Creator Q&A

Harlem at Four

New from a New York Times bestselling author and a critically acclaimed illustrator!

Painting on an easel.
Harlem at Four

A Stunning and Powerful Picture Book Told In Two Parts

Meet Harlem: the girl and the neighborhood. Part one follows the adventures of a little girl named Harlem and her single father as they go on a museum “playdate” with painters Romare Bearden and Jean-Michel Basquiat, listen to John Coltrane records, and conduct science experiments in their apartment (“The volcano erupts /Red lava on Valentine’s Day!”).

Part two takes us back to the fourth year of the twentieth century in Harlem’s neighborhood. Here, we are introduced to Philip A. Payton Jr., aka Papa Payton, whose Afro-American Realty Company gave birth to the Black housing explosion, helping to start America’s Great Black Migration. Because of Papa Peyton, Black families—like Harlem and her father a century later—could move to Harlem and thrive and flourish.

This is a unique, absolutely gorgeous picture book by New York Times bestselling author Michael Datcher and illustrated by Frank Morris, the Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist weaves together the lives of a modern Black family and a historically Black neighborhood in New York City.

Q&A with Paul O. Zelinsky, illustrator of Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred

A new fairy-tale retelling from award-winning creators Deborah Hopkinson and Paul O. Zelinsky!

Experience a new, uproarious rendition of the classic fairy tale of Cinderella – narrated by the mouse who will ultimately become her coach horse. This version boasts a powerful message of female empowerment and inclusivity, with striking illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky and written by award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson. The book also delves into the origins of fairy tale pumpkins and how they came to be named as such.

A Q&A with illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky

What message do you hope readers take away from CINDERELLA AND A MOUSE CALLED FRED?

PAUL: I’m happy for young readers not to take any message from this book. What I hope for is any strong connection, of the reader’s own making. Books for children will always be used to teach, but I want them also to do what literature does: engage a human being on as many levels as possible. And the younger the child, the more idiosyncratic and personal the connections that they forge. Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred has plenty of content you can think about and discuss, but it’s also just funny, and that’s a worthy end in itself.

You have both written and/or illustrated many books for young readers; what draws you to writing/illustrating for children?

PAUL: I wonder why anybody would want to do anything with their life other than make books for children! What else could you make that would be valued more by so many people (and people who are so adorable)? And even if I never had the privilege of meeting young readers in school visits or library programs and seeing their enthusiasm, it would be enough to remember first-hand the feelings that a great children’s book can engender; there’s nothing else like them. And those feelings, those relationships with favorite books, can continue for life.

The Cinderella story has been retold many times; what drew you to the story, and inspired your fresh take on it?

PAUL: I have made my own versions of some classic fairy tales, so I think I know the territory. But of course, my take this time was based on Deborah’s story.  I was also influenced by talking with our editor Anne Schwartz about the manuscript— how it plays with girly and non-girly expectations, and how I could do something similar with the pictures.

Do you have a favorite illustration in the book? Which is it and why?

PAUL: I have to say in all modesty that quite a few of the spreads in the book amuse me, and I don’t have a single favorite.

One picture that I like is of Fred morphing from a mouse into a howling horse. A lot of people will probably assume that I copied Fred’s face from Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica,” with its very similar horses shrieking amid the mayhem of the Spanish Civil War. “Guernica” used to be on exhibit in New York’s Museum of Modern Art, where I saw it many times. I can’t deny the connection with Fred, but it was completely unconscious. I finished my drawing, looked at it, and said “Oh no, I just drew Picasso’s shrieking horse!” Since that moment I have avoided looking at Guernica to see how far the resemblance goes.

When I look at my blasé, bossy, middle-aged Fairy Godmother in this story I have a suspicion that she, too, might be some character I knew in childhood and am unwittingly just redrawing.

Deborah Hopkinson

Deborah Hopkinson

Deborah Hopkinson is the author of many highly acclaimed picture books, including A Letter to My Teacher, which received two starred reviews, and the modern classic Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, which the New York Times called “inspiring.” Her other books include Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, and Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book. She lives in Oregon with her family.

Paul O. Zelinsky

Paul O. Zelinsky

Paul O. Zelinsky was born in Evanston, Illinois. He attended Yale University, where he took a course with Maurice Sendak, which later inspired him to pursue a career in children's books. He went on to receive a graduate degree in painting from Tyler School of Art, in Philadelphia and Rome. His first book was published in 1978. Among many other awards and prizes, he received the 1998 Caldecott Medal for his illustrated retelling of Rapunzel, as well as Caldecott Honors for three of his books: Hansel and Gretel (1985), Rumpelstiltskin (1987), and Swamp Angel (1995). Paul Zelinsky lives in New York with his wife, Deborah.

Inside the making of MINE! by award-winning collaborators Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann!

Read a special Q&A with the creators of Mine!

Mine!

Mine! By Candace Fleming; illustrated by Eric Rohmann

This rhythmic read-aloud about sharing by an award-winning author and a Caldecott medalist features a series of hilariously selfish forest animals.

In a tall, tall tree, at the tip-tippy top, hangs a single red apple...
 
    Along skirts Mouse. “An apple!” she squeaks, "How divine! When it tumbles to the ground, it’ll all be mine!” 
    And so it goes, for Hare, Fox, Deer, and Bear, who each can't wait to get their hands on the apple. 
    Soon the wind huffs and puffs, the branch snips and snaps, and down the apple falls. Only one shiny red apple for five furry creatures? What are they to do?! 
    Here is a read-aloud picture book, perfect for storytime, that will have kids repeating the refrain “Mine!”... complete with an ending that celebrates sharing and is sure to surprise! 

Watch the Inside the Illustrators Studio video to see how Michaela Goade (Remember), Eric Rohmann (Mine!), Frank Morrison (Harlem at Four), and Rudy Gutierrez (Window Fishing) create their books.

Candace Fleming

Candace Fleming is the prolific and versatile award-winning author of many acclaimed books for children and young adults. Her most recent picture book, Honeybee, illustrated by Eric Rohmann, received seven starred reviews and the Robert F. Sibert Medal and appeared on countless Best of the Year lists. Candace’s other picture books include Oh, No!, which received three starred reviews, as well as Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, which received tons of state recognition and was an NYPL and School Library Journal Best Book. Visit her on the web at candacefleming.com.

 

 

Eric Rohmann

Eric Rohmann is the author/illustrator of the Caldecott Medal-winning My Friend Rabbit and the Caldecott Honor Book Time Flies. He also illustrated Candace Fleming’s Giant Squid, which received three starred reviews, and Honeybee, recipient of the Robert F. Sibert Medal, which the New York Times called “positively riveting.” Visit him at ericrohmann.com

Behind the Book: Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon G. Flake

Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a Blue Moon By Sharon G. Flake

A beautiful and uplifting novel in verse about family, friendship, journeys that take us far from home and back again, renewed and more courageous from the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winner of The Skin I'm In!

James Henry used to be brave. He hasn't been the same since that fateful night at the lighthouse when his ma went searching for Dog. Now months later, he feels as small as the space between the numbers on a watch, nervous day and night, barely able to go outside. Even words have a hard time leaving his mouth. The only person he speaks to is Hattie, his courageous twin sister, who fiercely protects him, especially from bullies.

James Henry wants nothing more than to be brave again. However, finding his voice will mean confronting the truth about what happened at the lighthouse-a step James Henry isn't sure he can take. Until a blue moon is forecast, and as Gran has said, everything is possible under a rare blue moon . . .

* "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." —The Horn Book, starred review

A Letter from Sharon G. Flake to her readers

Read a Q&A with author Sharon G. Flake

Fresh Voices: Q&A with Meeg Pincus and Merdith McKean Gimbel, author and illustrator of DOOR BY DOOR

A nonfiction picture book about Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and became the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.

What inspired you to write/illustrate Door by Door

MP: It began with reading Sarah’s coming out story in our college alumni magazine in 2012. I was so moved by it and realized that, while I’d been working for gay rights for 20+ years, as a cis woman, I really didn’t know much about trans rights or trans experiences. So, her story inspired me to dive in, learn, and better understand trans lives, struggles, and history. This then made a huge impact on my own life when a very close loved one came to me for support around their gender identity.

As I had the honor of walking alongside my trans loved one on their transition journey, and getting involved in the trans advocacy community, I kept thinking back to Sarah’s story. As a children’s book author, I knew hers was an important story that kids could relate to, and I approached her about writing it – before she became a senator, actually! – and she was so gracious and enthusiastic. Five years later, we have Door by Door.

MMG: I knew I wanted to illustrate Meeg Pincus’s manuscript about Senator Sarah McBride as soon as I read it. I love how Meeg wrote about Sarah’s journey growing up. It’s touching to see the way she grew into her leadership roles, fully embraced her gender identity, and eventually shared her true self with her loved ones. Senator McBride is such an inspiring, well-spoken, and graceful person so it’s been neat to illustrate a story about her life. And I will say that as a non-binary kid growing up in the 80s and 90s, I didn’t have the privilege of reading about gender diverse people who did great things. I’m delighted I get to be part of a team that created such an important book.

What was the most difficult part about writing/illustrating the book? What part was the easiest? 

MP: I think the most difficult part was trying to do justice to Sarah’s story, wanting to get it right for her and reflect her authentically and fully – in just 40 pages! (That’s always the trick with picture book biographies but especially with a living subject.) Luckily, she was so generous with her time and feedback, which helped tremendously in making sure I was on track (and I wouldn’t have done it without her participation!).

The easiest part was working with Sarah, the amazing editor, Kelly Delaney, and fabulous illustrator, Meridth McKean Gimbel. We all just clicked and were so passionate about the project and our shared vision for it, the process was just a joyful collaboration.

MMG: Many trans people feel discomfort or even trauma when looking at images of themselves before they transition. I wanted to be mindful of that, and still create illustrations that felt true to who Sarah has always been as a person. We were very fortunate to have her review all the art created for this story. Because of the personal nature of Senator McBride’s journey of embracing her gender identity, we could not have done this book without her feedback. She was really generous with her time and an integral part of helping us create a respectful representation of her life.

I think the easiest part of illustrating this story was choosing the color palette. This is a pride book about a politician. The colors were pretty much set from the get-go. I had fun placing trans and pride colors throughout the book. And I am happy that the endpages have been received as I intended. The opening pages, with their blue and grey doors closed, symbolizing how the world saw Sarah before she came out, and how restricting that was to her. After we read how she embraced her identity, and excelled in politics, we see the closing endpages with rainbow-colored doors. Sarah’s blue door has been opened, and a triumphant trans wave of colors sparkles through the doorway.

What character or element of the story do you identify with the most and why?

MP: My heart just aches for, and relates to, Sarah’s journey of being “different” from the dominant culture and unsure if she could be fully herself and still pursue her dreams to make an impact.

I have multiple ways I’m “different” myself and I still grapple with embracing all the parts of me fully, the worries of being accepted and included, while also feeling called to be out there making positive change in a sometimes-cruel world. It’s this human, emotional struggle that’s at the heart of the story, and that I think kids will understand innately as well.

MMG: I feel a strong connection with Senator McBride’s journey of getting to know herself and embracing her gender identity. I grew up in a conservative environment that often categorized gender in a way that gave me extreme discomfort or anxiety. I too have a clear memory of boys and girls being put into separate lines, in my gym class, and me not wanting to line up on either side. I felt like I belonged to both groups and that didn’t belong to either. We didn’t have the term non-binary when I was a kid, so I grew up feeling like I was the only one who felt alienated and detached from the gender assigned to me. As an adult, I read books about trans and non-binary folks. I realized that these books were describing me. Once I had the terminology, the pronouns that better reflected my identity, and the support I needed, I felt at home. It took me longer than it should have to find peace within myself. That process all started with a book, which is why I feel that books, like this one, are so important.

What do you want kids today to take away from this story?

 MP: I hope kids will take away validation for who they are, compassion and understanding for others who may be different from them, and as Sarah says in her note in the book, the belief that their story matters – that everyone’s story matters, and if we listen to each other, we can create a more safe, healthy, and equal world.

 MMG: Growing up we’ve all struggled to be seen and valued for our true selves. I hope the kids reading this story will be empowered to embrace themselves for who they are and see that when they live their lives as their authentic selves, they can dream big, and accomplish big things. And specifically, to the queer and trans kids that see themselves in this book, I hope they feel loved and celebrated.

What are you currently reading?

MP: I just started reading Daniel Nayeri’s Everything Sad is Untrue. And I stopped short at this line, which just says everything for me: “If you listen, I’ll tell you a story. We can know and be known to each other, and then we’re not enemies anymore.”

 MMG: I always have a big stack of books, and I bounce back and forth between them. Here are a few books I’m currently reading; Black Beach by Shaunna and John Stith and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, Baby’s Here!written by Jessica Young and illustrated by Genevieve Godbout, Maribel’s Year written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Sarah Gonzalez, The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo, Thisby Thestoop and the Wretched Scrattle by Zac Gorman, Ducks by Kate Beaton, and The Tunnels by Greg Mitchell.

Door by Door

Door by Door By Meeg Pincus; illustrated by Meridth McKean Gimbel

Senator Sarah McBride is now the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives!

A nonfiction picture book about Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.


As a kid, Sarah McBride dreamed of running for office so she could help people in her community. When her friends asked for bicycles for Christmas, Sarah asked for a podium. Her friends and family encouraged her to follow this path, but there was one problem: they saw Sarah as a boy, and Sarah knew she was a girl. Every night, she’d replay the day in her head, watching how it would have played out if she was able to live as the girl she knew herself to be.

In college, she finally came out as Sarah, and in 2024 she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, making her the highest-ranking trans political official in the country and a hero to kids everywhere who want to live their dreams and be themselves!

The Fresh Voices series is in coordination with the RHCB DEI Book Club Committee.
Random House Teachers and Librarians