Last week, Kelly Starling Lyons and I took the Brown Bookshelf on the road. We presented a program at the International Reading Association conference, Windows to the Past: Using Nonfiction and Historical Fiction Picture Books to Teach Black History. It was a bit hit. Kelly discussed her books and what inspires her stories. And she offered great tips for using picture books in the classroom. I talked about my path to becoming a published illustrator and author and illustration styles among African American themed picture books, and I offered the Brown Bookshelf ’Top 10 picture books”. We had a great time in Chicago. Here are a few photos:
Following the discussion, Kelly and I pose with our newest books, Ellen’s Broom and It Jes’ Happened.
Another highlight is when we got to meet our Penguin/Putnam editor, Stacey Barney. Kelly and I, and Stacey are currently working on a book together that will publish later this year.
Kelly signs a book for a fan.
I pose with my Duke Ellington book following my signing with Charlesbridge Publishing.
Posted by Don Tate 
The Brown Bookshelf is designed to push awareness of the myriad of African American voices writing for young readers. Our flagship initiative of is 
