I Am Brown by Ashok Banker, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat Ages 5 – 8

In partnership with Lantana Publishing, I am excited to be revealing the cover for the forthcoming March 2020 book I Am Brown by Ashok Banker, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat.

• Total Pages: 40 pages
• Publisher: Lantana Publishing
• Publication Date: March 3, 2020
• Recommended Ages: 5 – 8
• Pre-Orders: Available for Pre-Order Now!

Synopsis

I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you’re in―of being brown, of being amazing, of being you.

Check out I Am Brown when it publishes in March 2020! It’s one not to be missed for celebrating and embracing the skin you’re in.

Kids and parents are sure to love the vivid colors, simple text and diversity used throughout. It’s an empowering book for all children to read and is a beautiful reminder about self-love, dreaming big, culture and self-acceptance.

About the Author
Ashok Banker is the bestselling author of more than 70 books which have sold more than 3.2 million copies in 21 countries and 61 languages. I Am Brown is his debut picture book.

About the Illustrator
Sandhya Prabhat is an Independent Animator and Illustrator based in the Bay Area, California and is from Chennai, India. She holds an MFA Degree in Animation and Digital Arts from NYU Tisch School of the Arts Asia, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature from Stella Maris College.   

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons COVER REVEAL!

In partnership with Lee & Low, I am excited to be revealing the cover for the forthcoming January 2020 book Dream Builder: The Story or Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons.  The cover is illustrated by Laura Freeman.

• Total Pages: 40 pages
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication Date: January 14, 2020
• Recommended Ages: 9 – 12 and up
• Pre-Orders: Available for Pre-Order Now!

Synopsis

Philip Freelon’s grandfather was an acclaimed painter of the Harlem Renaissance. His father was a successful businessman who attended the 1963 March on Washington. When Phil decided to attend architecture school, he created his own focus on African American and Islamic designers. He later chose not to build casinos or prisons, instead concentrating on schools, libraries, and museums–buildings that connect people with heritage and fill hearts with joy. And in 2009, Phil’s team won a commission that let him use his personal history in service to the country’s: the extraordinary Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon celebrates a contemporary black STEAM role model, a man whose quiet work enabled the creation of an iconic building reflecting America’s past and future. With a stirring text by Kelly Starling Lyons, vibrant pictures by Laura Freeman, and an afterword from Philip Freelon himself, it is sure to inspire the next generation of dreamers and builders.

Check out Dream Builder when it publishes in January 2020!

About the Author

Kelly Starling Lyons is the author of numerous books for young readers including One More Dino on the Floor, Hope’s Gift, Ellen’s Broom, and the Jada Jones series.

About the Illustrator
Laura Freeman received her BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and began her career illustrating for various editorial clients, including the New York Times Book Review, the National Law Journal, and New York magazine, and previous titles include Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe and Hidden Figures. Laura now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and their two children. Find out more about Laura at lfreemanart.com.

Sam! by Dani Gabriel COVER REVEAL!

In partnership with Penny Candy Books, I am thrilled to be revealing the cover for the forthcoming September 2019 book Sam! by Dani Gabriel.  The cover is illustrated by Robert Liu-Trujillo.

• Total Pages: 36 pages
• Publisher: Penny Candy Books
• Publication Date: September 10, 2019
• Recommended Ages: 8-12 and up
• Pre-Orders: Available for Pre-Order Now!

Synopsis

Sam is a nine-year-old boy who loves riding his bike and learning about the American Revolution. There’s just one problem: Sam’s family knows him as a girl named Isabel. Sam feels a sense of relief when he finally confides in his sister Maggie, and then his parents, even though it takes them a while to feel comfortable with it. But with lots of love and support, Sam and his family learn and grow through Sam’s journey to embrace his true self. In the vein of I Am Jazzby Jessica Herthel, Sam! is based on a true story. With a note from the author explaining her family’s experience, Sam! is an important addition to a list of books that help children and adults discuss gender identity.

Check out Sam! when it publishes in September 2019!

About the Author
Dani Gabriel is a poet, writer, activist, and teacher, the author of The Woman You Write Poems About (Civil Defense Press) and coauthor of Molotov Mouths (Manic D Press). She holds a BA from UC Berkeley in Peace and Conflict Studies and an MFA from Mills College in Creative Writing. This is Dani’s debut picture book. She lives in the Bay Area.

About the Illustrator
Robert Liu-Trujillo is an author/illustrator and publisher from the Bay Area. He has worked on several picture books including Furqan’s First Flat Top, which he wrote and illustrated, One of a Kind, Like Me by Laurin Mayeno, which he illustrated, and Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by Tony Medina, for which he contributed an illustration. He is a co-founder of The Trust Your Struggle Collective, a contributor to Rad Dad, and the founder of Come Bien Books. He lives in Oakland, CA, with his wife, son, and daughter.

I’m thrilled to participate in this beautiful book cover reveal in partnership with Lantana Publishing.  From the creators of the book Sleep Well, Siba and Saba, comes this forthcoming picture book featuring a little boy from Uganda who likes to dream big.

This story was inspired by the rainy days the author spent with her family in Uganda during the rainy season. It’s a beautifully written and illustrated story that shows the precious bond between a grandfather and grandson.

Available for Sale: October 1, 2018
Age Range: 4 – 8
Grade Level: PreK – 2

Synopsis
For one little Ugandan boy, no wish is too big. First he dreams of reaching the stars and then of riding a supernova straight to Mars. But on a rainy day at his grandfather’s house, he is brought down to earth with a bump. Do adventures only happen in galaxies far away or can he find magic a little closer to home? A touching story of a grandfather’s love for his grandson and the quiet pleasures of a rainy day.

About the Author
Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl was born to Ugandan parents in Cambridge, MA, USA. For over ten years, Nansubuga has worked in international development in East and Southern Africa. In her current role as a technical writer and editor, she produces a range of written work for international organizations such as the UN and the World Bank. Having lived in seven countries across three continents, creative writing has always been her way to re-connect with her cultural heritage. Sleep Well, Siba and Saba is her first children’s book.

About the Illustrator
Sandra van Doorn was born in a small medieval town in France and now lives in Australia. She attended art classes at Emily Carr University in Vancouver before embarking on her career as a children’s illustrator. You can find out more about her work at www.sandravandoorn.com.