On Saturday I took leave from my art prison to visit with the wonderful librarians and young patrons at the Brooklyn Public Library. Award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Pat Cummings is Brooklyn Public Library’s 2016 Katowitz Radin Artist-in-Residence. Being the generous spirit that she is, Pat invited former students and illustrators she has mentored … Read more
On Saturday I conducted a free bookmaking workshop for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s Saturday’s Child series. Families came from Washington DC, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City to learn how to make picture books. After a brief chat about my work and what I do as an illustrator, I led families through a quick accordion … Read more
Last week I spent a few days in snowy Montpelier as author/illustrator in residence at Vermont College of Fine Arts in their Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children & Young Adults program. It is a low residency program where students meet for ten days of workshops and lectures and then spend six months working … Read more
It’s that time of year again! Kids are heading off to school and parents are celebrating the end of summer vacation. It is also time for me to clean and organize a bit before settling into my fall and winter work routine. I have been accumulating books all year and it’s time to share some of … 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
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
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
My editor at Lee and Low e-mailed me a coupla weeks ago to let me know that SUNDAY SHOPPING has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild Selection! I was super surprised to hear the news because our book just went to press back in October, but JLG chooses books based on previews before the books … Read more
I didn’t work this weekend. On Saturday I posted my usual facebook mantra of “coffee . . . work . . .”, but only accomplished hauling the reference books I need for my next book upstairs to my bed from couch island. I am out of half-and-half and for the last couple of days, have been … Read more