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
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
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
It has been a looooong week and semester. In a few days I will say goodbye to the very first group of students I taught. I can’t believe that I have been teaching for three years already. It has been a great experience so far. I’ve had more good days than bad, and more students … Read more
I spent last weekend in New York with over a thousand authors and illustrators. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators held its annual winter conference. Members span the globe and were fully present at this weekend’s events. I was in observer mode mostly and didn’t get into meeting and greeting many people, but I … Read more
Ever wish you could receive stunning picturebooks in the mail each month for yourself or you a loved one? Zoobean is a service that not only offers picturebooks by mail, but you can also personalize subscriptions by age, gender, and interests. Created by fellow Syracuse University alumn, Felix Brandon Lloyd and his wife Jordan Bookey, … Read more
I love my work. I love making something that reaches far beyond my hands and home and touches people in intimate and personal ways. More importantly, I love being able to share my work with young people and hopefully inspire them to follow their dreams. Back in the spring at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, … Read more
Here’s a quick watercolor demo I did for one of my students yesterday. As a professional, I tend to forget how much my students need to learn at this level. I am really having to think about every facet of making illustration and how to convey that clearly to a group. I am also spending … Read more
Hello there everyone! Here’s a quick demo on how to make an accordion book. I’ve successfully used this activity in the classroom many times. You can see an example of the finished product in an earlier post here. Happy book making!
I was honored to be interviewed last year by Mary Napoli for an article she proposed for the Children’s Literature Assembly’s (CLA), Journal of Children’s Literature. Her article is titled, “Children’s Illustration as a Healing Process: Exploring the Work of Shadra Strickland” (I know, impressive right ;-)). The article was accepted and is available in … Read more