Dynamic keynote speaker, best-selling author, anti-racism facilitator, TEDx speaker, Slate columnist and mental health advocate Doyin Richards will present his new book, “Watch Me: A Story of Immigration and Inspiration,” a story based on the author’s father’s own story, during Vroman’s Live on Saturday, January 30, 11 a.m., on Crowdcast.
In this Special Story Time, Richards will be conversing with Joe Cepeda, president of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles (SILA), who illustrated the new book.
In the book, Richards tells the story of many immigrants, centered on the main character, Joe, who immigrated to America from Africa when he was young, and who lived a life like many immigrants, joining a new school, making friends, and embracing a new home.
In telling the story of how his father came to America, Richards opens the experience up to readers of all backgrounds. The book is a moving and empowering story of how many different people, from different places, make America great.
Doyin has authored three picture books for children published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of mega-publisher Macmillan. His two most recent books tackle Diversity, Inclusion, and anti-racism. “What’s the Difference” tackles the tough topic of introducing kids to positive race-relations without raising them to be “colorblind.” It was the No. 1 new release in the ultra-competitive children’s “Explore The World” category on Amazon.
Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Joe Cepeda began studying engineering at Cornell and finished with a BFA in Illustration from Long Beach State. Only months from leaving school, Cepeda took his wares to New York and secured a book contract after his first meeting with a publisher. He’s been illustrating books ever since.
Cepeda is the award-winning illustrator of more than 30 books for children while continuing to create images for magazines and other publications, and keeping an eager eye to the ever-changing landscape of illustration.
To join Vroman’s Live on Saturday, register for free on www.crowdcast.io/e/uqm0mded.
