In this contemporary #OwnVoices tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he’s sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy’s emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid’s-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties. AGES: 5 to 10 AUTHOR: Chad and Dad Richardson are a son-and-father writing team. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Chad is a financial analyst who lives in Columbus, Ohio. Dad, otherwise known as Charles, is an Associate Professor of Management and Marketing at Sinclair Community College and lives in Liberty Township, Ohio. Family Reunion is their debut picture book. Ashleigh Corrin is the 2020 Ezra Jack Keats award-winning illustrator of Layla’s Happiness, a Kirkus and SLJ star reviewed children’s book. Her first published work was with Enchanted Lion Books in A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader. Ashleigh lives in Virginia with her family. SELLING POINTS: . Written by a Black American son-and-father writing team and illustrated by a Black American artist. . A contemporary depiction of a joyful Black American experience, with powerful language and evocative illustrations, to add to BLM and anti-racist picture book collections. . Celebrates the power of extended family and family traditions. . A child’s expectations are realigned when he learns that gathering with family can be more fun than staying home and playing video games. . Ashleigh Corrin is the 2020 Ezra Jack Keats award-winning illustrator of Layla’s Happiness, a Kirkus and SLJ star-reviewed . The story is told through punchy, accessible haikus that are seamlessly woven together.
