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July 2, 2020
June 30, 2020
Let's Talk Illustrators #147: Selina Alko
It was wonderful talking to Selina Alko about her new book One Golden Rule at School: A Counting Book. Selina and I discussed her inspiration for creating this unique counting tale and how she maintains a sense of creativity with each new project she tackles. Enjoy our conversation!
June 16, 2020
LTPB Audit
I have been quiet the last couple of weeks in favor of marching, donating, reading, sharing, listening, and learning. I wanted to make sure I was giving space to Black creators, and I wanted to make sure that when I came back that I'd fully had time to reflect and understand what I can do to represent more Black illustrators here on Let's Talk Picture Books.
These reflections ultimately manifested themselves in the form of a site audit. I looked at who I interviewed and whose books I had reviewed (both authors and illustrators), focused mostly on June 2019-May 2020. This is what I found.
The numbers are disheartening to say the least, but I have renewed hope in seeing indisputable facts: I can be more representative, and I will be. I plan to do this audit every year, and next June will show a marked increase in the number of voices I share from creators of the Global Majority. And it's going to be hard! But rewarding. So stick with me as I try to do better.
Regular reviews resume shortly, but in the meantime, here are the children's book influencers I look to for conversations around diversity and inclusion:
June 4, 2020
Let's Talk Illustrators #146: Charlotte Ager
I got to chat with Charlotte Ager, debut illustrator of Child of Galaxies by Blake Nuto, and it was wonderful to gain some insight into this astounding book. Ager's thoughtful and mesmerizing illustrations encourage readers to dig deep into themselves, and I'm pleased to share our conversation here. Enjoy!
May 30, 2020
Crushes of the Week: May 24-30, 2020
This week's crushes:
- Maisie Mammoth's Memoirs: A Guide to Ice Age Celebs by Rob Hodgson and Michael J. Benton (Thames and Hudson, May 2020)
- Lone Wolf by Sarah Kurpiel (Greenwillow Books, May 2020)
- A Lovely Journey by Yingfan Chen (Reycraft Books, May 2020)
- Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale by Sam Wedelich (Scholastic Press, June 2020)
- You Matter by Christian Robinson (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, June 2020)
May 28, 2020
FELIX AFTER THE RAIN
Felix After the Rain by Dunja Jogan explores the power of utilizing a support system when it comes to mitigating grief and bringing levity and perspective to upsetting situations.
May 25, 2020
Let's Talk Illustrators #145: Olaf Hajek
Olaf Hajek's illustrations in Flower Power: The Magic of Nature's Healers, written by Christine Paxmann, are downright magical. There is such a strong feeling of magic embedded in the floral portraits that the border between reality and fantasy becomes delightfully blurred and open to imagination. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Olaf!
