After five years of development, Akilah Green, also known as Akilah the Genius, is ready to introduce the world to her debut children’s book, Wash Those Hands (Page Publishing, August 25, 2005). With an accompanied coloring book, book tour, and catchy jingle underway, Green is determined to finally make her mark in children’s publishing.
She once wrote an unreleased poetry book (as well as other stories) and even pursued … Read the rest
Illustrator and character designer Robert Paul Jr. came up on SBC during our conversation with author and entrepreneur Markette Sheppard in regards to their picture book Ninja Nate, which released this past September. Paul also illustrated I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams by Tanisia Moore, which came out earlier that September.
Paul, who will release a book of his own, recently chatted with SBC about his career, insights, journey, and … Read the rest
As we know, book store owners and booksellers are a big part of the publishing community and/or book world. We know them to give book recommendations—among other things. But what advice do they have for readers aside from what to read? Sherrele Goloversic, founder and owner of The Book Readers Venue, based in Humble, Texas, offered her perspective in a recent interview on SBC.
In addition to being kind … Read the rest
When Emmy-winning television host, marketing executive, and bestselling author Markette Sheppard returned to SBC in support of her new children’s book Ninja Nate (Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September 26, 2023) illustrated by Robert Paul Jr., we asked if it starts with an idea or confidence.
It was during this topic that Sheppard revealed the success story of a book idea of hers that had gotten … Read the rest
Amanda Henke had dabbled in creative writing before, but did not take it seriously until she was encouraged to do so. Having had success in marketing and business ( she co-owned the Oprah-approved Annie B’s) the writer was ready for something new.
In 2017, she conceived the children’s book Not A Book About Bunnies illustrated by Anna Daviscourt (Starry Forest Books) while in a graduate program for children’s writing. She … Read the rest
Often, when people share that they have written a book, they are met with congratulatory responses. While the reason may seem obvious, let us unpack an author’s perspective on why this is common. New York-based entrepreneur, educator, and debut author Cheyenne Gadsden recently appeared on SBC in support of her children’s book Dream Big Young One: Believe it and It Will Come True.
“That is a milestone,” she says. … Read the rest
The phrase “Not all heroes wear capes,” coincides with the concept of the acclaimed Hero book series by award-winning author, educator, and sports journalist, Jerald LeVon Hoover.
“When people look at the books,” he tells SBC, “you’re not going to see one person with a cape on or a mask on or a uniform on—not unless it’s a basketball uniform. In other words, they’re going to be regular folk … Read the rest
Once upon a time, adult and young adult novelist Suzanne Park swore by the technique of writing every day. Now, after five published books and counting, The Christmas Clash (October 4, Sourcebooks Fire) author has an evolved take. “The idea at the time was if you write every day, if you write a page a day—it doesn’t have to be every single day—just means five days out of the seven … Read the rest
The relationship that young people have with books and reading help shape who they become. Entrepreneur, speaker, and debut author Tiffany Lanier reflects on how her beginnings with literature made her the woman she is today. The defining moment arrived when she was in the third grade at one of her parent-teacher conferences.
“The teacher told my mom she felt like I was illiterate,” The Morning Shift Co. founder tells … Read the rest
When you write a story, you not only hope it will resonate, you also hope that those involved in the creative process will do it justice. So, how did children’s book author John Bray feel when he could not communicate with illustrator Josh Cleland during the development of The End (Starry Forest Books, September 13, 2022)?
“It was nerve-wracking because you’re handing over–kind of a child–a thing that … Read the rest
