African American Children's Book Fair includes illustrators who plot life lessons

The adage that a picture speaks a thousands words holds especially true in the world of children's books, where audiences link entire stories to illustrations.

Later this month, children's book illustrators along with authors and publishers will share their work with fans at the 18th annual African American Children's Book Fair held at the Community College of Philadelphia. Because of this weekend's threatening snowstorm, the fair which was originally scheduled for tomorrow, will take place on Feb. 27.

Event founder Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati said illustrators are the stars of the children's book industry.

Each illustrator has a unique approach and style, she said. "The one constant thing is that their illustrations bring a book to life."

The award-winning illustrators attending this year's event understand the importance of artwork in children's literature and of making books accessible to young readers.

Eric Velasquez, who has been illustrating for more than 20 years, said that as a child his mom frequently read to him because she "hoped I'd fall in love with the words."

"Instead I fell in love with the pictures."

But those pictures rarely featured black faces.

Today Velasquez challenges people to imagine a world in which they do not see people like themselves in books or film and, when they do, these characters are often in antagonistic or subservient roles.

Illustrator R. Gregory Christie works to make sure such a world no longer exists.

Christie, who also will attend the book fair, illustrates books focusing on historical and cultural issues.

"When I was in school, there was a lot I didn't learn about," he said. In his own work, "the idea is that if you learn about a white inventor, you're going to learn about a black inventor."

Sean Qualls, whose illustrations were honored with the Coretta Scott King Award, credits the books he read as a child with changing the way he sees the world visually.

Like the other illustrators, Qualls uses his artwork to convey messages and themes such as the individual's ability to overcome adversity, to believe in oneself and to pursue one's dreams.

The goal of the African American Children's Book Fair, which has as its mantra "take a book home," is to bring these positive, educational messages into the homes of Philadelphia children.

Lloyd-Sgambati believes it is the responsibility of every caregiver "to have a corner of the house that is used solely for reading."

Besides selling affordable children's books, this year's book fair will be able to give a limited supply of books to educators, parents and children thanks to the generosity of its sponsors, including NBC10, PECO and the Philadelphia Daily News.

18th Annual African American Children's Book Fair, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 27, Community College of Philadelphia gymnasium, 17th and Spring Garden streets, free.