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BRAVO! Poems About Amazing Hispanics
BRAVO! Poems About Amazing Hispanics, is my second collaboration with innovative, gifted writer, poet and friend Margarita Engle. This book celebrates the accomplishments, contributions and collective history of the Hispanic community. After the recent blitz of negative tweets and taunts, I’m thrilled to showcase these poems and amazing stories of Latinos who made an impact and difference with their remarkable lives.
2017 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Drum Dream Girl
Long ago in Cuba, young Millo dreamed of becoming a drummer. But women on the island were not allowed to play drums so she had to keep drumming and dreaming alone. It’s a girl power story about perseverance and breaking barriers.
It was so exciting to see my illustrations for this story and Margarita Engle’s stirring text come to life through the amazing animation talents of Ryan Swenar and Dreamscape. This week we found out that Millo did it again and brought home the 2017 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music.
Music that will live forever
Remembering 3 Great Ones who left us too soon in 2016. Their music will live forever.
Hope and the Playground of Possibility
How do we empower neighborhoods to come together and solve the challenges they face? Thanks to Mel Schuit for the opportunity to talk about the power of art to transform communities. Please check out the entire article at ALL THE WONDERS of Books. As the year winds down, I’m grateful to tell the story of this community work in MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL and the chance to paint murals with incredible children and families.
Feliz Navidad. Peace to our Planet.
From my studio to your casa. Wishing you Happy Holidays and Peace for our beautiful planet.
Wonder as you Wander
As the year winds down I’ve been thinking about wandering. Last month our family drove up the Northern California coastline discovering secluded beaches, taking in the remarkable power of nature. When my son Santiago found this stretch of sand, he threw off his shoes and socks, crossed an inlet of thigh deep water and started running. I eventually caught up with him when he slowed down, took a deep breath and there was this moment. With his help I connect again to that part of myself that really never changes, but sees the world with the wonder of a child.