When I first wrote this introduction, I described John Holyfield as a successful children’s book illustrator. However, I’ve come to realize that description comes up short. John Holyfield, first and foremost, is a caring father. He’s a successful fine artist, a painter, a hard-working entrepreneur. And, oh yea, a children’s book illustrator, too. John’s debut [ Read the full article… ]
When I was a first year teacher, I was introduced to Vanguard author Rita Williams-Garcia by a fellow teacher through her young adult novel Like Sisters on the Homefront in 1998. I never imagined then that one day I would be able to have dialogue with her about her writing and career as an author. [ Read the full article… ]
A few weeks ago, Essence magazine announced their Essence Literary Awards and Save Our Libraries campaign. Recently, they posted the nominees for each category on their website. The nominees for Children’s Books are: Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine illustrated by Kadir Nelson/Scholastic (picture book) Henry Box Brown is well known and remembered as a [ Read the full article… ]
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Around us we see decorations, holiday sales, and traditional holiday food and drink like egg nog and candy canes. Turn on the radio and you can hear Donny Hathaway croon “This Christmas” as well as Michael Jackson and his brothers let us know that “Santa Claus is [ Read the full article… ]
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… ]