As a child, I always peppered everyone with questions. Why is Pennsylvania called The Keystone State? Who invented crayons? What causes a rainbow? My grandma’s eyes would twinkle before she delivered her trademark response: “Look it up in your Funk & Wagnalls.” She was referring me to the dictionary and cream-colored set of encyclopedias that sat on my bookshelf. And sure enough, [ Read the full article… ]
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And the winner of our giveaway is…
I put all the names in a hat, and asked my son to draw one. He was perplexed, yes, only because I offered no explanation. But our winner is Tammi Sauer! Thanks for all the comments, we certainly appreciate everyone’s support. Tammi, your signed copy of Little Red Riding Hood, by Jerry Pinkney is in [ Read the full article… ]
Behind The Shelves
Cockeysville Library in Baltimore County, with its glass enclosed front and neon section signs, is very much a “now” library. It must be. Even in today’s video crazed, Playstation nation, you can find it packed with students. The rows of computers are full and amidst the obligatory quiet is contained chatter – youthful and energetic. [ Read the full article… ]
Picture book highlight: Joshua’s Masai Mask
We’ve made our introductions, shared our vision. We’re psyched and in sync. We even got a little plug on Publisher’s Weekly. The stage is set, the lights are turned down, the music has begun. And now it’s time to dance. Thing is, I’m not much of a dancer. I’m an artist. My email box is [ Read the full article… ]
Do You Want a Revolution?
“You had me at hello!” That’s what I said to Paula on 9.19.07 when she sent me an e-mail asking me to consider an invitation to join The Brown Bookshelf. Honestly, there was never anything to consider. I knew from conversations with Paula that she would not be a part of anything that would be [ Read the full article… ]
Show Time
When I first heard that less than two percent of children’s books published last year were written by African American authors, I was shocked. I felt blessed to be a published, black children’s book author, but saddened there were still so few of us in print. Sometimes we’re faced with big issues and it feels [ Read the full article… ]
Change begins in my own backyard
When Varian first explained to me the concept behind the Brown Bookshelf — to highlight other African American writers and illustrators of children’s literature — I was ecstatic. Chills rolled down my back as I read his invitation to serve as a committee member. I don’t say that for dramatic flair, I really had goosebumps. [ Read the full article… ]