Bringing Books Back Home, Part Two: More with Elaine Dickson of Reading Owls International

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Part One of my conversation with Elaine Dickson of Reading Owls International. Here, she tells us more about the work and future of the organization and its impact. Where/when have you seen the impact of your work? Part of our strategy for “creating readers for life” [ Read the full article… ]

Bringing Books Back Home: A Chat with Elaine Dickson of Reading Owls International

I was e-introduced to Elaine Dickson through a friend who is one of those people who know, you know what I mean? If Shelly Ann refers someone, you *know* they’re good people. So I was ready to be blown away, and I was not disappointed! Ms. Dickson and her husband founded Reading Owls International, a [ Read the full article… ]

Throwback Thursday: Elizabeth Zunon

In 2012, we featured artist Elizabeth Zunon and her acclaimed second picture book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. A Junior Library selection, that title won accolades and raves about her style. Since then, Liz has created many treasures including Don’t Call Me Grandma by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and The Legendary Miss Lena Horne [ Read the full article… ]

25th African American Children’s Book Fair

Twenty-five years ago, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati created the African American Children’s Book Fair in Philadelphia to spread the joy of reading and get books by black children’s book creators into kids’ hands. At that first event on a frosty day, 250 people attended. Today, more than 3,000 line up to buy books and meet black authors and [ Read the full article… ]

Carla Sarratt: Looking Back, Looking Forward

In honor of our 10th anniversary, we are proud to share this reflection by Carla Sarratt, one of our founding members.  Carla, an invaluable member of our team, worked diligently to help The Brown Bookshelf connect with teachers, librarians and kids. Today, she has a special view of two sides of the publishing world – children’s book creator and [ Read the full article… ]