February is a month of reflection and celebration when we honor the rich tapestry of Black history and the remarkable individuals who have shaped it. In the realm of children's literature, Black authors and illustrators have made profound contributions, crafting stories that inspire, educate, and ignite the imagination. As we commemorate Black History Month, let us pay tribute to four remarkable creators whose work continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
Virginia Hamilton (1934-2002): Virginia Hamilton was a literary luminary whose boundless imagination and lyrical prose captivated generations of readers. Hailing from Yellow Springs, Ohio, Hamilton drew upon her African American and Native-American heritage to create stories that resonated with authenticity and depth. Her groundbreaking novel, "M.C. Higgins, the Great," earned her the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1975, making her the first Black author to receive this honor. Hamilton's body of work encompassed diverse genres, from folklore and fantasy to historical fiction, each imbued with her trademark warmth and insight. Through her storytelling, Hamilton illuminated the richness of Black experiences and inspired countless aspiring writers to follow in her footsteps. Leo and Diane Dillon (Leo: 1933-2012, Diane: 1933-2015): Leo and Diane Dillon were a dynamic husband-and-wife team who left an indelible mark on the world of children's literature through their stunning illustrations. Their collaboration spans over five decades and encompassed various genres, from folklore and mythology to contemporary and science fiction. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the Dillons shared a passion for art and storytelling from an early age. They were pioneers in the field of multicultural children's books, bringing diverse characters and cultures to life with sensitivity and nuance. Their illustrations adorned numerous award-winning books, including "Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions," which earned them the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1977. The Dillons' distinctive artistic style, characterized by intricate detail and vibrant colors, captivated readers of all ages and inspires aspiring illustrators worldwide. Eloise Greenfield (1929-2021): Eloise Greenfield was a trailblazing author whose works celebrated the beauty, strength, and resilience of the African American experience. Born in Parmele, North Carolina, Greenfield began her writing career as a poet before transitioning to children's literature. Her books, including "Honey, I Love," "Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir," and "Night on Neighborhood Street," are beloved for their lyrical prose, relatable characters, and authentic portrayals of everyday life in Black communities. Greenfield's storytelling transcends cultural boundaries, offering universal themes of love, family, and self-discovery that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Greenfield's impact on children's literature is immeasurable, inspiring generations of young readers to see themselves reflected in the pages of books and embrace their unique stories with pride and joy. In honoring the legacies of Virginia Hamilton, Leo & Diane Dillon, and Eloise Greenfield, we not only celebrate their individual accomplishments but also recognize the collective impact of Black storytellers on children's literature. Their words resonate with readers of all backgrounds, reminding us of the importance of diverse voices in shaping our understanding of the world. As we commemorate Black History Month, let us recommit ourselves to amplifying and championing diverse narratives that reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Brentom Jackson is an award winning poet/writer, actor and psychotherapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With poetic voice, theatrical flair, and socio-emotional expertise Brentom tells stories that explore the universal lessons within Black-American history and heritage. His debut picture book Elijah's Easter Suit with Doubleday/Penguin Random House is available wherever books are sold. Follow him on all social media @brentomjackson. www.brentomjackson.com By Melissa Stoller February is a wonderful time to reflect on friendship and love. Valentine’s Day falls squarely in the middle of the month, perhaps bringing cards, candies, flowers, and special sentiments. This holiday can help you generate heartfelt ideas. Canva Image Here are a few prompts you can use for inspiration this season. 1) Check out cards at a card shop. Or write you own greetings. Notice themes that resonate with you. Can you imagine characters delivering any of the messages? Maybe the cards will spark a first line or story plot. 2) View online images of candies and flowers. Draw a scene that includes some of your favorite images. You can use stick figures! You can also add in some words. Then write a scene incorporating your artwork, words, and ideas. 3) Think about friends from your childhood. Write down three traits that you liked about each friend. Next, do the same with current friends. Also, write down three places where you visited with these friends. And finally, jot down three situations that included these friends. Mix and match the categories and see if you come up with a story plot. I hope these prompts help you generate and develop ideas and stories filled with heart this month. Let me know in the comments! MELISSA’S BIO: Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2025. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Trustee, and a past school and Synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. Melissa is represented by The Seymour Agency. CONNECT WITH MELISSA: https://www.MelissaStoller.com https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller www.twitter.com/melissastoller www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller |
We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome bloggers!!
Here's our lineup: 1st Mondays begin with former school psychologist Dr. Debra Collins who will be writing about Social emotional Learning in kidlit and behind the scenes as well as Jewish children's books. 2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books. 3rd Mondays will feature our new blogger coming soon. 4th Mondays features new blogger, the fabulous Brentom Jackson, who has a beautiful approach to blogging. And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break Archives
April 2024
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