Monica Mikai is an Author & Illustrator of children’s books. As a creator she focuses on written and visual narratives that convey emotion, warmth, and the journey of personal growth. She believes being a storyteller is a gift to be used to enlighten and uplift one another and she takes great responsibility for having the [ Read the full article… ]
28 Days
Day 11: Angela Joy
Writing is messy business—at least for me—and it is so, so hard. In short, I brainstorm, research, struggle to eke out a first draft, criticize said first draft, consider giving up, try again, and repeat until I get something that sounds and feels right. For me, writing is much more about the sound and rhythm of the words than the rules of grammar and punctuation. Like music, I want my writing to sing.
Day 10: Sandra Headen
When you see someone put in the work, write with heart and intention and show up for others, you can’t help but root for them. Our honoree today, Sandra Headen, is a friend and inspiration. Witnessing her determination and commitment to being a children’s book author has filled me with pride. What a joy to [ Read the full article… ]
Day 9: Yesenia Moses
Yesenia Moises is an Afro-Latina author, illustrator, and toy designer. She uses her colorful illustrations and whimsical designs to create wonder and magic for young readers. In addition to her original Picture Book Stella’s Stellar Hair, she also serves as illustrator for Tennis Olympian Serena Williams, and The Adventures of Qai Qai series. Her work [ Read the full article… ]
Day 8: Van G. Garrett
Van G. Garret is a poet, children’s book author, and educator. He brings these three aspects of himself together to bring delightful picture books–and educator guides for fellow children’s book creators–to life. Bio Van G. Garrett is the author of Kicks, his debut picture book, Juneteenth, and Specs. An acclaimed poet, he won the Poetry Question National Chapbook [ Read the full article… ]
Day 7: Marti Dumas
Marti Dumas is a mom, teacher, and creative entrepreneur from New Orleans. An expert in childhood literacy, Marti has worked with children and teachers across the country for the last 15 years to promote an early love of reading both in and out of the classroom. Her best-selling Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest series combines literacy with STEM skills, and humor, and adds much-needed diversity to the children’s chapter book landscape. Her series, The Secret [ Read the full article… ]
Day 6: Robert Liu-Trujillo
I first met Rob as a fellow-Bay Area (CA) creative, and quickly came to admire his boundless energy and unwavering commitment to his community. He has worked with other Bay Area children’s book creators to organize the Social Justice Children’s Book Fair in Oakland, California– an annual book fair, held in December and designed to [ Read the full article… ]
Day 5: Anne Wynter
Anne Wynter is the author of multiple board books and picture books, including So Many Years, Everybody in the Red Brick Building, Patrick and the Not So Perfect Party, and Nell Plants a Tree, which won the Ezra Jack Keats Award and the Golden Kite Award and was selected as the 2023 Texas Great Read. [ Read the full article… ]