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| Photo by Liz Bradley |
Sophia Robinson is the author of the new children's picture book Beautiful Black Boy. She is also an educator.
Q: What inspired you to write Beautiful Black Boy?
A: Beautiful Black Boy started as loving words I whispered to my son when he was a baby in early 2020. The world felt so scary and harsh, so I wanted the last words he heard before falling asleep to be positive and hopeful.
Since I was sleep-deprived, I wrote them down so I wouldn’t forget them. When I saw them written down, I just knew they should be a book.
Q: What do you think Ken Daley’s illustrations add to the book?
A: This book wouldn’t be the same without Ken’s illustrations! I had a few ideas before meeting with Ken that I didn’t share, and so many of Ken’s illustrations matched my ideas!
For example, we both had the idea of showing all different Black boys, so all Black boys could see themselves while they were reading the book.
His illustrations have so much energy and movement, and the colours he uses to bring the idea of Black Boy Joy to life perfectly complement my words. I especially love the way he wove my text throughout his artwork.
Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: I honestly don’t remember “choosing” the title. It was always going to be Beautiful Black Boy because I call my son Beautiful Boy. I love the idea of calling a boy beautiful as a way to counter negativity and stereotypes, especially when talking about Black boys.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?
A: Joy. Confidence. Hope. The feeling of a warm hug.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I'm working on a few picture book ideas right now, but they are all at very early stages.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: My second picture book about adoption, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, is set to be released in fall 2026!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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