Illustrated Books

 
 
 

Sir Morien

Full of humor, drama, and adventure, this retelling of a little-known figure of Arthurian Legend, co-written by friends Kaliis Smith and #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, is perfect for any knight in training. 

Prince Morien was brave and clever and true…

The brave North African knight Morien is on a quest to find his father, who had set off on an adventure of his own and never returned. But every knight he meets wants to fight! At first, Morien is determined to best them all, until he meets some knights willing to quest with him. Together, they discover not only the importance of friendship, but also Morien’s long-lost father!

 

Mommy Time

Rollicking rhyme and playful illustrations record a day in the life of two rambunctious children and their stay-at-home mother.

As fun as it is being a kid, it can be hard work being a mom. To the children, the day is a happy blur of school and playdates, singing and dancing, supermarket walks and library stops, bath time, story time, bedtime. But Mommy’s time is filled with a whole lot more—sweeping, laundry, stinky diapers—tiring work achieved with love in her eyes and care in her smiles.

Written by Monique James-Duncan, Mommy Time is an intimate picture book debut that captures the joys—and occasional struggles—of being a stay-at-home parent.

 

Twelve Dinging Doorbells

Written by Tameka Fryer-Brown, Twelve Dinging Doorbells is a cumulative all-holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy, especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and all family celebrations.

Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact. The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there’s no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise. 

 
 
 

Hex Allen and the Clanksmiths

Hex Allen and the Clanksmiths is a middle grade adventure written by debut author, Jasmine Florentine—a MIT graduate and mechanical engineer—and illustrated by Ebony Glenn. Considered a misfit by her society because she can’t cast even the simplest of spells, Hex Allen sets out after a lengendary dragon who grants a single wish every century. Along the way, she meets a pair of Clanksmiths whose secret STEM-based skills challenge her dream of a ‘normal’ life.

 
 

Cats Can

A rollicking rhyme that celebrates the playful and mischievous similarities between cats and toddlers!

Whether they’re stretching and scheming, playing or dreaming, cats love to make mischief, sneak snacks, and cuddle up in a cozy spot, just like . . . kids! Cats Can proves that kittens and kids are more alike than we think. Roseanne Greenfield Thong’s rhyming romp is perfectly matched by the vibrant, energetic illustrations of Ebony Glenn in this playful read-aloud.

 

Strut, Baby, Strut

In this empowering and heartfelt board book, girls of all ages are encouraged to dream big and be proud of who they are.

From baby to toddler to big girl to teen to young lady, and finally, a confident woman, this lyrical, rhyming story teaches little girls to reach high, be bold, and love big at any and every stage of their life. Full of inspiring life lessons every parent strives to teach their child from day one, this story, written for little girls everywhere, is about growing up, loving yourself, and embracing your womanhood.

 

Red Shoes

Malika is delighted when Nana surprises her with a beautiful new pair of red shoes! And with a click-clack-click and a swish, swish, swish, Malika wears her wonderful new shoes everywhere she goes. But the day finally comes when the shoes begin to pinch Malika's toes, and she has to give them away. ‘Who will be the next to wear the red shoes?’ Malika wonders. In Red Shoes, readers follow the shoes all the way across the world to Ghana in Africa, where Amina, another little girl, who has fasted her first time for Ramadan is about to get an amazing gift! Karen English and Ebony Glenn have crafted a satisfying and heartwarming story about a pair of shoes, two girls, and a connection they share across continents.

 

Speak Up

When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. Written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Ebony Glenn, this spirited, vibrant picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed. Join a diverse group of kids on a busy school day as they discover so many different ways to speak up and make their voices heard! From shouting out gratitude for a special treat to challenging a rule that isn’t fair, these young students show that simple, everyday actions can help people and make the world a better place.

 

Flying High: The Story of Simone Biles

Before she was a record-breaking gymnast competing on the world stage, Simone Biles spent time in foster care as a young child. Nimble and boundlessly energetic, she cherished every playground and each new backyard.  When she was six years old, Simone's family took shape in a different way. Her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles adopted Simone and her sister Adria. Ron and Nellie became their parents. Simone was also introduced to gymnastics that same year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family. From her athletic early childhood to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, Flying High is the story of the world's greatest gymnast from author Michelle Meadows and illustrator Ebony Glenn.

 

The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan

Told in compelling prose by debut picture-book author Joan DiCicco and dynamic illustrations from Ebony Glenn, The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan is a powerful biography of an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. Using his ingenuity and tenacity, Garrett overcame racial barriers and forged a career as a successful businessman and inventor in the early twentieth century. But when a tunnel collapsed trapping twenty working minors in the Waterworks Tunnel Disaster of 1916, the rescue would test both Garrett's Safety Hood invention and his courage.

 

Not Quite Snow White

Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance—and she’s pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role. But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play it. They whisper, they snicker, and they glare, but will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call?  Written by debut author Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Ebony Glenn, Not Quite Snow White highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. It truly is a delightful and inspiring picture book for magical yet imperfect girls everywhere.
Release Date: July 9th, 2019

 

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins

Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, during a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused.  Unperturbed by the discrimination and rejection she experienced, she continued to go after her dreams never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, Brave Ballerina shares the story of one of the most prolific dancers in ballet and American history. Written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Ebony Glenn.

 

Mommy’s Khimar

A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and illustrator Ebony Glenn. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.