Last week, Kelly Starling Lyons and I presented a program at the International Reading Association conference. Our session, Windows to the Past: Using Nonfiction and Historical Fiction Picture Books to Teach Black History was a bit hit. Kelly discussed her books and what inspires her stories. And she offered great tips for using picture books in the classroom. I talked about my path to becoming a published illustrator and author, illustration styles among African American themed picture books, and I talked about some popular African American picture books. I had a great time in Chicago. Here are a few photos:
Following the discussion, Kelly and I pose with our newest books. Don’t we look happy!
Another highlight is when I finally got to meet my Penguin/Putnam editor, Stacey Barney. Kelly and I, and Stacey are currently working on a book together that will publish later this year.
Kelly signs a book for a fan.
I pose with my Duke Ellington book following my signing with Charlesbridge Publishing.