tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1586174295809193762012-01-09T09:51:32.582-08:00Exploring African American Picture Books and other Fanciful TopicsKyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.comBlogger1231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-69952799705475203592011-08-14T16:19:00.000-07:002011-08-14T16:26:59.618-07:00

Wanted to take a moment to introduce you to a children's book author I met yesterday at a Marita Golden writers workshop - Cassandra Hill. She has written and illustrated "It's Your Birthday, Shiann!", the story of a a mystical Egyptian cat celebrating its birthday. This multi-cultural adventure shares birthday traditions, food and dances from around the world. You'll also get to say "Happy

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-63447611230961571002011-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:002011-06-18T07:43:47.034-07:00

Congratulations to poet and author Geoffrey Philip on his latest children's book Marcus and the Amazons, available on the Kindle! It's a story of friendship, loyalty, and rivalry. The retail price is $2.99. I've enjoyed the story and love that it is the first in a series! Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-22019343482275087552011-02-28T04:17:00.000-08:002011-02-28T04:24:42.324-08:00

Just learned about 14 year old Chental-Song Bembry. She's the author of the children's book "The Honey Bunch Kids."This 64-page book was published in 2010. It took her nearly three years to write and illustrate her first book! The three characters in the book are in middle school and meet each other on the first day of classes after they miss the school bus. Have a look at this video of the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-52546851816119485572011-01-19T05:20:00.000-08:002011-01-19T05:20:00.183-08:00

Looking for a community project? Join the 22nd annual National African American Read-In this February. Visit the project's website for suggested books and packet to share your Read-In results.You can also participate online. Ari (Reading in Color blog), Doret (The Happy Nappy Bookseller), and Edi (Crazy Quilts) are hosting an online book discussion. To vote on the book to be discussed, visit

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-45867607063757589222011-01-18T18:12:00.000-08:002011-01-18T18:19:36.194-08:00

If you are a self-published artist didn't read the comic strip Curtis on January 15, then have a look and laugh. The strip is written and illustrated by Ray Billingsley. Thanks to Zetta for sharing this! To see more Curtis comics, visit the Curtis archives from 2004. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-54556300983970877122011-01-12T20:39:00.000-08:002011-01-13T01:45:20.209-08:00

The 42nd Annual Coretta Scott King Book Awards were announced this week. The awards are for outstanding books for children and young adults by an African American author. The annual illustrator award was added in 1974. A Lifetime Achievement award was added in 2010. Congratulations to all nine 2011 recipients!Since 2008, I've kept a spreadsheet on each year's winners. Simple items: year, what

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-36303786386737645782011-01-12T10:32:00.000-08:002011-01-12T11:01:25.709-08:00

Congratulations to the 2011 Coretta Scott King Award Winners!Author Book Award - One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. Author Honor Award - Lockdown by Walter Dean MyersAuthor Honor Award - Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker RhodesAuthor Honor Award - Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. NeriIllustrator Book Award - Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave illustrated by Bryan

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-70441121633043915622011-01-01T12:42:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:58:30.920-08:00

It's that time of year again - time to guess who might win an annual author or illustrator Coretta Scott King Book Award or Honor. The real awards will be unveiled in just a few short weeks. Serving on this year's actual committee are: Dr. Jonda C. McNair, Jury Chair, Dr. Lesley Colabucci, Washington, D.C. Children's Librarian Eboni Curry, Dr. Cora Dunkley, Diane Foote of Chicago, Debby Gold of

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-74846951550759207522010-12-09T15:45:00.000-08:002010-12-09T15:54:15.532-08:00

Today I stumbled upon the artwork of Chicago illustrator Tabitha Bianca Brown. WOW! Her blog is titled "Cover That Mother." The image here is titled "Balancing Act". You can also purchase her prints on etsy. According to Tabitha's profile, she says "I love vintage kitsch and modern design." Can't you just see her work in a children's book? Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-6786458481513154482010-08-09T04:02:00.000-07:002010-08-10T05:01:27.117-07:00

I love being a self-published author. I love the researching and the writing. I also love working with those who help me to pull together the final book project. Here are two book covers graphic designer Chad Snyder created for my book, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria. This book is the true story of a young, former slave girl's fifty-year quest to meet the queen of England - despite the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-32484069409520405962010-07-02T08:24:00.000-07:002010-07-02T08:29:57.584-07:00

This is a rather humorous 3 min. video. Carleen Brice is the author of the novel Orange Mint and Honey. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-14363412511187604372010-04-15T03:41:00.001-07:002010-04-15T03:53:03.401-07:00

So exciting to see the interactive nature of this story. I wonder what African American story will be the first to offer a similar interactive reading experience. Do you know an author or illustrator working in this new direction? Do Tell!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-35043844924039042592010-01-18T15:57:00.000-08:002010-01-18T20:43:33.104-08:00

This year marks the 41st annual Coretta Scott King Award for outstanding books for children and young adults by an African American author. The annual illustrator award was added in 1974. Congratulations to the 2010 winners!For the last three or so years, I've been updating an Excel spreadsheet about the past winners. Why? As a self-published children's book author, I've wondered if the CSK

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-80320779950683802692010-01-18T15:38:00.000-08:002010-01-18T15:45:27.332-08:00

Love it! Residents of the British village of Westbury-sub-Mendip are on record with the smallest, functioning library in the UK. This converted British Telecom red phone booth is now a library - complete with children's books! Actually, this library stocks about 100 books. According to Daily Mail, the library is open 24 hours and is lit. Additionally, the phone company, "BT has received

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-2280172145590892412010-01-18T12:48:00.000-08:002010-01-18T14:17:52.045-08:00

Congratulations to the 2010 winners and honor award recipients!Coretta Scott King Author Award: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, author of “Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal” Coretta Scott King Author Honor: Tanita S. Davis, author of “Mare’s War” Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award: Charles R. Smith Jr., for “My People” Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor:

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-64995346810821293022010-01-18T12:31:00.000-08:002010-01-18T12:45:16.317-08:00

Dr. Chu Chu Onwuachi-Saunders, a pediatrician, and Marie Onwuachi, a public health consultant, have created Ooops!, a 64-page softcover book appropriate for young girls who have started their menstruation. Ooops! tales the story of 11-year old twins Kehinde and Taiwo who start their periods within days of each other. Nana tells the girls this is their special time - time to be princesses. It's

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-15925214094953955132010-01-18T11:58:00.000-08:002010-01-18T12:13:44.362-08:00

Caroline Brewer's Barack Obama A Hip Hop Tale of King's Dream Come True is a must have! The rhyming tale is of Obama's decision to run for President of the United States. Even a year after his inauguration, this book is still fresh and relevant. The text is humorous and fast-flowing. The 32-page full color book is illustrated by Glenn Brewer.Caroline Brewer is the author of 12 books and an

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-35277558649390593632009-11-22T17:54:00.000-08:002009-11-22T17:57:32.484-08:00

Technology is something else - there IS an app for children's picture books! Has anyone visited iStoryTimeApp.com or used other apps featuring kid's lit? What do you think?Are there any recommended kid's lit apps featuring African American stories? Do Share!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-91485915684551560982009-08-28T01:49:00.000-07:002009-08-28T01:59:37.402-07:00

Just stumbled up the blog "Kim's Collection of Stuff" by illustrator and animator Kim Whitfield-Holt. If you have a moment, do check it out. The style is contemporary, fresh, and ... happy! I laughed at bare legs illustration on her blog titled Cactus. What do you think - can't you see her work in a children's book? Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-84829126816832976392009-08-07T06:11:00.000-07:002009-08-07T06:19:43.236-07:00

I had no IDEA there were this many Black Superwomen in comics! The video is about 7 mins long. It ends with images of First Lady Michelle Obama in different comics. And, if you'd like more visit the Black SuperHeroines blog thanks to Rebecca O'Neal. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-24387301545110463222009-08-05T17:34:00.001-07:002009-08-05T17:44:10.377-07:00

Been busy the last several months finishing my latest book and seeing it published. Now, am trying to catch up on my kid's lit list. I just purchased "AYA" by Marguerite Abouet, illustrated by Clement Oubrerie at Politics and Prose, a local DC bookstore and institution. It's a nearly 100 page graphic novel about a young African girl coming of age. Has any read it yet or its sequel - Aya of

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-48220677580375323642009-03-31T19:34:00.000-07:002009-03-31T20:02:22.833-07:00

The Cooperative Children's Book Center has posted its annual statistics on the number of authors of color in the field of children's literature. The numbers are based on the books the CCBC receives each year. They received about 3,000 children's books last year.The Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison has tracked children's books by and about people

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-59002598593270276672009-03-12T17:27:00.000-07:002009-03-12T17:29:53.460-07:00

If you get a moment, visit KartOO.com - a visual search engine designed by these two French guys. It's an amazing way to look at information - so visit www.KartOO.com and type in your favorite children's book author and see how the results appear. What do you think? Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-6470962342394300932009-03-01T11:55:00.001-08:002009-03-01T11:59:28.713-08:00

Thanks to my Mom for forwarding to me this funny photo now floating around cyberspace - it's of the unusual architecture of the parking lot for the Kansas City (MO) library. To see more crazy buildings, visit Unusual Architecture blog.

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-44575883157699186902009-01-20T10:14:00.000-08:002009-01-20T10:16:45.808-08:00

The Obama Administration is now LIVE on WhiteHouse.gov. Looking forward to seeing what the federal government's position on the arts and promotion of literacy and children's literature will be. Thanks to Gwen Magee for sharing this link to the Newsweek article on Obama and the Arts. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-25632949701010578222009-01-04T09:24:00.001-08:002009-01-05T02:51:42.819-08:00

Do a blog search - is there any chatter on mock Coretta Scott King Awards for 2009? No librarians seem to be talking about the CSK awards? No bloggers? No book industry publications? I have not been able to find any, so decided to start a thread given the awards are coming out later this month. Here are my picks for 2009 - what are yours?2009 Mock CSK - Author Award NomineesSunrise Over

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-46571173661789014292009-01-04T09:14:00.000-08:002009-01-04T09:23:58.878-08:00

The first Coretta Scott King Award for outstanding book for children and young adults by an African American author was presented in 1970. The award for illustrators was added in 1974. You can read about past awards from Henrietta M. Smith's book, The Coretta Scott King Awards, 1970 - 2004, 3rd edition.The judges for the 2009 CSK Award are: Jury Chair Dr. Carole McCollough, Wayne State

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-3195204926871695042009-01-04T07:11:00.001-08:002009-01-04T07:15:01.065-08:00

Obama O's: Hope in Every Bowl If I were a kid, I'd like to start the day with a bowl filled with "hope." A new travel website, Airbed & Breakfast, created this cereal as a promotion. Yes, there's actually cereal in it. Now, if there was a small story booklet inside ..... Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-30916491450820681062008-12-30T18:56:00.001-08:002008-12-30T19:00:03.767-08:00

What fun! Words falling from a book. I don't know the photographer. Thanks to the folks at Inspire me, now! Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-81393378630672641322008-12-29T20:54:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:57:08.031-08:00

African-American Children's Book Writers & Illustrators 1st Conference Apr. 25, 2009, Charlotte NCAfrican-American Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference provides new and seasoned writers and artists with opportunities to network and learn from expert editors and published authors and illustrators in Charlotte, NC, April 25, 2009."I bet I could write or illustrate a kids' book." Has

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-68932270014064438132008-11-29T17:20:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:26:15.575-08:00

London is one of my favorite cities! Next time I'm in town, I'm going to visit Willesden Bookshop at Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Road, London NW10 4QU, Tel: 020-8421-7000. This book store positions itself as specializing in multicultural children's books. One can find dozens of Cinderella stories, Anansi stories, and even quilt stories. I'm very bias as this store does stock,

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-45919519073913480002008-11-29T16:51:00.000-08:002008-12-30T21:10:32.314-08:00

Makes one wish one was an elementary school librarian for real! Enjoy a free sample of Library Sparks - a magazine featuring library activities. A joy to read!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-13083876835053508032008-10-15T17:32:00.000-07:002008-10-15T17:36:29.581-07:00

While on YouTube, I stumbled onto this 2:19 minute HowCast video titled "How to Tell a Ghost Story." The 5 or 6 points the narrator gives are marvelous. Actually, the points will work for "How to Write a Kid's Picture Book," too! Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-10412521193437467982008-10-12T20:03:00.001-07:002008-11-29T17:34:08.886-08:00

A new photo picture book is "Sisters are From Heaven" by two real life sisters Onjeinika Brooks and Tamika Jackson from Wilmington, North Carolina but now living in the greater Washington, DC area. Onjeinika penned the words. Tamika composed the photographs. The book explains why God gives us siblings. This 24-page book is available from Xlibris.com for $12.99. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-46367531374017555482008-10-12T18:04:00.000-07:002008-11-29T18:00:52.978-08:00

Have you visited JacketFlap? It's an online community of authors, illustrators, librarians, and others interested in kid's lit. I found it a good resource to connect with those in the field and ensure my books are listed. It's free. Check it out today! www.JacketFlap.com Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-54679656150559594172008-09-15T03:39:00.000-07:002008-09-15T03:42:51.655-07:00

If you're in the Washington, DC area on September 27, do stop by the Library of Congress for the annual National Book Festival - it's Free!Click here for the list of authors and illustrators who will be on hand for book signings and talks!Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-13661689312582822332008-09-07T17:15:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:33:52.821-08:00

Soul Name by Naana Kyereboah sheds light on the Ghanaian tradition for naming children. The story is told from the viewpoint of Ekua, a young girl who is allowed to witness the naming ceremony for her baby brother.This 48-page book moves gently through the early morning naming ceremony attended by parents and grandparents, the pouring of libations for the ancestors, the blessing by the father

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-51050349044992354142008-07-21T17:42:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:32:28.069-08:00

Later this Fall Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins, will publish "Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told" by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen. This 38-page picture book is a biography of a crusading African American woman. Myers shares details of Ida B. Wells' life that even as an adult I was not aware of having not yet read Wells' autobiography, "Crusade for Justice."I

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-62148444741623330052008-07-19T06:42:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:30:30.811-08:00

Growing up I enjoyed Encyclopedia Brown mystery stories. Rarely was there an African American character mentioned in the entire series. Now, we have Sunny's Adventures thanks to Leketha Marie Johnson. Sunny seems to have a happy life living with her Mom, Dad, and Grandmothers. The book includes The Case of the Missing PuppyThe Case of the Missing TurtleThe Cooking Contest MysteryThe Case of the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-13227085826976933082008-07-13T20:37:00.000-07:002008-07-13T20:44:30.406-07:00

Rare books librarian and specialist in the history of children's literature Jenny Schwartzberg blogs about Gwendolyn Brooks' books for kids: The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves or What You Are You Are (Chicago: Third World Press, 1974) and Bronzeville Boys and Girls. Check it out!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-85269455187855752702008-07-13T20:15:00.000-07:002008-07-13T20:28:36.688-07:00

Thanks to Jenny Schwartzberg, rare book librarian, for letting me (and others) know about Rudine Sims Bishop's 2007 book Free Within Ourselves: The Development of African American Children's Literature. Bishop is Professor Emerita of Education at The Ohio State University, where she has taught courses on children’s literature. In 2007 she won the NCTE Outstanding Educator in English Language

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-27596869739298310962008-07-06T04:44:00.000-07:002008-11-29T18:01:25.894-08:00

On exhibit until July 22 at the Low Memorial Library at Columbia University is "Books in Black: A New Page!." The show, an exhibit of artists' books curated by Ruth Edwards, focuses on artists of African ancestry who have made major contributions to society in their fields. You can see some of the images here.Featured artists include: Jamil Abdul-Azim, Kamari Allah, Gail Beckford, R. Gregory

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-57833719190450830612008-07-05T20:44:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:34:46.231-08:00

To help little ones cope with the death of a father, consider "When My Daddy Died: Help the Child in Your Life Move Through Grief to Understanding" by B. R. Sargent. This 16-page softcover book includes simple sentences on pages that a little one can draw pictures onto to help deal with the death of a Dad. The book encourages conversation between a child and a close adult. B. R. Sargent is a

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-11968561461664395032008-07-05T19:48:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:31:42.969-08:00

Adjoa J. Burrowes, children's book author and illustrator, has developed a Teen Essay Writing Workshop aimed at giving teens a leg up on essay writing skills - just in time for those standardized tests in the Fall. If you're interested in the workshops, visit www.adjoaburrowes.com. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-66704939407766233082008-06-29T17:06:00.000-07:002008-12-30T21:11:26.165-08:00

Are you interested in a series of books about a spunky black girl from Brooklyn? Meet Briana and her visit her diverse neighborhood! Hampton University grad Sahar Simmons created Briana and is the author of: All About Me (2007) Boys Will Be Boys (2007) Down South (coming soon)Nicolette Moran, from England and Wales, is the illustrator. Looking forward to reading these three and seeing

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-69215379255842914442008-06-29T16:48:00.001-07:002008-06-29T16:59:37.943-07:00

I recently came across a flier that I picked up last year at the Annual Capital Bookfest. The flier featured the illustrated picture book, Dancing with Momspirations by Lorraine D. Gordon. This book is "based on true snapshots from the author's life of teaching her children the power of positive language and how it affects the way we think and behave." I haven't read this book yet - but am

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-68983558728050659942008-06-29T16:17:00.000-07:002011-02-28T04:30:28.125-08:00

I read online about two young brothers, Miles and William Rabun, who self-published a children's picture book, titled My Grandma's Backyard. The brothers live in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Wanting to support their effort, I did purchase the book.The brothers have written a simple story about the enchanting times and things they can do in their Grandmother's backyard garden. I suspect an

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-73577160275742196232008-04-06T18:17:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:35:54.776-08:00

The number of African American Children's Book authors published in 2007 has declined nearly 12% since 2006!The Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison has tracked children's books by and about people of color in the US since 1994. Its study of African American children's book authors goes back further to 1985 (based on the books received by the CCBC).

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-66687715677784204342008-04-06T17:26:00.000-07:002008-04-06T18:00:16.107-07:00

Dr. Lydiah Nganga, is an assistant professor of Education at the University of Wyoming. She's also a native of Kenya, educated in both the US and Africa. And, she's the author of "My Sister Kairitu is Sick."This 52-page, full-color children's book is about Kairitu, a young girl in Kahawa Sukari, a suburb of Nairobi, who wakes up one morning with a fever. Her sister, Kate, tells the reader

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-82274774688331251622008-04-06T13:19:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:36:26.023-08:00

While over on This Next website, I came across this soon to be published book, ABC3D by Maion Bataille. Wow!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-56978898580802933652008-03-02T07:29:00.001-08:002008-03-02T07:38:49.034-08:00

Illustrator and author Adjoa J. Burrowers is blogging on the website "Big Universe," dedicated to promoting children's literature online. You can read her blog posts on Big Universe by clicking here. Adoja has illustrated 17 picture books, including the popular Grandma's Purple Flowers. I had the pleasure of catching up with Adjoa recently as we both participated in reading our books at the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-30086474850321811302008-03-02T07:16:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:38:44.809-08:00

If you are interested in comparing the offerings of DOZENS of Print-on-Demand publishers, do check out the recently (Feb 2008) POD Database listing prepared by author Dehanna Bailee. This 22 page PDF is free from Dehanna. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-13557283994963708772008-03-02T07:04:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:39:17.597-08:00

Carla R. Sarratt, author of Freshman Focus: Carter G. Woodson High School, is blogging about her self-publishing experience on her blog, Keeping Up with Carla. Good stuff!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-56462521418002156482008-01-28T04:02:00.000-08:002008-12-30T21:08:39.812-08:00

Check out www.TheRoot.com - a new website by the Washington Post company. This online magazine is targeted to African Americans - with news and commentary on politics and culture as well as tools for researching one's family genealogy. Henry Louis Gates Jr is the editor of TheRoot.com. Lynette Clemetson is the Managing Editor. Check out the site or read article from the New York Times. Let's

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-81115116285940989942008-01-24T04:56:00.000-08:002008-01-24T05:12:02.176-08:00

I received more than a couple emails about the closing of Karibu Books, an African American bookstore chain here in the Greater Washington, DC area. It's a sad event. The word from the Karibu website:"After 15 years of service within the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Karibu Books, a Black bookstore chain will be closing its doors. We sincerely thank each and every one of you for your

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-2136109095782786662008-01-18T18:08:00.001-08:002008-01-18T19:27:11.673-08:00

The first Coretta Scott King Award for outstanding book for children and young adults by an African American author was presented in 1970. The award for illustrators was added in 1974. The 2008 CSK Awards were presented this week - congratulations to all winners!Looking into my database on past CSK selections for winner, honor, and new talent awards, the following stats appear:36.8% of ALL (

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-40324998444644076032008-01-16T04:16:00.000-08:002008-11-29T18:02:05.494-08:00

The Brown Bookshelf, a group organized to "shine the spotlight on the varied African American voices writing for young readers," announced the featured authors and illustrators for it's first national initiative, Twenty-Eight Days Later, a Black History Month celebration of children's literature. Enjoy!Feb 1 Christopher Paul Curtis - Elijah of Buxton Feb 2 Michelle Meadows – The Way The Storm

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-43648258053117078372008-01-15T04:23:00.001-08:002008-01-15T04:41:01.173-08:00

Since 1970 the CSK Award winner and honor awards have been presented to 231 persons. (Note, where two or more won an award, I've classified as Couple.)62% total author awards, 38% illustrator awardsWomen represent 69% of the author awards presented and 50% of ALL awards presentedMen represent 75% of the illustrator awards presented and 43% of ALL awards presentedWorking in teams - or the Couples

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-25409008795067325202008-01-15T04:11:00.000-08:002008-01-15T04:23:01.698-08:00

Congratulations to all the 2008 Coretta Scott King Award winners!Coretta Scott King Author AwardChristopher Paul Curtis - Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic)King Author HonorNovember Blues - Sharon Draper (Atheneum)Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali - Charles R. Smith, Jr. (Candlewick Press)Coretta Scott King Illustrator AwardAshley Bryan - Let It Shine (Atheneum)King Illustrator Honor

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-18670537549086728962008-01-14T03:52:00.000-08:002008-01-14T04:05:59.289-08:00

The Federal Reserve teaches kids about financial matters via comic books. You can order up to 35 copies of each title for free. There are 12 titles to choose from such as the Story of Banks, the Story of Money, A Penny Saved, and the Story of Inflation. Each comic is 24 pages. According to a Wall Street Journal article by Daniel Akst, the Fed "distributed 866,00 free copies" in 2006; the Once

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-19698346653099251412008-01-07T04:13:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:40:35.690-08:00

Illustrator and blogger Don Tate asks if Lookybook is a good idea. Lookybook is an online website with the mission to:"create a comfortable place where a curious and devoted audience can search, view, talk about, and buy from a diverse and rapidly expanding collection of picture books. We intend to create the greatest opportunity for authors, illustrators and publishers to reach interested

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-57096225676423071972008-01-02T00:10:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:41:36.695-08:00

Images matter. No one can escape the Presidential campaign process. Can a Black Kid be President - if you had to look at picture book covers to determine this? Are there titles you would suggest sharing with an African American child to give him or her a sense that she could indeed become the President of the United States of America?If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier, illustrations

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-44863865283710663062007-12-27T05:26:00.001-08:002007-12-27T07:29:20.564-08:00

Just stumbled across a couple websites for African American comic books and animation. Remember Saturday mornings and watching Fat Albert (image at left)? Hey-hey-hey!Black Cartoons: African Americans in AnimationMuseum of Black SuperheroesBlack Age of Comics Convention - View BlogOther Heroes - 2007 Jackson State University cartoon art catalogPioneering Cartoonists of Color - really old school

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-73023792530772723382007-12-26T08:47:00.000-08:002008-11-29T18:02:24.295-08:00

By now I'm sure you've heard about The Brown Bookshelf - the collective efforts of African American authors and illustrators Paula Chase Hyman,Varian Johnson, Don Tate, Kelly Starling Lyons , and Carla Sarratt to "[showcase] the best and brightest voices in African-American Children’s Literature, with a special emphasis on new authors and books that are “flying under the radar.”One of the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-45848383000960989072007-12-26T07:10:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:42:08.192-08:00

One of the joys I had in publishing Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria was in selecting the illustrator for the book. I went through dozens and dozens of artist portfolios and sent off about a dozen emails to see who might be 1) available 2) affordable and 3) appropriate for my book. Given it was my first children's picture book, I was looking for someone who had experience illustrating

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-89115624289984337362007-12-26T06:49:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:42:32.511-08:00

Dr. Lisa Price Stevens, a Norfolk, VA internist, has written an 18-page illustrated story titled "What's That: A Tale of Cholesterol" (Trafford Publishing, 2006). In this story, Junior and his Grandma visit the local grocery story to get a few items. Junior spies a jar of "fatback" and asks Grandma what it is. "Grandma, that's gross. Do you eat it?" Junior asks... and thus starts the lesson

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-25037335741698531132007-12-21T19:17:00.001-08:002008-11-29T17:42:53.908-08:00

Have you tried the new Amazon Kindle - the hand-size ebook reader? I can't believe it - I got one! Plan to use it extensively this weekend as I downloaded a mystery by a favorite author. Like many others, I'm not crazy about the size page forward and backwards tabs (shown in photo) because it's too easy to leap pages by accident. What I will really enjoy is the EASE of getting new books via

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-73160233560733258842007-12-21T18:37:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:43:09.917-08:00

Essence Magazine will honor African-American writers via the Essence Literary Awards. The nominees for the awards--in fiction, nonfiction, children's, poetry, commentary/public affairs, memoir and photography were selected by the editors of Essence and are listed on the Essence website. The nominees in the Children's category are:Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine illustrated by Kadir Nelson/

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-68736947653165225782007-12-21T18:17:00.000-08:002007-12-21T18:19:38.936-08:00

I'm excited - the African American National Biography will be published in February 2008! What's this? Glad you asked! Oxford University Press and Harvard University's W.E.B. Du Bois Institute have collaborated to present this landmark 8-volume set. According to the Oxford website this set of books will cover five centuries of Black achievement and contain ... "over 4,000 entries written and

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-65522439630460396662007-12-21T17:23:00.000-08:002008-12-30T21:13:29.052-08:00

I Love this cover! I'd buy a cup cake from this young man. Who knows, he may be the owner of the future CakeLove bakery (Warren Brown, an African American owned establishment in the DC/VA area. A new CakeLove recently opened blocks from my home in VA!)So, what is K.E.N.N.Y? It stands for Kid Entrepreneurs Need Nourishing Young. The "K.E.N.N.Y. BOOK is a newly designed 8-1/2 x 11 workbook

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-15927897349036803972007-12-06T04:51:00.000-08:002007-12-06T04:58:39.900-08:00

The total number of independent children's bookstores continues to decline. Kristen McLean, executive director of the Association of Booksellers for Children said recently in a Washington Post article about the closing of VA kid's bookstore, A Likely Story, that there were three times as many independent bookstores specializing in children's book as in 1984, when the ABC was founded.This

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-62978254832715174012007-12-06T04:32:00.000-08:002007-12-06T04:38:32.686-08:00

Today's Washington Post shares the story of Alexandria, VA children's bookstore, A Likely Story, closing after 24 years. It was a lovely bookstore. There just wasn't sustained book sales. You can read the story by clicking here or read another local perspective from the DC Baby blog.

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-78341308064722362872007-12-02T14:40:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:45:02.082-08:00

If you have a moment, view the Slate online magazine slide show on the history of American children's book illustrations, based on Timothy G. Young's book, Drawn To Enchant. The slide show does mention African American illustrators and books, including the 1982 book, Jake and Honeybunch Go to Heaven by Margot Zemach.Thanks to the blog 100 Scope Notes for the lead!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-34983744426147610842007-12-02T13:45:00.001-08:002008-11-29T17:45:23.673-08:00

Nominations for the Children's & YA Bloggers' Literary Awards - the Cybils - is now closed. What are the Cybils? From the site's website:The public nominates their favorite children's books from 2007 in seven categories: Picture Books; Non-fiction Picture Books; Middle Grade fiction; Poetry; Young Adult fiction; Non-fiction (YA/MG); and Graphic Novels. ... When we say "the public," we

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-41785911712455406822007-10-14T17:13:00.000-07:002007-10-14T17:24:43.579-07:00

The Outreach Council of the African Studies Association (ASA) has announced the winners of the 2007 Children's Africana Book Awards. The Outreach Council annually honors outstanding authors and illustrators of children's books about Africa published in the United States. Best Book for Young Children 2007 goes to I Lost my Tooth in Africa by Penda Diakite and Baba Wague Diakite (illus.) Scholastic

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-25391283387076756922007-10-14T09:41:00.000-07:002008-12-30T21:08:03.182-08:00

The National Museum of African American History & Culture is set to open on the Mall in Washington, DC in 2015. You don't have to wait to visit it - you can check out its interactive website at: http://www.nmaahc.si.edu/For authors looking for opportunities to promote your book or lecture on your book, you might find the listing of African American History & Cultural Centers, Libraries, Archives

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-69688157688141299132007-10-08T19:05:00.000-07:002007-10-08T19:16:49.058-07:00

A few weeks ago I was in Hong Kong. There was a mall connected to the hotel. I stopped in the mall's bookstore and was surprised to see Barack Obama's book as well as The Other Mozart: The Life of the Chevalier Saint-George by Hugh Brewster. Are you familiar with Constance Briscoe? According to her website, she "was called to the bar in 1983 and practices as a barrister. In 1996 Constance became

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-41201757430242926602007-10-08T18:11:00.001-07:002007-10-08T18:23:51.168-07:00

A few weeks ago I was in Sydney, Australia where I stumbled upon Touch Galleries on Hickson Road (alas - the street wasn't name for one of MY relatives!), just blocks from the Sydney Opera House and Bridge. A huge two-story cloth-like banner waved gentle in front of the brick building announcing an exhibit of artwork by Nelson Mandela. I never realized Mr. Mandela could paint!The stark, colored

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-44698943036247393542007-09-25T22:41:00.000-07:002007-09-25T22:54:44.451-07:00

African American historical action figures - featured on local news program. Check it out!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-42403189525388635352007-09-25T22:05:00.001-07:002008-11-29T17:47:31.735-08:00

Shane Evans - Congratulations on the opening of your new Kansas City, MO Dream Studio and Gallery! I'd love to see the INSIDE of this prolific children's book illustrator's studio - and will make a point to visit next time I'm in KC. The studio is located at 711 East 31st Kansas City MO. 64110. You can hear an interview with Shane on Just One More Books. Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-39857372775491549372007-09-25T21:43:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:48:06.871-08:00

Here's the May installment in my quest to list 2007 Children's Picture Books by Black authors or illustrators. Ok - so far was only able to locate one title.When Gorilla Goes Walking by Nikki Grimes, Shane Evans (illustrator) Pub. Orchard Books Cecilia, her cat Gorilla and poetry!If you have a moment, visit the websites of Nikki Grimes and Shane Evans.

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-56258632508987242292007-09-25T20:55:00.000-07:002007-09-25T21:12:07.363-07:00

.........................................Jabari Asim, former deputy editor of the Washington Post Book World and children's book author, is now the new editor of The Crisis, the NAACP magazine started by W.E. B. Du Bois beginning in 1910. Best wishes! Check out Jabari's children's books: Daddy Goes to WorkWhose Toes Are Those?Whose Knees Are Those?

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-29994979929446734392007-09-25T19:27:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:48:29.824-08:00

Third World Press founder Dr. Haki R. Madhubuti recently celebrated forty years as an independent publisher. He said:“Forty years of success is remarkable for any independent company, and in the book publishing industry it’s nothing less than extraordinary. But we believed that the writers of America’s Black literature needed the support of a Black-owned, culturally specific publishing house as a

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-50626693078988895842007-09-25T19:09:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:44:05.741-08:00

According to the Book Standard, NFL Super Bowl-winning Coach Tony Dungy has been signed by Simon & Schuster to publish a children's picture book titled, You Can Do It. Dee Ann Grand acquired the book, which will focus on the young Dungy being encouraged to follow his dreams by his family. Look for it in stores July 2008. If you can't wait, read Dungy's recent autobiography, Quiet Strength: The

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-4487118459299266742007-08-19T20:35:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:48:49.219-08:00

The Black Writers Reunion & Conference will be June 19-21, 2008 in Tampa , Florida. Visit www.BlackWriters.org, to learn more or to take advantage of early registration. Topics include:The Writer's Journey: From Idea to Finished Draft to Publication Writing as a Means of Healing (for Writer & Reader)So You Want to Write for ChildrenWriting a PlayWriting Christian Fiction: Ministry vs.

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-61524828681786432302007-08-19T19:41:00.000-07:002008-12-30T21:11:42.956-08:00

.......................................................Kay Lovelace Taylor is the author of Princess Aisha and the Cave of Judgement, the first of a series of five softcover adventure picture books. How refreshing to see an adventurous and brave Black girl following her instincts, even in the face of danger. The theme of this story is to decide for yourself instead of depending solely on the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-76136077380604746832007-08-19T18:33:00.000-07:002007-08-19T18:50:48.658-07:00

My Mom would always give us personalized gifts as kids - Lillian Vernon pencils, stationary and, even, personalized books. A co-worker recently sent me this link to Shutterfly's Amazing ABC Adventure video. You can upload a photo of your favorite child (or yourself!) for free - and watch a hilarious video as your favorite child seemingly explores the alphabet. Here's the link to my own video.

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-38738276865981779482007-08-07T16:49:00.000-07:002008-12-30T21:09:58.800-08:00

KSDK News Channel 5 reported on the theft at a St. Louis art studio dedicated to teaching kids. In addition to stolen equipment and art supplies, art studio founder Bob Hansman is most upset about the theft of the collection of African American children's books. Hansman says on the video report:"I'm very worked up. This is wrong. It would be one thing to steal microwaves or TVs, but to steal

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-72899963542316949492007-08-07T16:30:00.000-07:002007-08-07T16:41:42.848-07:00

If I'm ever in Palm Beach, Florida - I'm going to visit Akbar Watson, who has been running Pyramid Books in Boynton Beach for the past 14 years, and then, Mr. James Drayton, who has owned and operated the African American Heritage Bookstore in West Palm Beach since 1994.There's an interesting article, "The Keepers of Black Culture" in the Palm Beach Post about these two independent bookstore

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-25614000238610229742007-08-05T19:13:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:49:58.863-08:00

OK - I saw this 1968 "Betty Doll Cardboard Press-Out Doll Book" from James & Jonathan Lowe No. 2777 on eBay. What a fun image! (P.S. The uncut book sold for about $46.)

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-78862382300600615432007-08-04T01:46:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:50:24.887-08:00

Next up in my quest to list 2007 Children's Picture Books by African American authors or illustrators - books released in April 2007: Ain't Nobody a Stranger to Me by Ann Grialconi, Jerry Pinkney (illustrator). Pub. Jump At The Sun. Cherish Today: A Celebration of Life's Moments by Kristina Evans, Bryan Collier (illustrator). Pub. Jump At The Sun

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-9016629553186590232007-08-02T21:57:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:50:47.057-08:00

Several years ago a dear friend gave me a copy of the 1951 Little Golden Book, Ukelele and Her New Doll (#102). The book tells the story of Ukelele of the South Seas who loves the wooden doll her father made her. When British sailors land on her tiny island, one sailor gives her a fancy-dress porcelain doll. Ukelele abandons her wooden doll, but soon learns she can't have the same fun with the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-19475928251489144662007-08-01T21:23:00.000-07:002008-12-30T21:10:59.921-08:00

Did you see the recent eBay auction featuring the 1941 children's book Parasols Is for Ladies by Elizabeth Ritter and Ninon MacKnight illustrator. The winning bid was $51. This is the story of three black girls who want parasols, but can't afford to purchase them. The book apparently is written (and illustrated) with negative stereotypes. Believe it or not, there's TWO Amazon.com reviews of the

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-21317075154621076882007-07-22T12:17:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:51:14.476-08:00

Here's the next post in my quest to list 2007 Children's Picture Books by African American authors or illustrators.African American Picture Books - Black Authors or Illustrators - March 2007 releaseThe Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County by Janice N. Harrington, Shelley Jackson (illustrator). Pub - Farrar, Straus and GirouxSweet Land of Liberty by Deborah Hopkinson, Leonard Jenkins (illustrator

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-6022735593861766052007-07-19T02:52:00.000-07:002007-07-19T03:12:06.118-07:00

Arriving November 2007 will be the children's picture book, Shante Keys and the New Year's Peas, by Gail Piernas-Davenport. It's Gail's first! I recently had the opportunity to ask her a couple questions about her five year journey to get this story published.....1. Tell us about Shanté Keys and the New Year's Peas! What inspired you to write this story? "Since I am over fifty, I can’t remember

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-77282415423850866772007-07-19T02:30:00.000-07:002008-12-30T21:06:17.425-08:00

The International Board of Book for Young People South Africa has published a list of 100 Representative South African Books for Children and Young People 2007 . Enjoy!

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-90602878471914218072007-07-19T02:17:00.001-07:002007-07-19T02:30:04.933-07:00

As mentioned last week, the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison recently announced that an estimated 87 children's books by African American authors were published in 2006 out of an estimated 5,000 children's books published.Check out what other Bloggers are saying about this:Don Tate II shares his thoughts and blames me for encouraging his picture

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-12661906728975616182007-07-12T18:57:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:51:36.817-08:00

As you may have read, I'm on a quest to list - by month - the children's picture books written or illustrated by an African American and copyrighted in 2007. My methods aren't scientific. I don't work for a publisher, literary magazine, or newspaper with access to advanced books. So, I can use some help. Guess how many I located (so far?) for February 2007?African American Picture Books - Black

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-58405209870710512932007-07-10T19:34:00.000-07:002008-11-29T17:51:54.589-08:00

Earlier this year I learned about this phenomenon to anticipate the annual winners of various children's book awards, such as the Newbery or Caldecott Awards. These Mock award committees try to guess what the actual award committees will (or should) select (Click to link to one site.)Rarely did I see blog sites conduct mock awards for the Coretta Scott King Author or Illustrator Awards. The

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158617429580919376.post-52393256470513475592007-07-09T04:27:00.001-07:002008-12-30T21:12:08.165-08:00

Earlier this year I was invited to P.S. 76 - A. Philip Randolph Elementary School in Harlem - for my very first author's visit for Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria. The school could not have been more welcoming, particularly Principal Charles Deberry, Ms. Marie Vallon, Librarian, and dear Cleo! The students asked engaging questions and were so enthusiastic about Martha Ann's story. Well,

Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753849992598813120noreply@blogger.com1