. Haala can’t keep up with Sanaa when Munira’s on her heels. But when the sisters take a moment to work as a team, they realize that together they can achieve anything--and that together they are sunshine.

In this celebration of the natural world, three sisters learn to help one another in a story that feels like a warm, bright hug.

About The Author

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, MSEd, is a former English teacher who has educated children and teens for fifteen years. As an inaugural AMAL fellow with the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC), she developed foundational curricular frameworks for youth and adult anti-racist programming. Her picture books and short stories, which feature young Black and Muslim protagonists, have been recognized as the best in children’s literature by Time magazine, Read Across America, and NPR. These works include Salat in Secret, a Kirkus Best Book of the Year and a Golden Kite Award Honor recipient; Abdul's Story; Hold Them Close; Mommy's Khimar, Once Upon an Eid (anthology contributor), and Your Name Is a Song.Raissa Figueroa is the illustrator of several picture books, including Real to Me, We Wait for the Sun, which received a Coretta Scott King Honor as well as four starred reviews. She also illustrated Oona, Princess Unlimited, Sophie and the Little Star, and The More the Merrier.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Kirin on July 16, 2025

There is something magical about opening a Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow picture book. More than just the promise that you are about to enter a beautiful, lyrical, layered story, but the anticipation of being swept away to a tender emotion filled world, where you will see yourself in the intentionally c......more

Quotes

★ "This is an excellent portrayal of sibling relationships where what’s important is remembering how powerful it is to work with others." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A vivid celebration of the extraordinary power of sisterhood." —Kirkus Reviews

"A thoughtful contemplation on siblings, patience, and how patience can be an act of love and understanding." —Booklist

"[An] aptly written portrayal of sibling dynamics." —Publishers Weekly