I teach Grade 1/2 in a tiny farming community that includes North Buxton - one of the original Black settlements in Ontario, Canada that provided a safe destination for formerly enslaved people. The descendants of some of the founders of that community sit in my classroom every day. I read so many of your books to my students and EVERY time one of my kiddos excitedly points out a child who has hair that looks like theirs. Their smiles and excitement are a testament to the magic of your work! Thank you for bringing my kiddos such joy!
My son has requested so many hairstyles from your illustrations and sees himself in your drawings! It's so nice that he has your art to shape how he thinks of himself.
Honestly, your beautiful artwork and spirit bring me joy and hope almost every day, at home reading with my own kids and with my grade 2/3 students (Vancouver Island, Canada). Your work is truly beautiful and make hope for a better world possible.
I love your artwork and have slowly collected your books over the years. It’s so important to make characters relatable to children, and I think you do a beautiful job of portraying that for this generation.
Wow, I love the passion and the mission you have, the ‘thought experiment’, I feel it in your words, and art, your market street book was the first time I cried reading a picturebook, happy tears!
It’s working your healing work is healing me too even though I come from a completely different culture and context!
Christian! I loved this and didn’t know this about your mother. I had a very similar experience with my mom who has struggled with addiction, among other things, her whole life. I did a whole 6 episode series on my podcast last year called Right Side Out about it last year and it ends with a conversation with her. Anyway. Loved your thoughts here. Here’s the series in case you’re curious: andyjpizza.com/rso
I teach Grade 1/2 in a tiny farming community that includes North Buxton - one of the original Black settlements in Ontario, Canada that provided a safe destination for formerly enslaved people. The descendants of some of the founders of that community sit in my classroom every day. I read so many of your books to my students and EVERY time one of my kiddos excitedly points out a child who has hair that looks like theirs. Their smiles and excitement are a testament to the magic of your work! Thank you for bringing my kiddos such joy!
My son has requested so many hairstyles from your illustrations and sees himself in your drawings! It's so nice that he has your art to shape how he thinks of himself.
I loved watching you make the collage cards on your IG account. The care you took in the girl's hair, it was really heart warming.
Honestly, your beautiful artwork and spirit bring me joy and hope almost every day, at home reading with my own kids and with my grade 2/3 students (Vancouver Island, Canada). Your work is truly beautiful and make hope for a better world possible.
🌈 🩷💜💙🩵💚💛🧡❤️🤎
Radiant joy!
Your hair styles are inspiring 🤗
Beautiful ❤️
Your work is iconic and a true joy to look at. 🫶🏻
I love your artwork and have slowly collected your books over the years. It’s so important to make characters relatable to children, and I think you do a beautiful job of portraying that for this generation.
Wow, I love the passion and the mission you have, the ‘thought experiment’, I feel it in your words, and art, your market street book was the first time I cried reading a picturebook, happy tears!
It’s working your healing work is healing me too even though I come from a completely different culture and context!
Christian! I loved this and didn’t know this about your mother. I had a very similar experience with my mom who has struggled with addiction, among other things, her whole life. I did a whole 6 episode series on my podcast last year called Right Side Out about it last year and it ends with a conversation with her. Anyway. Loved your thoughts here. Here’s the series in case you’re curious: andyjpizza.com/rso
Interesting. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
I love this!!
I love this. I’m so glad you’re doing these posts, Christian!
You and your work are such a light. Thank you for making it and sharing it with us all 💙