shadrieka This weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at Simmons College in Boston. One of the perks of speaking at these functions is being able to attend other artist/author talks and workshops as well. The only drawback is usually finding myself fighting off headaches from so much mental stimulation. My panel was held on Saturday … Read more
I believe in making connections and using my resources and talents in whatever way that I can to help others. Teaching has been a direct reflection of that. Having been raised by raised by a teacher, watching one of my uncles serve his community as a social worker, and having an aunt who has been committed to … Read more
What a week! Since my semester ended, I have been busier than ever outside of my studio. I’m itching to get back to work. On Sunday I attended my first BookCon where I spoke on a panel with Cheryl Willis-Hudson, Rita WIlliams-Garcia, and Jerdine Nolen. The panel was moderated by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti. Our topic was … Read more
Sunday Shopping is finally out in the world! So far the reviews have been wonderfully positive. Here’s what folks are saying: “A splendid choice for collections in need of picture books that feature African American characters, but, more significantly, a lovely title that celebrates imagination and the importance of family.” – SLJ “Strickland’s bright, breezy … Read more
This is a post I did a couple of years ago. I wanted to repost for those who are new to publishing and my blog: One of my facebook friends sent this message to me yesterday: Hey Shadra! Hope you are well. I wrote a book a few years ago and am interested in trying … Read more
SUNDAY SHOPPING received its first strong review today from Kirkus! “As comfortable as a Sunday afternoon with Grandma, Derby’s picture book sneaks a wee bit of financial literacy into her story of playtime and imagination…Simple phrasing, sparse and easy to read, and charmingly spare watercolor art help create a feeling that is at once realistic … Read more
As an illustrator my life generally revolves around deadlines and collaboration with others. While this works pretty well for me, sometimes I need to take a step back and make art for myself. It is usually never planned; my life is super busy between teaching and book-making. Those flashes of inspiration are stolen gems and it … Read more
Sadly, I missed the Philly book festival three weeks ago due to school commitments, but I did make it to Philly afterwards for a presentation with second graders sponsored by PECO Energy in conjunction with Philly Reads. It was a great day of book and art talk. Each student took a signed book home and got … Read more
White Water on TVOne Check out White Water’s screen adaptation this Saturday, FEBRUARY 7th (and throughout February) on TVOne at 8PM. Starring Larenz Tate, Sharon Leal and introducing twins Amari and Amir O’Neil, White Water is the imaginative tale of Michael, a seven-year-old black child in the summer of 1963 who becomes obsessed with the desire … Read more
I am writing this on the train heading back from a daytrip to NY to pick up my art from the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. Originally I had planned a quiet day where I would see only a couple of people, spending most of the day alone in the city. Last night I realized that … Read more