1a. Hello Kelly! How long have you been writing books and approximately how many books have you traditionally published?

I’ve been a children’s book author for 22 years. I have 35 published books with more on the way.

1b. You write a variety of book genres, categories, and types ‐ in children’s lit. Can you please walk us along your writing journey and tell us what is your favorite to write?

The seed to be an author was planted by my mother making up bedtime stories starring my brother Kevin and me, taking us to children’s theater productions and seeing a children’s book with a Black girl on the cover for the first time. It grew day by day, word by word. I wrote in my diary, created poems and essays. I treasured books by Black authors I read in high school and college. I knew I wanted to make a difference by being a writer.

It was at Ebony magazine that I found my calling. I was a feature writer there and chose books to showcase in the Bookshelf column. The picture book, Something Beautiful, came across my desk. It spoke to me in a powerful way. I was looking at a sweet‐faced Black girl who wore her hair like I did as a child. Then, I read the story and was blown away by how it made her an agent of change. I wanted to create stories that did that too.

I joined SCBWI. I studied the work of authors like Jacqueline Woodson, Gavin Curtis and Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard. I was introduced to Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson of Just Us Books at an ALA conference. They published my first two children’s books, NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal and One Million Men and Me, illustrated by Peter Ambush. I was on my way.

I was drawn to this work by picture books and they remain among my favorite to write. But easy readers and chapter books have my heart too. I love how kids see the characters as friends and can’t wait to see what adventure they go on next.

1c. What was the experience like of having your book created for a stage production?

It was a dream come true to have a book adapted for the stage. I have wonderful memories of my mom taking my brother Kevin and me to Pittsburgh Playhouse Junior where we saw stories come to life. Having Tiara’s Hat Parade, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, turned into a children’s play was a full circle experience. Playwright Paige Hernandez stayed true to the heart of the story while extending and developing themes in beautiful ways. I loved watching it go through various stages on its way to production. I’m grateful to The Children’s Theater of Charlotte and all of the commissioning theaters for bringing the one‐woman show to their audiences and hosting me. And I’m in awe of actresses Lydia Danielle and Ahsha who made every part they played soar. Next stop is The Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska. Date to come. Can’t wait!

What would you say are the themes across all of your book writing efforts?

Common themes in my books are family, faith, home, creativity, Black culture, resilience, friendship and pride. My mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, faith and friendship and show all kids the stories they hold inside.

What is the significance of this message?

As a child, I only remember seeing one children’s book with a Black girl on the cover. That was Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I write so that all kids know that they deserve to be the stars of stories. I want them to know that if they don’t see themselves in a book, they can write themselves in.

Which ones of your books do you think would be good to read in summer?

Here are a few:
Picture books: My latest book, Riding Magic, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, is a great one for summer or anytime.
Easy readers: Ty’s Travels: Super Ty, which focuses on being a super helper, and Ty’s Travels: Backyard Beach, both illustrated by Niña Mata, are great summer reads too.
Chapter books: Check out Jada Jones: Nature Lover, cover by Vanessa Brantley Newton and interior illustrations by Nneka Myers, and Miles Lewis: Pet Sitter, illustrated by Wayne C. Spencer.

Why is it important to read during the summer months? What is the significance of family’s reading together, especially during the summer months?

Summer brings a break from school, but learning never stops. Kids can take adventures through books and strengthen their reading skills. It’s important to continue that connection to literature so it’s part of their daily life. We want them to see reading as fun not drudgery. When families read together, it shows the power of books and why they matter.

Any new books or events on the horizon that you want to mention?

My latest book is Riding Magic, illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner E.B. Lewis. It was inspired by my son finding the courage to ride a horse for the first time and my childhood memory of riding a pony. I have two more books debuting this year. Lyric’s Favorite Season, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson, comes out in September. It’s a soulful, rhyming ode to the seasons. Ty’s Travels: Block by Block, illustrated by Niña Mata, debuts in December. It celebrates friendship, conflict resolution, collaboration, adventure and imagination.

How can people purchase your books?

I love supporting indie bookstores. A dear friend, Breanna J. McDaniel, opened one recently in Hapeville, GA. It’s called Impossible Moon Bookshop. It would be wonderful if people would buy copies of my books through her store. Here’s the link: Bookshop.org US. Breanna is an award‐winning author too, so please also support her titles.

So, I like to encourage comments on my blog posts by offering something to one of the people who reads and comments on it. Authors either offer an AMA session, a critique, or a free book? What would you like to offer to the lucky person who comments on your blog and wins?

I would be happy to offer a signed copy of my new picture book, Riding Magic.

Any other words, phrases, or thoughts you want to share?

Thanks so much for hosting me. Supporting and buying books are acts of intention, power and love. I appreciate your advocacy and kindness.

Thank you!!!!