Interview with Author/Illustrator Bea Jackson

Welcome Back, Booklovers! Last month I read Lily's Dream, which is the first in a new series (Fairies Welcome) from author/illustrator Bea Jackson. Now I'm coming at you with an interview where she discusses stepping into the author role, favorite projects, and her inspiration. 

What inspired you to get into illustration as a career? And did you have any formal training?

I was inspired by storytelling. I love movies and fantasy, and I always wanted to tell my own stories. I started by drawing different characters and creating stories about them. I haven’t had any formal training in illustration. 

Are there any artists that influence your early artwork?

I absolutely love Norman Rockwell’s work, and the way he’s able to capture a moment in time through his paintings. His work is still a big influence on me today.

What draws you to working on certain projects?

I love projects that challenge my imagination, or that teach me about something I didn’t know before, like a part of history or the life of a historical figure. I love stories about building connections and friendships.

How do you balance working on multiple projects?

It can be a challenge balancing multiple projects. But one thing I really appreciate about switching from one project to another is that it allows me the ability to approach it with a fresh set of eyes. 

How did you come up with the Fairies Welcome series? Was it always meant to be a series?

Lily’s Dream came from the idea that I wasn’t seeing Black fantasy stories. I’m starting to see Black fantasy more now, but when I first started thinking about a fairy story, there wasn’t a lot of representation of Black characters in fantasy. If there was a Black character, their magic was bad, or they were painted in a negative light. They were a villain, or they transformed into something else. You couldn’t see them as they were. I wanted to explore fantasy through Black characters whose world you were able to step into as people. I didn’t want it to be hyper-focused on their skin color, but that is where the idea came from: a desire to see Black fantasy.

Originally Fairies Welcome was just a story about two people connecting — a fairy and a human. But there’s only so much space in a 32-page picture book to allow the characters to meet and develop. The additional books allowed me to expand on their story and give the characters room to grow as people and show their friendship evolve over time. They have challenges, and learn from each other and grow together.

 In your author’s note you talk about the ways in which nature inspires you. Were there any specific locations that inspired any of the illustrations in Lily’s Dream? 

I live near a place called Cranbrook House and Gardens. It was once the home to a very affluent family, and is now a historical site. It’s a beautiful estate that has around 20 gardens. Some are Victorian, some are Japanese, they’re all different, and they have flowers from all over the country. It’s a beautiful place to spend time soaking up nature. I take a lot of inspiration from Cranbrook House and Gardens. I’ll visit and take photos of some of the plants and flowers that I want to incorporate into my illustrations. 

What is one big thing you learned stepping into the author role?

Before writing the Fairies Welcome series, a lot of my personal writing was geared toward an older audience. Writing this series, I had to learn how to communicate to younger people, how to speak their language and simplify things in a way that’s easier for children to understand. I also had to learn to find the right balance between text and artwork, so my illustrations could tell a visual story that complements the text.

Outside of your picture books do you have a favorite project? 

The first time I was paid to draw whatever I wanted was my Christmas collection for Target. Most of what I’d done prior to that project was to illustrate other people’s stories. With the Target collection, I was able to tell my own stories and compensated and supported for it. It was a very freeing experience. 

Do you have any hobbies outside of illustrating and writing that you enjoy? 

I have a lot of hobbies, but I especially love cooking and going on long walks. 

What other books do you have releasing next?

The next books I have coming out are the Fairies Welcome Ready-to-Read books and chapter books. Beyond that, I’m currently illustrating a book with Simon & Schuster titled Emeka, Eat Egusi, which I’m very excited about. 

You can connect with Bea Jackson via her website https://www.beagifted.com  and Instagram:bea.gifted

Frenemies with Benefits by Synithia Williams

Welcome Back, Booklovers! We return to Peachtree Cove for a third time in Frenemies with Benefits this time following Tracey and Brian who we've seen glimpses of in the other books. I received a copy for review from Harlequin Audio so keep reading for my thoughts.

Tracey's family has always been a subject of her small town's gossip thanks to her mom and dad's back and forth relationship antics. But this past year the focus has been on her divorce from her husband after he cheated and got one of her employees pregnant.  Now Tracey is putting more focus on the bed and breakfast she runs and making some much needed changes in her personal life. After changing her hair and clothes, she's ready to tackle her love life. Her pleasure wasn't the priority in her marriage but she's ready to finally get hers.

Brian has been divorced for awhile but that doesn't stop his ex wife from lurking and hoping to rekindle things. But Brian is trying to move on and he has his sights set on Tracey. Despite his mother's warnings he can't help but get involved and proposes a friends with benefits situationship to Tracey. 

This book does a great job exploring Tracey's sexuality as a newly divorced woman, having the sometimes uncomfortable conversations about not being secure in her own skin and not knowing what she likes and dislikes in the bedroom. Brian is a healthy communicator and shows Tracey what a open and honest relationship should look like. 

While it can be read as a standalone I liked that there were elements from the other books present here. The time capsule that the women buried when they were younger was brought back up again in this book and we got to see them open it. The series does a great job showcasing the closeness of these friends and how they support each other through their relationship ups and downs.

Children's Books for Black History Month

Welcome Back, Booklovers! February is Black History Month in the US and I wanted to share some books for the kids. We have some historical books, some nonfiction, some leveled readers, chapter books and more. 

The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist

Kai's aunt is getting married, and everyone in the Donovan family is excited about the wedding ... except Kai. The highlight of every Donovan occasion is dancing the electric slide--a groovy line dance with footwork that Kai can't quite figure out. More than anything, he wants to prove that he can boogie with the rest of his family and earn a cool nickname from his granddad. Can Kai break through his nerves and break it down on the dance floor?

Jayden's Secret Ingredient by Mélina Mangal

Jayden discovers the secret ingredient to trying something new. 

Jayden loves the outdoors and the garden he created with his friend Mr. Curtis. But he’s not so sure about sampling some of the garden’s produce. When Mr. Curtis invites neighbors to share the harvest of scarlet runner beans, Jayden faces a dilemma. Will he find the courage to try something new?

Lily's Dream: A Fairy Friendship by Bea Jackson

Lily is a young fairy determined to learn to fly just like the others who soar on shimmering, jeweled-colored wings, but she’s worried her own colorless wings will never lift her off the ground. Then she meets a young girl named Willow who helps her not only discover her special magic, but the truly magical gift of friendship.

Nesting Dolls by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Anyiaka is in awe of her gorgeous Gullah Geechee family—she wants to be beautiful like her older sister, Sorie, a great listener like her mom, and a talented artist like her grandma. But on today's visit to her grandparents’ house, Anyiaka sticks out from the rest of the family like a sore thumb. She can't seem to do anything right, and a trip to Grandma's art studio confirms just how different she is from the rest of the family.

But Grandma’s artwork—a special set of nesting dolls—also shows that what’s on the outside doesn’t always tell the whole story. While they may be distinct, together, her family’s beauty and inner strength have deep roots that have been growing within each of them for generations.

The Mermaid Princesses: A Sister Tale

Anaya, Shante, and Kianna are sisters.

And these mermaid princesses couldn’t be more different!

One day, when a problem too big for any of them to solve alone comes their way, they find out which one of them has what it takes to become legend of the sea.

The Coolest Beard by Betty Tekle

Isaac wants to grow a beard, just like his dad, who always seems to be the coolest guy in the barbershop. Isaac uses Dad’s beard oil every day for weeks, but nothing happens. Next time it’s barbershop day, Isaac doesn’t even want to go back―but maybe there is still a way for him to grow the coolest beard.

Seasonal Adventures by Johnny Ray Moore

 Experience the sights, sounds, and activities of each season through the author’s poetic words.

The Gray Day by Valerie Bolling 

Zoya loves to make art with her puppy, Coco. It is a perfect day to paint outside -- until it begins to rain! Zoya and Coco rush back inside with their art supplies. But together -- and with a splash of glitter -- they find creative ways to brighten the gray day.

Soccer Dreams by Shawn Pryor

Wanting to be a striker like her grandpa was, Keisha jumps into soccer practice with both feet and, unfortunately, both hands. She's afraid her habit of catching the ball will end her sports dream, but Coach has a new game plan.

Bo the Street Artist by Elliott Smith

Bo and his grandfather are disappointed when they wake up to find that the Buzz has been tagged. How will they clean up the mess?

Show and Tail by Reese Eschmann

All the "awwws" of animal adoption stories are combined with sugary sweetness in this new, fun-filled chapter book series about a cat cafe!

Kira Parker lives above The Purrfect Cup, the cat cafe that her family owns and runs. And soon, the cafe will get new kittens! Bubbles’ belly has been growing bigger and bigger, and on Kira’s first day of school, Bubbles’ finally becomes a mama cat. But she has six kittens, which is...too many!

But not to worry, because Kira has a GREAT IDEA. She’s going to find each kitten a perfect family by matching them with her classmates! But matchmaking isn’t quite as easy as it sounds, and her classmates aren’t convinced. Will Kira be able to find each kitten the purrfect home?

Millie Magnus Won't Be Bullied by Brittany Mazique

Millie Magnus has huge love for many things—her mom, her friends, her baby chicken, Extra Spicy, and even her hot pink rain boots. She loves school, too, and can’t wait for Field Day, when her mom—the mayor of Washington, D.C.—will be her partner in the three-legged race.

Millie Magnus DOESN'T love it when Buckley, a boy from school, makes fun of her curly hair, or her name, or her friends. And she can’t believe it when Buckley is assigned to compete against Millie and her mother at Field Day! But then things get even worse. When Millie’s plan to talk to Buckley about his bullying is ruined, SHE ends up in the principal’s office.

But Millie’s can-do spirit is hard to keep down and her big feelings come in handy when she learns something new about Buckley. She may even find a way to call him a friend.

The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane by Nikki Shannon Smith

Azaleah can't wait for her class field trip to the National Zoo in Washington D.C., especially when her teacher announces the chance to earn extra credit. But when Azaleah gets home, she quickly realizes extra credit isn't as easy as she thought. Azaleah's younger sister Tiana can't find Greenie, her stuffed animal, and she's sure he's been stolen. With Mama at the restaurant and Daddy at work on a big case, it seems Azaleah is the only one available to track down the stolen stuffie. Can Azaleah get to the bottom of the mystery in time to finish her extra credit?

Great Minds of Science by Tonya Bolden

This fun and accessible graphic novel for middle grade readers brings to light the lives of great but lesser-known Black scientists. Great Minds of Science is a kid-friendly introduction to some of the greatest scientists in history—doctors, engineers, mathematicians, and biologists.

Each of them faced challenges as they rose to the top of their professions, but they didn’t back down. They kept experimenting and questioning and learning, and they made significant contributions in each of their scientific fields.

Mama's Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann

Allie’s life with Mama isn’t bad, but she knows it could be better if Mama would find someone to marry. Allie’s worst enemy, her NOT-friend Gwen, has a daddy, and Allie wants someone like that—someone to fix things when they break, someone who likes to sing, and has a kind-smile. 

So Allie makes a plan—her super secret Man-For-Mama plan. She has a list of candidates with a clear top choice: Mr. Johnson, who owns the antique store. Best of all, Mr. Johnson went to school with Mama, and he wants to get reacquainted! The battle’s half won, and Allie is sure that when he tries Mama’s yummy chicken and dumplings, he’ll be head over heels.  

But someone else is interested in Mama: Mr. Coles, Allie’s teacher, who’s also Gwen’s uncle! Mama can’t marry him—no way is Allie going to be related to Gwen. On top of it all, Allie’s best friend is moving to Chicago; Allie keeps getting in trouble; and everyone seems to think she’s jealous of Gwen, for some reason. Nothing is going how she planned, but Allie is determined to get things back on track toward the life she knows she and Mama both deserve. . . even if Mama doesn’t agree yet.

It All Comes Down to This by Karen English

It’s 1965, Los Angeles. Sophie is the new black kid in a nearly all-white neighborhood; her beloved sister, Lily, is going away to college soon; and her parents’ marriage is rocky. Plus, there’s her family’s new, disapproving housekeeper to deal with. Then riots erupt in nearby Watts and a friend is unfairly arrested, and Sophie learns that life—and her own place in it—is even more complicated than she’d once thought.

Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford

Carole and Jeffery Boston Weatherford’s ancestors are among the founders of Maryland. Their family history there extends more than three hundred years, but as with the genealogical searches of many African Americans with roots in slavery, their family tree can only be traced back five generations before going dark. And so from scraps of history, Carole and Jeffery have conjured the voices of their kin, creating an often painful but ultimately empowering story of who their people were in a breathtaking book that is at once deeply personal yet all too universal.

Malcolm Kid and the Perfect Song

What does the perfect song sound like?

Normally, Malcolm Kid wouldn’t give this type of question the time of day. As a straight B-student with a heart of copper, he is far more concerned with overcoming mediocrity than he is with achieving perfection. But that all changes when he stumbles across the LK-2000—a strange keyboard cursed with the soul of an old jazz musician.

Malcolm soon learns that the only way to free this musician’s soul is by performing the perfect song. With much hesitation, and the help of his lifelong friend January Young, Malcolm embarks on a musical journey across the city of New Bronzeville in the hopes of discovering the perfect song and finding himself as a musician along the way.

The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I'm a girl who loves audiobooks. Sometimes I just need to be read to especially when in in the kitchen cooking. In my search for something light and because I was doing an Audible free trial I figured this was the perfect time to read The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa. Having read a few of her books before I was familiar with her vibe.

Vanessa Cordero used to have a business in college as what she called a Starter Ex. She would get paid by girls to date guys they were interested in and then be the worst girlfriend ever so her clients could swoop in and pick up the pieces of his broken heart. She's since long given that life up however when she's recently back in New York after relocating her job, she runs into one of her old clients. Then her sister Lisa decides to have Vanessa help land her best friend's brother Jason by dating him.

Jason is allergic to commitment after a relationship went sour. He wants to entertain Vanessa to get his mother off his back and has no interest in her sister Lisa, despite Lisa's hints over the years. Jason's sister is getting married and he's doing his best to help things run as smooth as possible as she prepares to teach abroad. 

Previously I read a fake dating romance by Mia Sosa that felt forced particularly with the main characters pointing out it made no sense. While the characters point out how this scheme has potential to backfire and it's also not that believable  it worked because Jason flips the script on Vanessa early on. The narration here is great especially with the male narrator Noah B. Perez. If someone is looking for a quick palette cleanser this is a nice option.