Vanessa Brantley-Newton
BIO
VANESSA BRANTLEY-NEWTON was born during the Civil Rights movement, and attended school in Newark, NJ. She was part of a diverse, tight-knit community and learned the importance of acceptance and empowerment at early age.
Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats was the first time she saw herself in a children’s book. It was a defining moment in her life, and has made her into the artist she is today. As an illustrator, Vanessa includes children of all ethnic backgrounds in her stories and artwork. She wants all children to see their unique experiences reflected in the books they read, so they can feel the same sense of empowerment and recognition she experienced as a young reader.
Vanessa celebrates self-love and acceptance of all cultures through her work, and hopes to inspire young readers to find their own voices. She first learned to express herself as a little girl through song. Growing up in a musical family, Vanessa’s parents taught her how to sing to help overcome her stuttering. Each night the family would gather to make music together, with her mom on piano, her dad on guitar, and Vanessa and her sister, Coy, singing the blues, gospel, spirituals, and jazz. Now whenever she illustrates, music fills the air and finds its way into her art.
The children she draws can be seen dancing, wiggling, and moving freely across the page in an expression of happiness. Music is a constant celebration, no matter the occasion, and Vanessa hopes her illustrations bring joy to others, with the same magic of a beautiful melody.
CARLOTTA’S SPECIAL DRESS: HOW A WALK TO SCHOOL CHANGED CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY
Carlotta’s Special Dress: How A Walk To School Changed Civil Rights History is a moving picture book autobiography from a Civil Rights pioneer Carlotta Wells Lanier the youngest of the Little Rock Nine who won the right to attend an all white school in Little Rock, Arkansas. The book written in collaboration with author Lisa Page Frazier and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newtown includes an author’s note, comprehensive timeline, and historical photos that introduces a landmark event in the fight for desegregation and demonstrates the world-changing power children have to enact change through bravery and faith.
“This colorfully illustrated, heartfelt account gives young readers an excellent introduction to the turbulent integration of public schools in the South… An intimate, well-crafted glimpse at the Civil Rights Movement.”―Kirkus Review
MARY HAD A LITTLE JAM
Sometimes a little music can lead to a big performance! Fashion-forward Mary is known for adding flair everywhere she goes. One day, while strumming her ukulele, she decides to make music on a grander scale. And she knows she can use her stylish talent to organize a fabulous band. Soon she’s rehearsing with her friends. When the group strikes some wrong notes and chaos ensues, Mary steps up, takes the lead, and restores harmony—just in time for a big performance.
