Making Picture Books: Traci N. Todd & Rae Wynn-Grant

Have you ever wondered how a picture book comes together? Join authors Traci N. Todd and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant for a lively discussion as they explore how their beautiful picture books came to life. Moderated by Kali Thorne Ladd.

About That You Are Here Is No Small Thing:

A stunning exploration of the history of Black Americans by award-winning picture book team Traci N. Todd and Vashti Harrison.

The world is forever changed because you are here.

At once honest and empowering, That You Are Here Is No Small Thing is a story about resilience. In these stunning pages, young descendants of enslaved Africans are guided through the history that led them to exist and thrive today. Through their eyes, we see how Black Americans have relied on one another to fight against oppression and the ways in which the strength of their ancestors is always with them.

Sibert Honor winner Traci N. Todd and Caldecott Medalist Vashti Harrison have created an unforgettable exploration of culture and history that records the important survival story Black children carry and celebrates their hope for a radiant future.

About You Belong in the Wild:

You’re ready for the wild.

In this heartfelt, stunning picture book, a young child with a love for science discovers that while they don’t see other people like them working in nature, they do belong there.

Despite loving all things nature, Noa struggles to find her place in the wild. She loves watching nature shows, playing pretend with her stuffed animals, and recounting wildlife facts to her mom. But from what she’s seen, the people who work in nature don’t look like her. So, Noa must not belong there.

To convince her otherwise, Noa’s mom takes her on a journey from the city to a state park, where Noa meets a new park ranger friend who shows her that nature is full of diversity, and she belongs just like anyone else