Working to Change the Narrative
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CHILDREN'S BOOKS
BOOK: I AFFIRM ME
May 4, 2021
a modern alphabet book of affirmations for children to inspire and remind them of their inner power, glow, and strength.
While this is the first children’s book I ever wrote, it is the second I have had illustrated and published. My goal in designing the book was to create an alphabet book of affirmations for children to inspire them and remind them of their inner power, glow, and strength. I wanted to create something that reassures them what we already know to be true. My inspiration came to me from running across the Back to School Vintage Alphabet, cue my ABC book.
“Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful, and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become.” ~ Brooke Hampton
BOOK: WHAT'S THE COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN?
February 16, 2020
What's the Commotion in the Ocean? is a rhyming children's book reflecting on the current happenings in the ocean and what we can do to help. Being a humanitarian is at the core of my being, and I am to live by the quote, "The true meaning of life is planting trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit." I wrote this book to address our impact as humans on the ocean and inspire change.
A mermaid tells the story, and she is African American. It is inspired by my love of mermaids and fantasy lore. I have always wanted to be a mermaid, but it is hard to have or live out those dreams if you rarely see illustrations, images, or media that reflect this. The ability to see yourself in a book is a beautiful experience, one that I want for all children. It is currently a privilege, one readily available to some, but not all.
ALLY BABY CAN: BE FEMINIST (ALLY BABY CAN, 1)
June 21, 2022
Ally Baby Can: Be Feminist models how young kids can stand up for women and nonbinary people in the fight against sexism and gender inequality.
Extensive back matter includes important guidelines for allyship, a kid-friendly reading list, and other helpful resources for baby and you.
It is never too early to learn about ways to change our world.
ALLY BABY CAN: BE AN ECO ACTIVIST (ALLY BABY CAN, 2)
February 14, 2023
Ally Baby Can is a rhyming paper-over-board picture book series that introduces allyship and activism to tiny changemakers!
In Ally Baby Can: Be an Eco-Activist, readers will learn effective ways to save our best friends: humanity, wildlife, and planet earth. Ally Baby Can models how young kids can stand up for our planet, and all who live here, and make environmentally friendly choices.
Extensive back matter includes important guidelines for action, a kid-friendly reading list, and other helpful resources for baby and you.
It is never too early to learn about ways to change our world.
I AM SOMEBODY
June 27, 2023
An empowering picture book about the importance of stepping up (and speaking up) to address injustice and effect change within our daily lives, from the author of I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids.
I Am Somebody takes the reader on a journey over the course of a day, as our main character notices various forms of neglect and injustice—from trash on the sidewalk and students butting in line waiting for the bus, to not sharing on the playground and bullying about food. In each instance, the young child remarks that SOMEBODY should do something to remedy the situation(s) until, eventually, they realize that they are the person that can effect change. This powerful story reminds us that every living thing is unique and should be treated with kindness and respect and that we are ALL “somebody.”
MY WHY
I started writing because, as a wife, I often think about our future additions to the family and what I want for them. What I want them to see and know about themselves. I need them to know who they are before anybody tells them who they are.
UPCOMING TITLES
HarperCollins
ALLY BABY CAN: BE ANTIRACIST
HarperCollins
ALLY BABY CAN: BE AN LGBTQIA2S (QUEER) ALLY
Running Press Kids
KEEP DREAMING BLACK CHILD
Penguin Random House South Africa
THE SOUTH AFRICAN ALPHABET OF AFFIRMATIONS
Running Press Kids