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Storystorm 2019 Day 20: Vanessa Brantley Newton’s Post of Storystorm Past

January 20, 2019 8:00 am

by Vanessa Brantley Newton (from 2014)

When I was going to school, I attended a community school that had been created by the parents and local writers, artist, musicians, and poets. It was a special school because we could not go to white schools. We had some of the best teachers ever! One day, I met this wonderful teacher named Miss Russell. Miss Russell had the biggest, orangest afro I had ever seen in my whole entire life. It looked like a cloud. She wore the shortest dresses and the coolest shoes. I loved Miss Russell. Once she set me on her lap and shared a beautiful book that has stayed with me all these years. It was about a young boy who wore a red snow suit and lived in the hood as far as I was concerned, LOL! The thing that stood out about this boy was that he was brown just like me!

He was beautiful!! His mom and dad looked just like my parents. Even the wallpaper looked like the wallpaper in my own house. I was excited and thrilled. Surely the person was who created this book must have been watching me from his studio window.  The book left me feeling some kind of way. It conveyed all my feelings and thoughts through its beautiful, colorful pictures and collage. I couldn’t remember all the words to the story, for you see I am dyslexic. There was nobody who really understood what that was. The words didn’t make sense to me but the pictures told me the story.

Everybody is now talking about diversity in children’s books. In 1963 there weren’t many books that had a black child as a main character, and when they were drawn in children’s books of old, black people were drawn very cruelly and just plain ugly. The book moved me so because it would be the first time I would see a black child that looked like me, dressed like me…might have even been me, LOL.

I loved Peter—he was my little brother in my head. Peter was beautifully illustrated and I related to his story because I had experienced the same thing. Countless other children experienced the same thing. Many years would pass and I would end up in a Barnes and Noble looking for picture books to inspire me as I began to illustrate children’s books myself. I came across “The Snowy Day”.

Now as I told you, I am dyslexic. Reading for me sometimes can be a struggle. The words seem to dance on the page. Numbers seem to move and float around. I push myself constantly to read out loud, and while I make it look effortless and fun, it is a struggle for me still. I took “The Snowy Day” and sat on the floor of B&N and I read it through tears. Every wonderful and magnificent word.

Finally, words and pictures came together. Comforting memories from the first time that the book was read to me spilled over like warm beach waves. I looked for books written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. I began to do my own study on his work. I copied the man. I wanted to somehow do for other children what this awesome man had done for me. Ezra Jack Keats made me feel so special because he thought that I should have been in a children’s book all along. I wasn’t an afterthought!

It is important that not only Black, White, Chinese or Indian children be seen in picture books, but that all children see themselves in picture books. That all children get to experience another culture so that their minds broaden. Diversity is needed if we are going to grow as writers and illustrators. I like to call myself “The Multicultural Illustrator”. It is reflected in my work. I come from a very blended background—African American, Asian, European, and Jewish decent—it’s all in there. So if you are thinking that diversity is not important, take it from a little brown girl who was effected by someone’s beautiful pictures.

Once Upon A Time, a little girl wished to be an artist. So, she took her fantastic box of Crayola crayons and drew on the sides of her mother’s clean white stove and white walls. When her mother prepared dinner that night, the crayons melted in a beautiful puddle of waxy deliciousness. She was thrilled! Her parents? Not so much. They made that almost-famous artist get some soap and water and remove and clean up her fantastic masterpiece. Her mom and dad got her a pad of paper and she has been drawing ever since. Vanessa is agented by Painted-words.com. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter and a friendly cat named Stripes. Visit her at vanessabrantleynewton.com.

At the conclusion of Storystorm, prize packs will be given away (books, swag, writing tools). Comment once on this blog post to enter into the prize pack drawing.

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.

Good luck!

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2019

Tags: The Snowy Day, Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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521 Responses to “Storystorm 2019 Day 20: Vanessa Brantley Newton’s Post of Storystorm Past”

1. Wonderful thank you.

   By Shel ledrew on January 20, 2019 at 8:08 am

2. So lovely. Got me all choked up……Thanks.

   By Varda on January 20, 2019 at 8:11 am

3. Thanks for sharing your story, Vanessa. Just as you were drawn to art because of your dyslexia, i was drawn to words because of my NVLD. I often don’t understand pictures – but words are my world. Now i’m attempting to tell stories of kids who were like me.

   By authoryvonafast on January 20, 2019 at 8:13 am

4. Thank you, Vanessa, for reminding me how important a book can be in a child’s life.
   Gail Hartman

   By thecrowsmap on January 20, 2019 at 8:18 am

5. What an important reminder and so beautifully told! Thank you for the glimpse of your childhood.

   By Kim Pfennigwerth on January 20, 2019 at 8:20 am

6. Thank you for your beautiful words and art.

   By kiwijenny on January 20, 2019 at 8:20 am

7. I just read THE SNOWY DAY to my kindergartners last week. Love it. I’m glad you are a multicultural illustrator 🙂

   By Tina Cho on January 20, 2019 at 8:23 am

8. Your illustrations are beautiful!

   By Julie Mondi on January 20, 2019 at 8:25 am

9. What a beautiful story, thanks for sharing. I’m wondering as an author – who doesn’t get much say in illustrations- how can we ensure our stories show diverse characters without explicity describing them?

   By michelemeleen on January 20, 2019 at 8:32 am

10. This was such a moving post. Thank you sincerely!

    By Lizzy Rizzi on January 20, 2019 at 8:36 am

11. Thank you for sharing this powerful story. I hope you’ve had a chance to share it with Miss Russell, too.

    By mbhmaine on January 20, 2019 at 8:36 am

12. Wow. Love knowing that your story of feeling exclusion moved into showing inclusion in your beautiful work for kidlit readers.

    By Sherri Jones Rivers on January 20, 2019 at 8:36 am

13. Thank you, Venessa. Your words are as beautiful as your illustrations!

    By Tracy Hora on January 20, 2019 at 8:37 am

14. Thank you for your beautiful post. Thank you for sharing how much Peter meant to you. And thank you for sharing your dyslexia. That too is an identity that kids need to see in the world and in their books.

    By Liz Steinglass on January 20, 2019 at 8:39 am

15. Thank you for your post. Thank you for sharing how much Peter meant to you. And thank you for sharing your dyslexia. That too is and identity children need to see in the world and in their books

    By Liz Steinglass on January 20, 2019 at 8:41 am

16. Love your beautiful illustrations. Thanks for sharing your story. It inspires me to push through any struggles.

    By awritersdream41 on January 20, 2019 at 8:42 am

17. Thank you for your post. Thank you for sharing how much Peter meant to you. And thank you for sharing your dyslexia. That too is an identity children need to see in the world and in their books.

    By Liz Steinglass on January 20, 2019 at 8:42 am

18. What a beautiful and touching story. Oh to touch a child’s heart and soul like that!

    By Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis on January 20, 2019 at 8:44 am

19. You are so right Vanessa. All children need to see themselves in picture books. Your illustrations are wonderful and so was your post. Thank you.

    By Jennifer Bower on January 20, 2019 at 8:47 am

20. My son showed artistic potential as a child. So, I painted his bedroom walls white and handed him a pencil. He immediately began a border around the top of the walls of Calvin and Hobbs chasing one another. Over the years he created some pretty cool murals. We all need to support the arts whatever form the talent.

    By debobrienbookscom on January 20, 2019 at 8:50 am

21. Your illustrations are amazing and fun and I love them! What a great story to share as well!

    By tanyakonerman on January 20, 2019 at 8:54 am

22. What a beautiful, beautiful post. The words you write hold a kind of magic tone in them. Thank you for sharing. I join you in your belief that all children should see themselves in literature and places of achievement in our world.

    By Linda Mitchell on January 20, 2019 at 8:54 am

23. Vanessa how wonderful it truly is, to see you
    Doing for others as you were done…it is so rewarding to help another…thank you😊

    By Li’vee Rehfield on January 20, 2019 at 8:55 am

24. Great post – thanks!

    By rimna on January 20, 2019 at 9:01 am

25. Thank you so much for your beautiful, inspiring and moving post. Incredable how that one book inspired you to become the artist you are today. . .you now will inspire. Congratulations Vanessa on all of your many sucesses.

    By Mark Bentz on January 20, 2019 at 9:01 am

26. thank you! Snowy Day is one of my absolute favorites still

    By kaleegwarjanski on January 20, 2019 at 9:04 am

27. I love your artwork! Thanks for sharing your story.

    By Amy Houts on January 20, 2019 at 9:05 am

28. Both your personality and illustrations shine bright, Vanessa! Thanks for sharing what inspired you to become an artist.

    By C.L. Murphy on January 20, 2019 at 9:05 am

29. Thank you for sharing this piece of your childhood. So touching and beautifully put.

    By Johnell DeWitt on January 20, 2019 at 9:05 am

30. Good morning Vanessa! You know how much I love this story and your work. When The Snowy Day postage stamps came out, I went the first day to buy them and gave the clerk a lesson on children’s literature.

    By authorlaurablog on January 20, 2019 at 9:10 am

31. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

    By Andrea Mack on January 20, 2019 at 9:11 am

32. Thank you for sharing your story.

    By lizricewrites on January 20, 2019 at 9:14 am

33. Thank goodness your teacher read you that book and inspired you!! Your art is so amazing!! This is such an important post. And I love how you brought up that in books, we are defining people to our children. We can break through stereotypes that have been “assigned” to cultures. Thank you so much for sharing these messages and for creating your art. I LOVE it!!
    Ps My daughter is dyslexic too (she’s also super into art). Can’t wait to share your post with her!

    By hallee2012 on January 20, 2019 at 9:16 am

34. Wonderful post and so important. Thank you for sharing.

    By Kristen Tipman on January 20, 2019 at 9:18 am

35. What an inspiration post, from someone who shared her rawness and realness. Thank you! I can totally appreciate a crayon drawing melting on the sides of a stove, and I think it would look beautiful (don’t tell my kids!). I agree with Linda, your words do have a magic tone.

    By sarahheturadny on January 20, 2019 at 9:23 am

36. Sending BIG hugs to the little girl inside you, Vanessa. You ARE wonderful & so are your books! We’re so lucky you were moved and inspired by A Snowy Day 🙂

    By Andria Rosenbaum on January 20, 2019 at 9:28 am

37. Thank you for sharing your words and your amazing talent!

    By RebeccaTheWriter on January 20, 2019 at 9:29 am

38. Love your illustrations!

    By nicolesalterbraun on January 20, 2019 at 9:30 am

39. Just beautiful! ALL children should have the joy of opening a book and seeing themselves on the pages.

    By Susanne Whitehouse on January 20, 2019 at 9:30 am

40. I love that you rediscovered The Snowy Day when researching for your own illustrating. Thanks for sharing your story!

    By Erik Ammon on January 20, 2019 at 9:34 am

41. I love your work and am so glad Miss Russell sat you on her lap and read you Snowy Day!

    By Heather Stigall on January 20, 2019 at 9:35 am

42. Very moving post, Vanessa. Another wonderful example of the impact stories can have on readers.

    By pathaap on January 20, 2019 at 9:44 am

43. I love this post.

    By Linda P. Epstein on January 20, 2019 at 9:50 am

44. Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your memories and inspiration. Absolutely brilliant, and a tale that I shall remember.

    By judyrubin13 on January 20, 2019 at 9:50 am

45. Beautiful post & images, Vanessa. Thank you.

    By ptnozell on January 20, 2019 at 9:52 am

46. This was a really great message. I think your story would be a great book. As adults we don’t realize certain things have a huge impact on children. I love you include diversity in your illustrations. I always find myself checking for that when I read children’s books. Many times books are the first introduction to diversity for children. I love your artistic style. Thank you.

    By Ashley Congdon on January 20, 2019 at 9:55 am

47. Thank you Vanessa for such a beautiful post! And for many of us it’s a very snowy day today. Perfect.

    By Mary Warth on January 20, 2019 at 9:56 am

48. Love love love Vanessa’s art and story! So important for kids to see themselves. To know they have value!

    By junesmalls on January 20, 2019 at 9:57 am

49. Precious. Love your bio. Thank you.

    By Carolyn Lucas on January 20, 2019 at 9:58 am

50. To have a story out there that would have such an impact on a child – what a joy that would be! Thank you for sharing.

    By Joan Longstaff on January 20, 2019 at 9:59 am

51. Great post. Diversity in children’s books is very important.

    By storyfairy on January 20, 2019 at 10:00 am

52. Wonderful post, Vanessa. It must have been a struggle to learn to read, but you persevered and became an artist. Books can have a real impact on children like,”The Snowy Day had on you”. Love your art!

    By betlw on January 20, 2019 at 10:02 am

53. You are my idol, Vanessa! Thank you.

    By Diane Devine on January 20, 2019 at 10:04 am

54. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

    By angie9091 on January 20, 2019 at 10:04 am

55. Beautiful! The Snowy Day is also one of my favorites!

    By Aimee Isaac on January 20, 2019 at 10:05 am

56. So beautiful! Thank you for this post.

    By beckylevine on January 20, 2019 at 10:05 am

57. I love hearing how Ezra Jack Keats’ words and art moved you as a child. And now other little girls or boys will see themselves reflected in your work. Thank you for sharing, Vanessa!

    By Aimee Satterlee on January 20, 2019 at 10:06 am

58. A beautiful story to illustrate the importance of diversity in children’s writing.

    By June Sengpiehl on January 20, 2019 at 10:08 am

59. Books can change lives We need to remember that as writers. Love your personal story AND your art. You could say you found your voice/art all because of Peter and your teacher, Miss Russell! And of course your passion and talent! TY for this post.

    By Kathy Halsey on January 20, 2019 at 10:10 am

60. Wow. Excellent post. Just loved this.

    By James Arthur on January 20, 2019 at 10:13 am

61. Thank you, Vanessa!

    By KRISTINA CASTILLO on January 20, 2019 at 10:16 am

62. I love your art and your story.

    By Bettie Boswell on January 20, 2019 at 10:21 am

63. Thank you for sharing.

    By Jane Serpa on January 20, 2019 at 10:29 am

64. I love your illustrations. They are beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

    By https://katiewalsh.blog/ on January 20, 2019 at 10:30 am

65. Thanks for this post (again!) Vanessa. I love how you describe the way letters and words “dance on the page” for you — if you haven’t seen NIGHT SCHOOL, check it out. They animate that exact phenomenon; I wonder if it captures that sensation in a way that feels relatable…

    By hmmmmm on January 20, 2019 at 10:31 am

66. Your words are so important Vanessa. You’re one of my favorite illustrators.

    By Lisa L Furness on January 20, 2019 at 10:32 am

67. I love The Snowy Day! What a wonderful post and your story. Thank you!

    By Pamela Harrison on January 20, 2019 at 10:33 am

68. Vanessa your illustrations are beautiful and joyful! x

    By Kate Edwards on January 20, 2019 at 10:40 am

69. What a beautiful story, Vanessa. Thank you for this post.

    By Arlene Schenker on January 20, 2019 at 10:53 am

70. A precious story, Vanessa. So sorry your very first masterpiece wasn’t applauded. It happens to a lot of artists. Thank you for beautifully creating brown kids.

    By Pam Miller on January 20, 2019 at 10:55 am

71. Thank you for sharing your story. I loved your illustrations.

    By Ellen Sirianni on January 20, 2019 at 10:58 am

72. Such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

    By Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson) on January 20, 2019 at 11:00 am

73. The injustice of “we could not go to white schools” still has me steamed! But the rest of your story was not lost on me. Maybe, because you got to “attended a community school that had been created by the parents and local writers, artist, musicians, and poets,” you were more blessed than if you had attended any white school. I’d like to think so anyway. Thanks for sharing your story.

    By Dianne on January 20, 2019 at 11:01 am

74. Congratulations Vanessa. Love your illustrations. I love to see children of all colors in our fabulous new books. Long live a diverse world!

    By Louann Brown on January 20, 2019 at 11:02 am

75. Vanessa – thank you for sharing your journey. Such a moving and powerful testament to the need for diverse stories!

    By Susan Macartney on January 20, 2019 at 11:04 am

76. Wow, that was a powerful post, Vanessa. Well done! I plan to think more about diversity as I develop ideas and craft my stories. Thanks for sharing those awesome illustrations too!

    By kmajor2013 on January 20, 2019 at 11:05 am

77. A lovely, heartfelt post that rings so true! Thank you for sharing!

    By Annie Cronin Romano on January 20, 2019 at 11:08 am

78. Love your illustrations and your story! Diversity is beauty, plain and simple.

    By danielledufayet on January 20, 2019 at 11:11 am

79. Thanks for re-sharing this post. I love Vanessa’s illustrations! Being able to connect with picture book as a child is powerful and stays with you for life.

    By Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 20, 2019 at 11:12 am

80. Your illustrations are beautiful and your words inspiring.

    By teacherwriteracker on January 20, 2019 at 11:12 am

81. When Vanessa Brantley Newton talks… I listen. She is the spiritual soul of the kid lit community. Love you, Miss Vanessa!

    By narmo2400 on January 20, 2019 at 11:12 am

82. Hello Vanessa. Your post was very moving, beautifully rendered and inspiring. I love the joy, playfulness, and diversity depicted in your illustrations. I’m so glad Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day inspired you and you have gone on to continue the work of inspiring and welcoming children, parents, and readers of all ages and backgrounds to find themselves and their stories in the wonderous world of books and reflection. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

    By Emily Bertholf on January 20, 2019 at 11:16 am

83. Enjoyed your inspirational story, Vanessa!
    Huge fan of your illustrations.

    By Lori Mozdzierz on January 20, 2019 at 11:16 am

84. Great post, thanks for sharing your experiences.

    By writeknit on January 20, 2019 at 11:16 am

85. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

    By Chambrae Griffith on January 20, 2019 at 11:20 am

86. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this part of your story and the powerful impact of seeing yourself in a book as a child. The work you do is important and I’m so glad you are doing it! All the best to you.

    By ccnolympia on January 20, 2019 at 11:24 am

87. Thanks for your post and for sharing your story. I agree that the more the kids can relate to the story and characters, the more engaged they will be and maybe the impact will go deeper and last longer. Thanks!

    By Mariana on January 20, 2019 at 11:26 am

88. Your story is inspiring, Vanessa (and you’re illustrations are amazing!) Thanks for sharing.

    By Deb Sullivan on January 20, 2019 at 11:26 am

89. Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing with us your childhood and the impact that Ezra Jack Keats words and illustrations instilled in you. In 2016, I was attending my first SCBWI Conference and had the pleasure of listening to you speak and your voice impacted me so much. Thank You!

    By thelmakat on January 20, 2019 at 11:29 am

90. Thanks for your story and your lovely art.

    By Pat Miller on January 20, 2019 at 11:33 am

91. So inspiring to hear your story again, Vanessa. And drawing on that white stove makes sense to me. LOL If you want to relive that melted wax experience and haven’t tried this yet, warm some smooth rocks in the oven, then draw on them with crayons. It’s been one of my favorite “making art” experiences.

    By carol w Munro on January 20, 2019 at 11:33 am

92. Thank you for this post, and all you do for the PB world.

    By Dea Brayden on January 20, 2019 at 11:35 am

93. Thanks for your inspirational story & a special thanks for your wonderful art!

    By Alice Carty Fulgione on January 20, 2019 at 11:36 am

94. Vanessa, thank you for sharing! I loved this post.! Your story is inspiring, and your work is always inspiring. Picture books should include everyone.

    By Lisa Billa on January 20, 2019 at 11:37 am

95. An inspiring story, Vanessa. Love your art!

    By Rani Iyer on January 20, 2019 at 11:37 am

96. Your drawings are fantastic!

    By lindaschueler on January 20, 2019 at 11:38 am

97. Beautiful and inspirational. Thank you for sharing your childhood with us!

    By Jennifer G Prevost on January 20, 2019 at 11:38 am

98. Vanessa, thank you for sharing this. Ezra Jack Keats, who wrote and illustrated The Snowy Day, was born Ezra Jacob Katz. He was Jewish. An outsider. While his work was ground-breaking, I’m wondering whether his illustrations depicting brown-skinned children might not fit today’s own-voices philosophy. Ezra Jack Keats created stories about what he saw, about what he felt in his well-remembered child-heart. I also wonder if, no matter what we look like on the outside, aren’t we all, in some ways, outsiders? And when we read, don’t we see that there are others like us, who are also outsiders? Could it be that this outsider-ness helps us see the insider-ness of each other? Just thinking…

    By Linda Marshall on January 20, 2019 at 11:41 am

99. Thank you for sharing your experience and your beautiful drawings. 🙂

    By Sara Matson on January 20, 2019 at 11:44 am

100. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful heartwarming story, Vanessa! I’m so happy you kept making art after cleaning your mom’s stove. Your illustrations are lovely!

     By donnacangelosi on January 20, 2019 at 11:46 am

101. Love The Snowy Day! Thanks for the post.

     By SARAH Meade on January 20, 2019 at 11:47 am

102. Great post Vanessa! Thank you for sharing your personal story. I also feel that diversity in children’s books should be every writer’s goal… it is vitally important that children see themselves in the books they are reading.

     By saputnam on January 20, 2019 at 11:52 am

103. There are many ‘Take-aways” from your wonderful post. The sharing of your story about a child(you) finding the right book at the right time and the influence that book has/had as an adult shows the power of story and art. Thank you for your work and best wishes.

     By Paula Puckett on January 20, 2019 at 11:52 am

104. I love Vanessa Brantley Newton’s story. She’s an amazing lady, and what an inspiration! I met her briefly at a SCBWI confrence. I asked for a hug and can still feel the love. Thanks for the post.

     By Mary Ann Cortez on January 20, 2019 at 12:02 pm

105. Vanessa! Your artwork and storytelling abilities shine!! The only thing this post is missing is your beautiful voice:> Thank you!

     By polly renner on January 20, 2019 at 12:04 pm

106. Absolutely beautiful post… ❤

     By paulinetso on January 20, 2019 at 12:05 pm

107. Warm-hearted story, thanks for the share!

     By Sue Frye on January 20, 2019 at 12:05 pm

108. What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

     By Carole Calladine on January 20, 2019 at 12:07 pm

109. Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your personal thoughts and feelings on diversity in picture books and how it can change a child’s life. I loved your post!

     By Debra Daugherty on January 20, 2019 at 12:10 pm

110. This one made me cry. Vanessa, you are amazing. Thanks for reminding us that children need to see themselves in books. That’s why we write.

     By Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt) on January 20, 2019 at 12:11 pm

111. I love this inspiring story. Thank you Vanessa!

     By Jay on January 20, 2019 at 12:12 pm

112. Thank you Vanessa, I love Grandma’s Purse, and Mary Had a Little Glam, and other books. Your style of drawing is beautiful and inclusive. Grandma’s from all cultures have purses and the story is so relevant to all children.

     By Sheri Radovich on January 20, 2019 at 12:12 pm

113. As the mom of a daughter with developmental disabilities, I am trying to bring characters into a few of my books who I know she and her friends can identify with, because they rarely see themselves in books. I appreciate your encouragement and examples. Thank you!

     By Jennifer Phillips on January 20, 2019 at 12:13 pm

114. You turned on the light for me, Vanessa. I never really understood how some children couldn’t see themselves in books because I was always in there somewhere. Thank you for sharing your story.

     By Barb Ostapina on January 20, 2019 at 12:19 pm

115. Love. So much love.

     By Roz Malin on January 20, 2019 at 12:25 pm

116. Thank you so much for sharing! I love your story and your art!

     By Nancy Riley on January 20, 2019 at 12:30 pm

117. I am so glad there is more diversity in books these days but we still have a ways to go.

     By Linda Hofke on January 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm

118. What a wonderful message. Thank you.

     By Laurie Bouck on January 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm

119. I love your work and all you do to support the entire KidLit community- creators and most importantly, readers. Thank you, Vanessa!

     By jenfierjasinski on January 20, 2019 at 12:32 pm

120. What a beautiful journey and message!

     By Lydia Lukidis on January 20, 2019 at 12:36 pm

121. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

     By Nancy Ramsey on January 20, 2019 at 12:40 pm

122. What a perfect post on this morning’s Snowy Day! So happy you got to see yourself in a picture book. You had a wonderful teacher who knew what you needed… what we all needed. EJK opened the world to countless children of all races and nationalities. Thankful for pioneers like him and authors and illustrators everywhere who continue to open the world for children. Thank YOU, Vanessa!

     By Juliana Lee on January 20, 2019 at 12:41 pm

123. When one book becomes “special” to a child, it’s a magical moment. Thanks for sharing your story.

     By Wendy on January 20, 2019 at 12:43 pm

124. Love the artwork!!! An awesome post, -thank you:)

     By Nancy Colle on January 20, 2019 at 12:44 pm

125. Every time I hear from you it is moving and inspiring, you are an amazing person and I am so impressed by your journey and passion – not to mention books!

     By Charlotte Offsay on January 20, 2019 at 12:51 pm

126. I have loved The Snowy Day since I was a 2nd grader. Thanks for sharing the power of great text and illustrations.

     By Rinda Beach on January 20, 2019 at 12:54 pm

127. Thank you for the post. I love The Snowy Day.

     By jaclynsmiller on January 20, 2019 at 12:57 pm

128. Deep inside, this is why we all do this, to make a difference and truly touch that child in a very special way.

     By Stephen S. Martin on January 20, 2019 at 12:57 pm

129. Great post! Thanks for sharing. The Snowy Day is a special book in so many ways!

     By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 20, 2019 at 12:59 pm

130. What a beautiful story. It made a tear fall on my cheek.

     By Mary York on January 20, 2019 at 1:00 pm

131. How delightful to learn about how you have overcome some big challenges in your life, yet have maintained a childish way of living through your illustrations and terrific diverse view of the world. Thank you!

     By Hank Dallago on January 20, 2019 at 1:02 pm

132. Oh, this is such a moving story. Thank you so much for sharing.

     By Alexandra Hinrichs on January 20, 2019 at 1:05 pm

133. Thank you for the inspiration your story gives. I am so thankful that you found The Snowy Day!

     By Kay Phillips on January 20, 2019 at 1:12 pm

134. A wonderful reminder of how important it is for us to create PBs that truly reflect the diverse world our children live in. ❤

     By Brooke Hollon on January 20, 2019 at 1:14 pm

135. Your story moved me! I love your illustrations as well as Ezra Jack Keets’ collage. I love the melted crayon drawings and the wisdom of you parents’ decisions. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us.

     By Nancy Ferguson on January 20, 2019 at 1:19 pm

136. What a beautiful post today. Thank you for the inspiration, Vanessa, and for sharing your story. I love all your work, but especially Grandma’s Purse. Like The Snowy Day, it is simply perfect!

     By Claire W Bobrow on January 20, 2019 at 1:20 pm

137. Your personal story illustrates the importance of diversity in children’s books. Thanks for sharing.

     By Shirley on January 20, 2019 at 1:21 pm

138. I’m so glad you found Peter in the snow. Miss Russell needs a book about her. I just read A Poem for Peter by Andrea Davis Pinkney. The poetry is beautiful and inspiring as are the illustrations. What a wonderful tribute to Keats.

     By Cassie Bentley on January 20, 2019 at 1:22 pm

139. Such a joy to know A Snowy Day was a mirror to your soul. As a coincidence, I am looking out my window, and it is a snowy day. What inspiration might it hold?…

     By 8catpaws on January 20, 2019 at 1:29 pm

140. Thank you, Vanessa! You are such an inspiration!

     By Jessica Kulekjian on January 20, 2019 at 1:29 pm

141. I am a HUGE fan of your art, Vanessa. I was so excited to see that you were doing today’s post! This year at the Family Trees exhibit at the Concord Museum there was a tree decorated by The Children from the Concord Carousel Preschool. The theme was GRANDMA’S PURSE. I took your book and sat down at the replica of Henry David Thoreau’s green desk and perused every page. It’s a lovely book and made a lovely tree with a garland of small class photos, cell phones, and more! All inspired by your wonderful picture book. Can’t wait to read your words and look at more of your art. Your TED talk is stellar, too! Thank you for all that you do.

     By M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet) on January 20, 2019 at 1:29 pm

142. Vanessa I love your illustrations. So glad you were inspired by Last Stop on Main Street.

     By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 20, 2019 at 1:30 pm

143. I LOVE your illustrations! You are seen!! I also love to find ways to be inclusive in my writing. In fact, it is at the heart of everything I write. You are an inspiration!

     By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 20, 2019 at 1:36 pm

144. Wonderful post! Touched me deeply. I relate so so much of it. So grateful you had parents who supported your passion. I’m now and forever a fan.

     By Patty Militello on January 20, 2019 at 1:39 pm

145. I adore your delicious artwork! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story about The Snowy Day’s impact on you.

     By Juliana Jones on January 20, 2019 at 1:41 pm

146. As a mulicultural illustrator, I would love to know your thoughts about boundaries in creating diverse picture books with regard to #ownvoice, lived experience and cultural appropriation when there is intersectionality of gender,religion,etc.?

     By geobonni on January 20, 2019 at 1:41 pm

147. The power of the right teacher and the right books… you are a testament to that! Thanks for the inspiring post.

     By Buffy Silverman on January 20, 2019 at 1:42 pm

148. Vanessa, I love your books and illustrations. When you mentioned
     THE SNOWY DAY, it brought back good memories.

     By Cathy Ogren on January 20, 2019 at 1:45 pm

149. I still remember quotations from your SCBWI keynote. This post didn’t disappoint. How lucky we all are to hear/read your words (and illustrations!)

     By Paisley Schade on January 20, 2019 at 1:47 pm

150. Inspiring post … thank you, Vanessa!

     By Jen Bagan on January 20, 2019 at 1:48 pm

151. Thank you for your heart-felt and inspiring post.

     By DaNeil Olson on January 20, 2019 at 1:53 pm

152. What a beautiful post. Making sure every child can see themselves in a picture book is so important.

     By Cheryl Malandrinos on January 20, 2019 at 1:54 pm

153. Vanessa – thank you for your post. I saw you speak at our WI SCBWI Fall Conference a few years ago – your presentation was wonderful, and so are you.

     By mlflannigan on January 20, 2019 at 1:56 pm

154. Thank you for your beautiful post, Vanessa. I can feel your emotions coming through from your words. I love your illustrations! And I’m so glad that wonderful teacher read THE SNOWY DAY!

     By Melissa Stoller on January 20, 2019 at 1:58 pm

155. Thank you for your very meaningful post.

     By Debbi G on January 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm

156. Vanessa, thanks for your heart-felt post. I agree it’s important for all children to see themselves in books. Often our important moments can be traced back to a teacher and a book!

     By Jane Baskwill on January 20, 2019 at 2:02 pm

157. I almost started crying. I did not see me in the 60’s picture books for a long while except in those cruel pictures you mention and when I did see black kids for the first time it was as if–I was having a birthday party–every time I turned the page back to see those images . Thank you Vanessa

     By KATHY Z.PRICE on January 20, 2019 at 2:03 pm

158. Your story is so touching and your illustrations are gorgeous! Thanks for a wonderful post.

     By Debra K Shumaker on January 20, 2019 at 2:05 pm

159. How inspiring!

     By Janice Woods on January 20, 2019 at 2:09 pm

160. Thank you, Vanessa. Yours is an emotional post, eloquently told.

     By Garnett Natasha on January 20, 2019 at 2:17 pm

161. I love hearing this story and seeing your art. Thank you. ❤️

     By jenabenton on January 20, 2019 at 2:17 pm

162. Loved reading your story and watching your collage video on you tube.

     By Colleen Dabney on January 20, 2019 at 2:22 pm

163. I have had the privilege to listen to Vanessa a couple of times and she is an inspiring woman. I love to look at her artwork. It is always bright and cheerful and playful. While many people focus on skin color was a definition between different ethnic backgrounds, swapping skin toned colors to create diversity, Vanessa captures the essence of all children, then finds things that are unique.
     In my school curriculum, we have some stories illustrated by Vanessa. One of my children pointed out a lightly tanned girl in the story and noted she was different because she (as a white girl) could never have pretty hair like that. This brought up a discussion amongst the children of who had hair like that in the class, and no one did.
     My class is a mix of Pacific Islander, Native Alaskan, Latino, with two “white” kids and one “black” kid (whose hair did not match). That unique hair and light toned kid in that book created a discussion of not what makes us different, but how we are the same.
     Diversity is not what makes us different, but what makes us unique. It is more than skin color or hair, it is the culture we create, the traditions we hold, and how we view ourselves in our world.
     I am proud of Vanessa who could create such brilliant images that allowed my class to not see the people as different from them, but a diverse peoples who are the same as them.

     By matthewlasley on January 20, 2019 at 2:22 pm

164. I loved hearing the story of your journey to accomplishing your dream. Thank you for sharing!

     By Amy Bradshaw on January 20, 2019 at 2:24 pm

165. Thank you, Vanessa. Your story is so important and an inspiration for all of us. Thank you for being you, for your insights – and for your wonderful art!

     By Antje on January 20, 2019 at 2:24 pm

166. Collage art at its best — when it shows the lovely layers of our sameness and diversity. Thank you.

     By Stephanie Shaw on January 20, 2019 at 2:33 pm

167. Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing, Vanessa.

     By Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll) on January 20, 2019 at 2:34 pm

168. What a beautiful story!!

     By Jessica Potts on January 20, 2019 at 2:45 pm

169. Reading this made me tear up. I can relate in a similar way because as a child, I read books to escape into another world. I loved the ones where I could see myself inside the book. Thanks for sharing your story.

     By thesheilster on January 20, 2019 at 2:47 pm

170. Thank you for sharing this moving story of your first experience of seeing yourself in a picture book, Vanessa. I adore your artwork!

     By Gabi Snyder on January 20, 2019 at 2:50 pm

171. Reading this made me tear up. I can relate in a similar manner because As a child, I read books to escape into another world. I loved reading books where I could see myself inside the story. Thanks for sharing.

     By thesheilster on January 20, 2019 at 2:52 pm

172. I’m thankful that beautiful words and pictures can show children they’re not invisible, but valuable. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!

     By Kathleen Wilcox on January 20, 2019 at 2:58 pm

173. Vanessa! Your work inspires me but your spirit and zeal inspire me more!

     By karammitchell on January 20, 2019 at 3:01 pm

174. Vanessa, I love your art! Thank you!

     By andreesantini on January 20, 2019 at 3:01 pm

175. Beautiful inspiration from a lovely soul! Thank you, Vanessa 🙂

     By chardixon47 on January 20, 2019 at 3:07 pm

176. Thank you for your story and reminder. Diversity is so important. I come from a minority ethnic group that is very small and not really visible in PBs but I hope to change that.

     By Catrine Kyster on January 20, 2019 at 3:10 pm

177. Wonderful, heartwarming story of the importance books (or one special book) can play in a child’s life. Thanks for sharing.

     By debbiemccue on January 20, 2019 at 3:14 pm

178. A wonderful story about a wonderful book and how important it was to you as a child!

     By Kathy O'Neill on January 20, 2019 at 3:18 pm

179. Love this story!

     By Kathy Mazurowski on January 20, 2019 at 3:20 pm

180. Always wonderful to hear from Vanessa Brantley Newton. Thank you!

     By Judy Y on January 20, 2019 at 3:22 pm

181. Love this heartfelt post, Vanessa, and your illustrations. Thank you for sharing your story and congrats on achieving your dream!

     By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 20, 2019 at 3:25 pm

182. Always a treat to spend time with you Vanessa and an added extra bonus to see some of your amazing illustrations. Thank you for reminding us why, books as mirrors and windows, are so very needed these days! ❤

     By Maria Marshall on January 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm

183. Inspirational as Always Vanessa! Always love learning from you!

     By Jackie Kruzie on January 20, 2019 at 3:32 pm

184. Thank you for sharing this. As a child with an unusual first name, I enjoyed not only the diversity of appearance in children’s stories, but also the cultural diversity of names.

     By Tamawi on January 20, 2019 at 3:32 pm

185. No one should every be an afterthought. Thanks for sharing.

     By Cheryl Johnson on January 20, 2019 at 3:35 pm

186. I have to second what Maria Marshall said! The Snowy Day is a book that is pure magic.

     By Teresa Robeson on January 20, 2019 at 3:35 pm

187. Beautiful illustrations. Thanks for sharing your story.

     By nrompella on January 20, 2019 at 3:36 pm

188. Thanks for sharing. The power of dreams!

     By Helen Matthews on January 20, 2019 at 3:47 pm

189. Love this! Thanks, Vanessa.

     By Susan Johnston on January 20, 2019 at 4:00 pm

190. OMH Love your art and your PZAZ — keep popping those dream balloons.

     By Lynne Marie on January 20, 2019 at 4:03 pm

191. Love your illustrations and your willingness to share!

     By Deb Cushman on January 20, 2019 at 4:06 pm

192. Absolutely fabulous post! Thank you for sharing your story.

     By jeanjames926 on January 20, 2019 at 4:08 pm

193. Moving post with beautiful illustrations.

     By susan on January 20, 2019 at 4:20 pm

194. I’ve been researching and writing today, then read this. Wow! I think thi swas directly at me….even though there’s lots of others on here! Thank you so much. Love this post.

     By mona861 on January 20, 2019 at 4:23 pm

195. What a great story and illustrations! I loved seeing your book come to life when read dramatically by Oprah Winfrey, with the magical video of your characters!

     By Mary Lou on January 20, 2019 at 4:25 pm

196. Very inspiring!

     By Linda KulpTrout on January 20, 2019 at 4:28 pm

197. Thanks for sharing!

     By Erica Joseph on January 20, 2019 at 4:30 pm

198. Love hearing memories of how a book touched our lives. Thank you for sharing yours.

     By Shereen S. on January 20, 2019 at 4:32 pm

199. I love your illustrations, and I enjoyed reading your post. I remember the book “The Snowy Day” – one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing your memories.

     By Barbara Farr Renner on January 20, 2019 at 4:40 pm

200. I love this! The Snowy Day is such a beautiful, comforting story. My students have always loved hearing that book read aloud!

     By ranessadoucet on January 20, 2019 at 4:41 pm

201. Thank you for your wonderful post! I attended a webinar you presented about a year ago, and it was probably the best and most memorable webinar I’ve ever attended. Thank you!

     By denarose on January 20, 2019 at 4:47 pm

202. Thanks for sharing the beautiful start of your love for children’s books. I love your illustration work and your joy shines in each illustration! ❤️

     By Jane Dippold on January 20, 2019 at 4:49 pm

203. I adore the bio and your beautiful illustrations. Thank you for the wonderful post!

     By Krista Harrington on January 20, 2019 at 4:55 pm

204. I love your story. You are so right that we need to see all of ourselves in the books we read. Not just so there is diversity, but so we can see that no matter our color, our abilities, our lives as adoptees, our various gender identities all just a part of who we are. We do regular stuff just like everyone else. We are all in this together.

     By Sarah Tobias on January 20, 2019 at 4:57 pm

205. we just watched “the snowy day” on amazon. beautiful adaptation of the book!

     By stephanie williams on January 20, 2019 at 4:59 pm

206. Thank you for stopping by Storystorm Vanessa. I just put Grandma’s Purse on my next library order!

     By Nadine Poper on January 20, 2019 at 5:00 pm

207. I imagine that there are little kids out there, right now, who are picking up your books with huge smiles on their faces because they see themselves. Thank you for giving them what they deserve. Ezra Jack Keats would be proud!

     By Jodi Mckay on January 20, 2019 at 5:03 pm

208. Beautiful message and illustrations!

     By Kathy on January 20, 2019 at 5:05 pm

209. Fabulous artwork and commentary. Thanks!

     By Cinzia V. on January 20, 2019 at 5:05 pm

210. It will be an honor for anyone to have you illustrated their books. You’re a great artist! Thanks for sharing and God bless.

     By aliciaminor on January 20, 2019 at 5:06 pm

211. Vanessa your art sings! Love the colors, the movement, and the charming people. Thanks for your post.

     By Janie Reinart on January 20, 2019 at 5:08 pm

212. Beautiful words and art: “Finally, words and pictures came together. Comforting memories from the first time that the book was read to me spilled over like warm beach waves.” This really stuck with me. ❤

     By LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 20, 2019 at 5:11 pm

213. Vanessa, I enjoyed reading this post, and laughed out loud about coloring on the stove!!

     By megcason1 on January 20, 2019 at 5:17 pm

214. Thanks for sharing Vanessa ❤️

     By Heather Gallagher on January 20, 2019 at 5:17 pm

215. I had totally forgotten the coloring-on-the-stove incident! Thanks for an encore post… and yes, let’s be inclusive for all children to see themselves in story.

     By Sue Heavenrich on January 20, 2019 at 5:35 pm

216. Vanessa, thank you for your post. I am a brown girl and wanted to write so that children will be able to see themselves in my stories.

     By K.A.Steed on January 20, 2019 at 5:40 pm

217. Go, Vanessa! As you so well put it, seeing oneself in a book is powerful, magical, transformative. Your work is all that. Thank you. Keep up the magical work!

     By carmelamccainsimmons on January 20, 2019 at 5:42 pm

218. Such a delightful, personal post. Thanks for sharing, Vanessa. And your teacher sounds like an outstanding person.

     By Kaye Baillie on January 20, 2019 at 5:45 pm

219. Thank you for sharing your story and the impact of EJK on your own life as an artist. It is important to make deliberate choices in our art and remember why we do so.

     By Melissa Mwai on January 20, 2019 at 5:48 pm

220. Vanessa, you are a marvelous blessing!

     By Rona Shirdan on January 20, 2019 at 5:50 pm

221. What a wonderful story Vanessa. Love your illustrations.

     By Catherine Morgans on January 20, 2019 at 5:54 pm

222. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post again!! Ezra Jack Keats has always been one of my favorite authors!(Especially Whistle for Willie!!!) 🙂

     By seschipper on January 20, 2019 at 5:57 pm

223. Beautiful post. Thank you.

     By Sara Fajardo on January 20, 2019 at 6:00 pm

224. What a lovely post for MLK weekend. I love THE SNOWY DAY and I love hearing about how it touched its readers.

     By Teresa Traver on January 20, 2019 at 6:08 pm

225. The Snowy Day is one of my all time favorites. So is Vanessa Brantley Newton. Beautiful!

     By Mary Worley on January 20, 2019 at 6:09 pm

226. What a beautiful post. Raising awareness of, and celebrating, diversity through books is so, so important.

     By Kellie on January 20, 2019 at 6:13 pm

227. Thank goodness for teachers like Miss Russell and for Ezra Jack Keats and for you, Vanessa. Your illustrations make an impact. I was at an SCBWI conference this weekend and the book you illustrated, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, was part of a workshop about what makes a story compelling.

     By Lori Dubbin on January 20, 2019 at 6:16 pm

     1. @Lori Dubbin, were you at the Miami conference too? 🙂 Our chapter is the best.
        Windows are extremely important to advancing humanity, and mirrors are even bigger.

        By KidLit Underground on January 20, 2019 at 6:23 pm

228. I knew exactly what book you were talking about the second you started talking! The Snowy Day is currently a favorite with 2 of my grands. I love introducing them to diverse books and characters. Thanks for posting!

     By Angie on January 20, 2019 at 6:28 pm

229. Thank you very much for sharing your story!

     By Carolyn Currier on January 20, 2019 at 6:33 pm

230. Love your work, Vanessa!

     By Lori Alexander on January 20, 2019 at 6:33 pm

231. Vanessa, your words have weight and your art lifts the spirit 🙂

     By writersideup on January 20, 2019 at 6:56 pm

232. What a beautiful story! Made me 😢 I’m so happy you found yourself in that picture book and once again in a snowy day. You must be so proud of what you have accomplished! I wish you the very best! Thank you for sharing your inspirational story!

     By Kelly Vavala on January 20, 2019 at 7:03 pm

233. Thank you for your beautiful heart and art Vanessa! Reading this post was truly inspiring and a gift.

     By Carolyn Kraft on January 20, 2019 at 7:03 pm

234. What a powerful story! I love that you finally saw yourself in picture books, and now, you are paying it forward. You’re a gift to each new generation that follows.

     By Jennifer on January 20, 2019 at 7:11 pm

235. Thank you, Vanessa for beautifully sharing the impact one picture book had on your life

     By Tracey Brown on January 20, 2019 at 7:17 pm

236. Enjoyed your post, and how your life was moved by a certain book.

     By Jenifer McNamara on January 20, 2019 at 7:22 pm

237. I love The Snowy Day too and second your thoughts on the importance of diversity in picture books. Though I dont come from a racially diverse background, I try to keep it in mind when writing, whether it’s different socioeconomic groups, gender issues, or race. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!

     By Katie Williams on January 20, 2019 at 7:23 pm

238. What heartfelt inspiration!

     By Laura on January 20, 2019 at 7:28 pm

239. I noticed your illustrations and loved how you have always incorporated every culture through your drawings. This is our world. Keep showing our beautiful world through your colorful illustrations so we can explore the world. Great job, Vanessa!

     By Latasha Vernon on January 20, 2019 at 7:40 pm

240. Thank you for sharing your story, Vanessa. It’s always lovely hearing from you!

     By Rebekah Lowell on January 20, 2019 at 7:41 pm

241. Thank you for sharing your uplifting experience.

     By Trine Grillo on January 20, 2019 at 7:44 pm

242. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful touching story!!!
     Very inspiring!

     By leeanimator on January 20, 2019 at 7:51 pm

243. Thank you for your post. Your artwork is lovely.

     By Heather Kelso on January 20, 2019 at 7:57 pm

244. Nice article. Thank you!

     By Carmen White on January 20, 2019 at 8:01 pm

245. Vanessa, your illustrations represent all of humanity, in all its diversity and beauty. Thank you for never giving up on your dreams, in spite of your dyslexia. I feel inspired by your post.

     By Frances Kalavritinos on January 20, 2019 at 8:03 pm

246. What a beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing your story.

     By Christine Pinto on January 20, 2019 at 8:04 pm

247. Thanks for your post. My granddaughter has the same problem. She struggles, but is persistent. I worked with her to help her find a way to memorize test answers. I helped her to find a way to remember answers. She got a 97 on her test. I am glad you found your way through your situation. I will show this to her as an example of what she could accomplish. I’m sure you’re an inspiration to many who read your books.

     By Marge Gower on January 20, 2019 at 8:11 pm

248. Wow! What a beautiful story you shared. I am also Dyslexic and struggled in school for years.
     So, after 27 years as a writer and educator, I finally started my own school this year. It’s for students who are creative and learn experientially (Flex Learning Academy http://www.flexlearningacademy.com). I hope to share your story with my students as a way to encourage them further. They can do or be whoever they want to be!

     By ssafra22 on January 20, 2019 at 8:17 pm

249. I love your illustrations-beautiful!

     By Cathy Pledger on January 20, 2019 at 8:31 pm

250. Two of my favorite books growing up were Black Boy ams I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, but I thought of diversity in picture books until my friend sent me a call for diversity and math in picture books. Just reading what Terc and Charlesbridge said and their example books, inspired me to write diversity in my stories too. It’s definitely one thing I think about when I start writing now. Thank you both, especially Ms. Newton for sharing such a personal story and for inspiring so many! I love your illustrations btw

     By Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on January 20, 2019 at 8:36 pm

251. I love your illustrations.

     By Michele Helsel on January 20, 2019 at 8:55 pm

252. I love your story and illustrations Vanessa! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this post.

     By Tanya Shock on January 20, 2019 at 9:08 pm

253. I too, was in trouble–for my “creative wall decor”–a pencil drawing between the vines of my mother’s wallpaper. The vines made a perfect frame for my work. I was so proud when I showed it to Mom. She didn’t say a word. Her mouth set in a firm grim line said it all. I erased very carefully so as not to tear her wallpaper. Thank goodness I had used pencil instead of crayons.

     By SuZan Klassen on January 20, 2019 at 9:09 pm

254. Vanessa ‘s story is an inspiring one and if you ever have the chance to hear her speak in person as I have, don’t pass it up. If she is doing workshops, take one even if you are a writer, not an illustrator. You won’t regret it.

     By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 20, 2019 at 9:09 pm

255. Love your message

     By ryanrobertsauthor on January 20, 2019 at 9:10 pm

256. Thank you for sharing your moving story, Vanessa–and for reminding me how impactful a book can be in a child’s life. Your illustrations convey the characters’ personalities so beautifully and make your art incredibly engaging.

     By Lucretia on January 20, 2019 at 9:16 pm

257. I love Snowy Day. It is my favorite picture book. I loved it when I first read it as a kid, and it has stayed with me all these years. There is something magical about a snow day and the adventures of Peter captured that experience. Thanks

     By bookfish1 on January 20, 2019 at 9:22 pm

258. As always, Vanessa, you are a true inspiration! And a thank you to Miss Russell, who took the time to touch your heart and mind. We are all more blessed for having you as a mentor.

     By mariaordish on January 20, 2019 at 9:24 pm

259. I loved Snowy Day as a child and I still love it. I can see why it inspired you. Vanessa!

     By Hillary Homzie on January 20, 2019 at 9:25 pm

260. Thanks for sharing your childhood memory and inspirations! Your art is always a joy to see!

     By Margie Markarian on January 20, 2019 at 9:34 pm

261. Thanks for sharing your story.

     By Marie Powell on January 20, 2019 at 9:34 pm

262. Enjoyed your post. Thanks for telling us your story.

     By Janet Smart on January 20, 2019 at 9:39 pm

263. Thank you for this post. I will share it with my students. I only recently discovered that Snowy Day was the first picture book with a child of colour when I read A Poem for Peter by Andrea Davis Pinkney.

     By Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 20, 2019 at 9:40 pm

264. I love hearing stories like this about things that inspired us as children. Your story is even more special because you took it to your heart and never forgot. Then payed it forward…..love your work too!!

     Debbie Lodato

     By Debbie Lodato on January 20, 2019 at 9:42 pm

265. Thank you for taking us on such a beautiful journey. I am so moved and inspired by your story!

     By Danielle Hicks on January 20, 2019 at 9:58 pm

266. Thanks for sharing your post!

     By Sylvia Grech on January 20, 2019 at 10:07 pm

267. To see yourself in stories is to know you’re not alone. So glad you found your story, so you can tell your stories.

     By Jane Heitman Healy on January 20, 2019 at 10:07 pm

268. Vanessa Brantley, I love you! I love your art! I also loved A Snowy Day from the moment I saw it as a child, fell right into it. Peter was my friend. The art perfect. We may have grown up differently, with out own very unique experiences, but we have similar outlooks about picture books, kids, and diversity. Nobody who looks at me probably can see who I am, or where I came from, my struggles or whom I loved. Unless I point it out, they can’t know my larger extended family is African American, Chinese, Korean, Ashkinazi, Jewish, Buddhist, and more.

     My “chosen family” through many years of dance communities extends way farther than this; the indigenous people I’ve met in a few far-reaching travels – a few who feel like real friends… and the choice made to live a life inclusive versus exclusive, where connections are more important than having or owning things.

     Kids absolutely need to see themselves in books, and they need a broader sense of the world. I have found nature holds so much resonance of this connection, we are all living and breathing in through the same air, drinking from the same waters – but not all with the same rights or quality of these being clean… this topic grows so big. I want kids to see their own places as fine, but also to see the world belongs to them, and not be afraid to venture out to wild places when all they have ever known is concrete and playgrounds.

     Fantasy has its place too, for allowing us all to dream and see in pictures that we are magic and can be transformative… as long as we respect every living being as worthy, valued, and do our best to provide true equity.

     By fireurchin on January 20, 2019 at 10:08 pm

269. Thank you for sharing your experience. I read The Snowy Day to my children.

     We were a military family and our friends were of all races. My girls wanted Barbies in every color.

     A good story, good art, good music is good because it’s good.

     Thank you for becoming you.

     By Kaylynn Johnsen on January 20, 2019 at 10:20 pm

270. Your post is beautiful. I love your work. So encouraging and uplifting. Thank you for sharing with us. (I love Snowy Day too!!)

     By Sandy Foster on January 20, 2019 at 10:20 pm

271. What a beautiful story – and lovely reminder of the need for diversity in picture books.

     By Debra Katz on January 20, 2019 at 10:27 pm

272. It was so wonderful to meet you at the LA SCBWI summer conference, 2017. I love your story… and above all, your perseverance! 🙏 Thank you!

     By keertisharmablog on January 20, 2019 at 10:36 pm

273. Your art is GORGEOUS! I loved reading about your experience with “The Snowy Day.” I am so glad you are creating art that can celebrate and reflect every one!

     By Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life) on January 20, 2019 at 10:48 pm

274. Thank you so much for sharing your deeply personal experience. We should all strive to do for children’s books (and for children) what Keats did, through his work. I love that your passion has carried through to today, and that Peter had such a lasting impression on you. Now, you get to share that with everyone, and you do it with such sincerity. ❤

     By Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor) on January 20, 2019 at 11:07 pm

275. What a lovely story; thank you for sharing!

     By authoraileenstewart on January 20, 2019 at 11:22 pm

276. Vanessa, thank you for your post. It is full of the same heart your books are–yours! Diversity shouldn’t be a task. It should just “be” (so to speak). I look forward to connecting with more of your books!

     By karengreenwald2985 on January 20, 2019 at 11:28 pm

277. Oh Vanessa! Thank you for your compelling story! I’m so thankful I got to meet you in Northern Michigan a couple years ago. Your story is so important. I am so inspired by the characters you draw, they have so much pizazz, they could literally walk off the page! I’m positive they do for some kids what Peter did for you.

     By Kara Marsee on January 20, 2019 at 11:33 pm

278. I loved reading your story. Thank you for sharing.

     By Sharon Nix Jones on January 20, 2019 at 11:33 pm

279. How can I write my PBs so that every child sees themselves?

     By setwiggs on January 20, 2019 at 11:43 pm

280. Loved what you said. Thank you.

     By Alicia G Lopez on January 20, 2019 at 11:53 pm

281. Thank you for sharing your story!

     By Karin Larson on January 21, 2019 at 12:02 am

282. Your illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and filled with light and life! Thank you for sharing your story. ❤

     By Erin Le Clerc on January 21, 2019 at 12:02 am

283. Picture books are all about making connections. Wonderful story!

     By supermario6 on January 21, 2019 at 12:16 am

284. I was moved by your words. Thank you for telling your special story!

     By angiecal76 on January 21, 2019 at 1:16 am

285. Wonderful post

     By Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne) on January 21, 2019 at 1:24 am

286. There is such joy in your illustrations. Thank you for sharing them with the world!

     By Erika Henkart on January 21, 2019 at 2:01 am

287. With the current popularity of DNA testing to trace one’s ancestry, I think parents will be looking for more diversity in the books for their children.

     By missvidalia on January 21, 2019 at 2:05 am

288. I enjoyed hearing your story. The Snowy Day is a beautiful and fun book.

     By rjtraxel on January 21, 2019 at 2:23 am

289. VANESSA: I LOVE your artistic style! SO UNIQUE, with childlike wonder. It calls to my inner-child! THANK YOU for the inspiration! PS: I LOVE the story you tell in your bio. THANK YOU for sharing and inspiring!!!

     By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 21, 2019 at 2:32 am

290. Vanessa, I always enjoy reading your stories. I love the bit at the end about drawing on the stove!

     By Mirka Hokkanen on January 21, 2019 at 2:55 am

291. Vanessa, thank you so much for your inspirational post. I love your artwork and i adore your book about your grandmother’s purse. It reminds me of sitting in the back seat of the car after we’ve picked up my grandparents… headed to church. Did she have a nail file today? Cough drops? Soft tissue?

     We’ve only met once, but you’ve inspired me over and over again! Thank you for a very important post!

     By Maria Bostian on January 21, 2019 at 4:30 am

292. Thanks for sharing this.

     By Rick Starkey on January 21, 2019 at 6:15 am

293. Books are here to touch our souls–all the more important that people can relate to them. Thanks for this!

     By Rebecca Colby on January 21, 2019 at 6:38 am

294. Check out the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and their annual book award!

     By Lynn Mayer on January 21, 2019 at 7:20 am

295. Love your art!

     By Margaret Flint Suter on January 21, 2019 at 7:59 am

296. What a moving article, Vanessa. I appreciated hearing from someone for whom the book meant so much.

     By The World Is My Cuttlefish on January 21, 2019 at 8:13 am

297. Fantastic post, Vanessa! You’re always so inspiring! I love your words and your art. Thanks!

     By Joana Pastro on January 21, 2019 at 9:02 am

298. Your post comes from the heart. Thanks for sharing your important thoughts, Vanessa. I love your art!

     By MD Knabb on January 21, 2019 at 9:12 am

299. This was beautiful. Everyone wants to feel seen!

     By Therese Kay on January 21, 2019 at 9:41 am

300. Your experience really hits home the point of how life-changing and inspiring children’s books can be. I love the reminder that every child should see themselves in books and broaden their minds by experiencing another culture. Your work is a fantastic example of this goal. Thank you.

     By annjex on January 21, 2019 at 9:59 am

301. I would love to have seen your parents faces when they saw what you had drawn on their stove and walls! I am glad they did not squash your talent, but rather directed it to a better place!

     By celticsea on January 21, 2019 at 10:09 am

302. Love this post from the past! Thanks Vanessa. Love all of your work.

     By Elizabeth W Saba on January 21, 2019 at 10:13 am

303. It’s interesting to consider how so many of us in the writing field can point to a particular teacher or adult who shared with us a particular story that sent us on our path to where we are. Thanks for sharing your story!

     By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 21, 2019 at 10:14 am

304. Great illustrations and post – thank you!

     By rimna on January 21, 2019 at 10:29 am

305. One of my favorite stories to read aloud to my first graders.

     By Mardi Edwards on January 21, 2019 at 10:39 am

306. I love your Crayola crayon story! Such a real kid thing to do:) Your art is beautiful…thanks for sharing your poignant post.

     By Kathy Sholtys on January 21, 2019 at 10:53 am

307. Thank you for the inspiration, Vanessa! Your illustrations are beautiful and unique! 🌟

     By Monica Stoltzfus on January 21, 2019 at 10:57 am

308. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post, Vanessa. Your passion and joy so clearly comes through in characters you illustrate. I just love them!

     By marykatesmithdespres on January 21, 2019 at 11:06 am

309. Thanks for your insights.

     By Katie Engen on January 21, 2019 at 11:08 am

310. Thank you so much for sharing your story and reminding us to include everyone.

     By Krista Maxwell on January 21, 2019 at 11:23 am

311. Vanessa,
     Your post reminded me of how students in my first grade class would get so excited when a character in a picture book seemed to be representative of them. All kids need that- it’s so validating!

     By Writer on the run on January 21, 2019 at 11:26 am

312. Thanks for sharing your story and the reminder that one book can change the life of a child. I still love Snowy Day.

     By susanzonca on January 21, 2019 at 11:28 am

313. Thank you for sharing your story. A moving and inspiring post.

     By Angela De Groot on January 21, 2019 at 11:37 am

314. Thank you for sharing your story and your experience. This post will stay with me for a long time.

     By Dawn Prochovnic on January 21, 2019 at 12:06 pm

315. Vanessa spoke at a conference I attended last year. Her presentation came straight from her heart, as did this article, and both inspired and moved the audience. Thank you for sharing your art and your heart, Vanessa!

     By Marilyn on January 21, 2019 at 12:06 pm

316. Love, Love all your passion, Vanessa, as always!

     By Amy Harding on January 21, 2019 at 12:13 pm

317. love your beautiful post 🙂

     By diana delosh on January 21, 2019 at 12:18 pm

318. Love your story.

     By colleenrkosinski on January 21, 2019 at 12:19 pm

319. Vanessa! Thank you so much for sharing your story here! Your illustrations are amazing and so are you:) Patti Richards

     By Sensibility and Sense on January 21, 2019 at 12:20 pm

320. Thank you for this post, and for sharing your experience!

     By Ashley Bankhead on January 21, 2019 at 12:24 pm

321. Such a great story, and an important message! Definitely worth reposting!

     By creationsbymit on January 21, 2019 at 12:34 pm

322. Drawing on the side of the oven and it melting? That is awesome! Being vertical though, it seems like it might have ran a bit but melty crayons are fun!

     By Megan Whitaker on January 21, 2019 at 12:37 pm

323. A beautiful story, well told. Thank you for sharing it.

     By Catherine Millington on January 21, 2019 at 12:39 pm

324. Thank you for sharing your story.

     By Darcee A Freier on January 21, 2019 at 12:41 pm

325. Thank you, Vanessa, for your helpful post and the link to Painted Words. I explored your page as well as Shadra Strickland’s. I met her at Highlights Summer Camp at the Barn last summer and remembered her mentioning Painted Words. Thoroughly enjoyed looking at the site and your beautiful illustrations. –Kim

     By naturewalkwithgod on January 21, 2019 at 12:49 pm

326. Am important reminder, beautifully stated with lovely illustrations. Thanks for sharing!

     By Daryl Gottier on January 21, 2019 at 1:03 pm

327. What a beautiful memory. Thank you for sharing.

     By Roxanne Troup on January 21, 2019 at 1:05 pm

328. I always love Vanessa’s posts.

     By Lynn Alpert on January 21, 2019 at 1:08 pm

329. Every time I hear you speak or read something you’ve written, Vanessa, I am moved to feel, to really FEEL. And then to think. Thank you!

     By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 21, 2019 at 1:23 pm

330. I love your story! And your illustrations are beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration.

     By Shawna J Tenney on January 21, 2019 at 1:33 pm

331. Moving post, thank you. ❤

     By Nicole Vuong on January 21, 2019 at 1:41 pm

332. Vanessa: Your post is timeless. And lovely illustrations,too

     By shiela Fuller on January 21, 2019 at 2:04 pm

333. As a new and Native American writer, your life story moves me to keep learning and writing. We share the same desires to see all children in books. All children need to see their unique cultures are powerful and beautiful. Thank you!

     By Laurie Goodluck on January 21, 2019 at 2:30 pm

334. Thank you Vanessa for reminding us that readers gather strength and a sense of being from books they see themselves in and make connections with and are inspired by.

     By RaeMcDonald on January 21, 2019 at 2:35 pm

335. Dear Vanessa,
     In September 2017, you tugged my heart as you talked about this Storystorm concept when you presented a SCBWI North Texas Webinar called “My Journey to Diversity.” You so boldly stated that as writers and illustrators we need to let “every child know she is valuable–across the board.” When I began being a full-time author during that year, I kept remembering your wise words: “Children aren’t colorblind.” In fact, after creating my author website for the first time, I posted an essay (banter) about diversity and growing up in Detroit, Michigan. I talked about you and your books. I’m thrilled to “meet” you again through this Storystorm post. I only wish I could hear you sing again, like you did at the end of your webinar! Blessings for continued success and fulfillment in your career and passion.

     By marsha e wright on January 21, 2019 at 3:18 pm

336. Thank you Vanessa for the reminder that what we do touches our readers in ways we could never imagine.

     By julielacombeauthor on January 21, 2019 at 3:20 pm

337. I appreciate your posting.

     By kayla6001 on January 21, 2019 at 3:29 pm

338. Thank you, Vanessa, for reminding us about the importance of the characters in our PBs.

     By Patricia Alcaro on January 21, 2019 at 3:35 pm

339. Dear Vanessa, Your story warms my heart. Thank you for sharing the memory. May all children see themselves in the picture books we write and illustrate.

     Suzy Leopold

     By Prairie Garden Girl on January 21, 2019 at 3:51 pm

340. Thank you for a beautiful post, all children deserve to be seen in stories.

     By readstuffnwrite on January 21, 2019 at 3:57 pm

341. I love this so much!

     By Sara A on January 21, 2019 at 4:07 pm

342. I came to many (U.S.) picture books later in life because I arrived in the U.S. a little older, but The Snowy Day has been one of my favorites ever since I discovered it, especially now as a parent. I don’t look like Peter, and neither do my children, so what we take from it is that feeling of joy when kids get to explore their world. I appreciate how much more the story brings to children who see a child who looks like them and/or lives in a world like theirs. I am floored by the layers that are there for children to connect with in one beautiful picture book.

     By Anna Brooks on January 21, 2019 at 4:23 pm

343. I love your work!

     By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 21, 2019 at 4:25 pm

344. Such a lovely post.Thank you for sharing what Ezra Jack Keats did for you and how it inspired you to become the amazing illustrator you are!

     By Judy Sobanski on January 21, 2019 at 4:38 pm

345. This post has stayed with me over the years. No child should feel like an “afterthought” – every child should have a chance to have that incredible feeling when they see themselves in a picture book.

     By Melanie Ellsworth on January 21, 2019 at 4:51 pm

346. The Snowy Day is so wonderful. I just today watched my one-year-old niece sit still (for once!) and read it, with rapt attention, with my brother. I’m so glad it inspired you, Vanessa, so you could in turn inspire others!

     By Elizabeth Metz on January 21, 2019 at 5:11 pm

347. You never cease to inspire me, Vanessa! This post was so refreshing & moving. It goes to show us how one story can change a life

     By yangmommy on January 21, 2019 at 5:32 pm

348. Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing the heart of diversity from a child’s perspective. Beautiful! 🙂

     By Rene` Diane Aube on January 21, 2019 at 5:43 pm

349. Vanessa, I love reading about your experience with Peter and The Snowy Day. So glad that your parents got that paper for you!

     By tiffanydickinson on January 21, 2019 at 5:49 pm

350. Everything about this post was beautiful. Thank you for sharing Vanessa.

     By CJ Penko on January 21, 2019 at 6:14 pm

351. Beautiful glimpse into your childhood. The Snowy Day is one of my favorite books to read to my great-nieces.

     By Judy Pressler on January 21, 2019 at 6:21 pm

352. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Inspirational!

     By Karan Greene on January 21, 2019 at 6:53 pm

353. A great post, thank you so much!

     By aidantalkin on January 21, 2019 at 7:16 pm

354. I LOVE Ezra Jack Keats as do my kids!
     Also, you do beautiful work!

     By kimgjolly on January 21, 2019 at 7:16 pm

355. Ok, I’ll admit that I’m more than a bit of a fan girl of Vanessa’s. I’d like to be her when I grow up, if I ever do! Thanks for a great post. I’ve been inspired to outline 3 new ides! ❤️

     By Beth Gallagher on January 21, 2019 at 7:17 pm

356. thank you. I love your illustrations. and I still don’t understand why authors can’t request illustrators or submit with them. Rules, hmph.

     By Stephanie Wildman on January 21, 2019 at 7:18 pm

357. It would be amazing to write a book and find out that it had touched a child as much as The Snowy Day touched you! Thanks for sharing your feelings and experience.

     By Jacqueline Adams on January 21, 2019 at 7:23 pm

358. Thank you!

     By moviemommie on January 21, 2019 at 7:25 pm

359. I love her wonderful, wonderfully diverse illustrations! Thank goodness children are more and more able to find themselves in books now. May that trend continue…

     By Sandy Perlic on January 21, 2019 at 7:38 pm

360. Love your story of drawing on the stove 🙂
     And love your illustrations. So glad you are adding your diverse characters to the world of kid lit

     By marty on January 21, 2019 at 8:26 pm

361. Great post! Love your illustrations!

     By Lisa Gerin on January 21, 2019 at 8:28 pm

362. I loved this, Vanessa. It’s so fun to include children from all backgrounds in my stories and just makes them so much richer.

     By Vicky on January 21, 2019 at 9:02 pm

363. Every child deserves to feel seen and important and visible. I adore your illustrations!

     By Nora Fry on January 21, 2019 at 9:12 pm

364. Great insights, thanks for sharing! Books are so magical!

     By Kelly Ohlert on January 21, 2019 at 9:12 pm

365. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story with us.

     By Dan on January 21, 2019 at 9:14 pm

366. Vanessa, thank you for being a champion of ALL children. It’s a powerful thing to see yourself. Representation is so important.

     By pattyjcooper on January 21, 2019 at 9:27 pm

367. Sharing stories is a way to connect; thank you for sharing your story, and showing us that diversity is many-faceted.

     By Anjali Amit on January 21, 2019 at 9:49 pm

368. A powerful and inspiring read!

     By Jennifer Hunt on January 21, 2019 at 10:16 pm

369. What a great story!

     By mhklump on January 21, 2019 at 10:23 pm

370. I loved this post and I loved reading how you were affected by that book. I’m a kid from the 60’s and I liked that book too. I’m not African American but I love colors and patterns and I liked that little boy’s red snowsuit with the point at the tip.

     By Sheila Hausbeck on January 21, 2019 at 10:24 pm

371. Vanessa, you are a true masterpiece!! Thank you for sharing your talents with the world and making it better for children and adults!!

     By Lucy Staugler on January 21, 2019 at 10:27 pm

372. I too loved The Snowy Day, and Whistle for Willie. And I especially love seeing your art and stories captivating today’s children. Thank you.

     By Angela H. Dale on January 21, 2019 at 10:43 pm

373. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. And your beautiful art!

     By Jill M Proctor on January 21, 2019 at 11:44 pm

374. Thanks for your interesting post; I love that your characters stand side by side in different colors rather than in one or the other only. I too think it vital for kids to recognize themselves in books, and not just in racial diversity.

     By Poupette Smith on January 22, 2019 at 12:06 am

375. Books can give the reader a feeling that carries with them forever! I still look at some books that I read as a child and even though I dont remember the story, I remember the feeling that it gave me. Something relatable that stayed with me forever, whether it was the story line or the character, it left a life long impression on me. Thank you!

     By Jabeen Chawdhry on January 22, 2019 at 12:10 am

376. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Your books and illustrations are wonderful!

     By Connie Van Horn on January 22, 2019 at 12:13 am

377. Beautiful Vanessa! You are an inspiration to so many.I was thrilled to get to meet you at our Oregon conference last year, paint and collage in your workshop!, thanks for shinning your light on us all

     By Deb Bartsch on January 22, 2019 at 12:25 am

378. So true. Representation matters!

     By Keila Dawson on January 22, 2019 at 1:04 am

379. Thanks for sharing such a touching story!

     By Jennifer on January 22, 2019 at 1:44 am

380. I love your story and I love your illustrations. I recently read Grandma’s Purse and it reminded me so much of my own grandmother’s purse. Great memories.

     By aturner513 on January 22, 2019 at 2:03 am

381. Vanessa’s words have moved me to tears multiple times. Her stories are inspirational, and her illustrations are full of joy.

     By Myrna Foster on January 22, 2019 at 3:00 am

382. Loved your story and illustrations, Vanessa. You are so right…it is very important that all children see themselves in picture books. Thank you for sharing!

     By Jo Jo Harder on January 22, 2019 at 7:16 am

383. I love you mention all the children see themselves in pictures. Thank you, Vanessa.

     By Maritza M. Mejía on January 22, 2019 at 9:10 am

384. There is so much to love about this post! During my years spent teaching, I read many books to many classes. I think this is spot on!

     By melissamiles1 on January 22, 2019 at 9:32 am

385. I love your bio and your personal story. I’m a little bit jealous I don’t have that sort of connection with a special book.

     By Mel Copeman on January 22, 2019 at 11:12 am

386. I loved reading your personal story and how it inspired your career path. It’s a great reminder of how important things can be to a child.

     By Susan Schade on January 22, 2019 at 11:35 am

387. Great Advise!

     By Joan Swanson on January 22, 2019 at 12:03 pm

388. Wonderful advice — thanks for sharing your personal connection to A Snowy Day.

     By kcareywrites on January 22, 2019 at 12:04 pm

389. Thanks Vanessa! I love hearing your history – your presentation at the Carolinas SCBWI conference last fall is one of the most memorable. Ever!

     By CindyC on January 22, 2019 at 12:33 pm

390. I love that your artwork is bubbling up inside you and just has to come out. It’s what you were meant to do. 🙂 Thank you for making a difference in this world, Vanessa.

     By Debbie Meyer on January 22, 2019 at 12:43 pm

391. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s so important and I truly hope we are moving to a place where all kids feel included and see can themselves on the page regardless of color or upbringing.

     By Deb Huard, Writer on January 22, 2019 at 12:51 pm

392. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am such a huge fan of your work. Thank you for reminding us to think of ALL our future readings when we are brainstorming ideas.

     By Anne Appert on January 22, 2019 at 1:13 pm

     1. And by readings, I meant readers. oops!

        By Anne Appert on January 22, 2019 at 1:14 pm

393. I too was told not to draw on the walls, or furniture. I was also told not to draw on people. Now I get paid for all three. Thank you for sharing.

     By Kassy Keppol on January 22, 2019 at 1:19 pm

394. I absolutely love Vanessa’s illustrations. Thanks for sharing.

     By writeforapples1 on January 22, 2019 at 1:19 pm

395. One of my favorite posts!

     By Dawn on January 22, 2019 at 1:35 pm

396. Thank you, Vanessa. Inspiring and beautiful!!

     By Lisa Riddiough on January 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm

397. Powerful! I absolutely agree–thank you so much for sharing! ❤

     By Jolene Ballard Gutierrez on January 22, 2019 at 2:31 pm

398. Yes, the blog is great… but that bio is fantabulous. Anyone who remembers their first masterpiece as a crayola puddle of waxy deliciousness is alright by me.

     By shannonstocker on January 22, 2019 at 3:15 pm

399. All right by me. Sigh.

     By shannonstocker on January 22, 2019 at 3:16 pm

400. Thanks for sharing, Vanessa.

     By Sally Matheny on January 22, 2019 at 3:43 pm

401. Love your wonderful art, Vanessa. Thanks for sharing your journey.

     By Suzanne Alexander on January 22, 2019 at 3:58 pm

402. When you describe that moment of sitting in your teacher’s lap and seeing that page out of Snowy Day…He was beautiful!! His mom and dad looked just like my parents. Even the wallpaper looked like the wallpaper in my own house…I could feel the warmth and joy you must have felt at that moment. Very nice post and wonderful reminder to reach out to all children. Each is precious in their own way.

     By Mary A Zychowicz on January 22, 2019 at 4:16 pm

403. Vanessa, thank you for sharing your story and inspiration. Beautiful work!!

     By Sara Pistulka Weingartner on January 22, 2019 at 4:23 pm

404. Thank you for your words! (I also loved reading about your moment of nostalgia in Barnes & Noble. It’s the coolest feeling in the world when special memories come back to us, and we get to remember and enjoy them all over again.)

     By Jenny Boyd on January 22, 2019 at 4:23 pm

405. Thank you for reminding us what a difference a single book can make.

     By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 22, 2019 at 4:24 pm

406. This post gave me the goosebumps. I loved learning how THE SNOWY DAY affected Vanessa. I also hope that reading aloud to my students affected them in positive ways, too.

     By kathydoherty1 on January 22, 2019 at 4:34 pm

407. Love the idea of diversity in books for children

     By Sue Frye on January 22, 2019 at 4:41 pm

408. Fabulous post! Thanks so much!

     By Elizabeth Brown on January 22, 2019 at 7:34 pm

409. Thank you for sharing your story. All children need to see themselves reflected in picture books.

     By Paula VanEnkevort on January 22, 2019 at 7:54 pm

410. I’m loving the picture of the girls in school uniform.

     By Stephanie Lau on January 22, 2019 at 8:10 pm

411. I loved Ezra Jack Keats as a child as well. I like the idea of picking an author that inspires you and deeply studying their work.

     By Meilssa Chupp on January 22, 2019 at 9:10 pm

412. Thank you for this powerful post! I’m constantly in awe at the remarkable impact of beautiful picture books.

     By J.D. Silverwood (@jdsilverwood) on January 22, 2019 at 9:11 pm

413. Beautiful words and beautiful art. Thanks for inspiring us!

     By Suzanne Poulter Harris on January 22, 2019 at 9:23 pm

414. Beautiful words. Many, many thanks.

     By Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on January 22, 2019 at 9:40 pm

415. Beautiful post… beautiful art… beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

     By Becky Scharnhorst on January 22, 2019 at 10:29 pm

416. The story was put together so well, I never thought about Peter being more brown than me. As an adult with a friend who feels the difference her skin color makes in a predominately pale community, I realise how important books like this are to helping us grow up to see each other without judgement. Her family is a model for the family in my next book because I love them, but the diversity is a valuable bonus!

     By martina.franklin.poole on January 22, 2019 at 11:12 pm

417. Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous inclusive art, as well as your story. So many of my students with dyslexia are artists as well. I can’t wait to share your story with them.

     By Noelle McBride on January 22, 2019 at 11:41 pm

418. Thank you. This post, written from your heart, has touched my heart and sparked my imagination.

     By Beth Stilborn on January 23, 2019 at 12:31 am

419. Thank you Vanessa for sharing a part of your story. So glad Ezra Jack Keats wrote The Snowy Day for you and many others.

     By Jim Chaize on January 23, 2019 at 12:53 am

420. Thank you for sharing!

     By Amalia Reef on January 23, 2019 at 2:57 am

421. I remember this story. It’s so inspiring. Still beautiful.

     By Diane Tulloch on January 23, 2019 at 5:53 am

422. Very inspiring. Really speaks to the power of books to touch our souls and shape our lives.

     By Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words) on January 23, 2019 at 11:48 am

423. Vanessa, Peter is still loved today, requested just this week in our library! Thank you for sharing your story with us! I hope we all can be mindful of the readers who find themselves within our stories. We are in service to them.

     By writeremmcbride on January 23, 2019 at 12:16 pm

424. Your words gave me chills…

     Great post!

     By storycatcherpublishing on January 23, 2019 at 12:48 pm

425. Beautifully written message. Thanks, Vanessa!

     By Jill on January 23, 2019 at 1:01 pm

426. Thank you Vanessa for sharing your beautiful story. I cherish my copy of Snowy Day.

     By curryelizabeth on January 23, 2019 at 2:39 pm

427. Vanessa, I was very touched by your experience. My family too is very diverse and you’ve given me much to strive for in my future writings. Thank you!

     By Peggy Jaegly on January 23, 2019 at 2:48 pm

428. Oh Vanessa, seeing you last year in Portland. Having dinner with you, a lovely chat about men and mantrums, and really just basking in the warmth you radiate. This post once more took me back to last year and the joy I felt being around you. Lady, you are magic. Your heart, love and joy for what you do and your support of the world around you. Thank you. What a lovely break in my day reading your words. Just, Thank you.

     By Laura Clement on January 23, 2019 at 3:14 pm

429. Thank you for sharing your story.

     By Kyle McBride on January 23, 2019 at 3:19 pm

430. Thank you for sharing your story.

     By Helen Lysicatos on January 23, 2019 at 5:19 pm

431. The Snowy Day is one of my favorite books of all time! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts today.

     By Dani Duck on January 23, 2019 at 6:10 pm

432. Thank you for sharing your story, Vanessa and for shining a light on the importance of diversity in picture books. Also, how powerful words and images can be. You never know the effect they may have on a child. Thank you!

     By Amanda Davis on January 23, 2019 at 8:36 pm

433. The Snowy Day remains one of my favorite picture books, but its meaning is even deeper for you. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

     By andromeda515 on January 23, 2019 at 10:03 pm

434. Your illustrations leave me breathless! And btw, I read The Snowy Day to my very diverse class of Kindergarteners today. Tomorrow we act it out. 💕

     By ingridboydston on January 24, 2019 at 12:45 am

435. Thank you, Vanessa. I was fortunate to hear you speak at the Oregon SCBWI conference last year. Ooooh, the tears, they did flow. I love your story and the work you do. Thank you so much. 🙂

     By Michelle Sumovich on January 24, 2019 at 2:50 am

436. What a wonderful reminder of the effect one book can have!!

     By Sherry Howard on January 24, 2019 at 4:18 am

437. Fabulous post about the power of being seen. Thank you for your words and your work!

     By Emily on January 24, 2019 at 10:36 am

438. What a beautiful story–and fantastic illustrations! Thank you.

     By LAUREN BARBIERI on January 24, 2019 at 1:23 pm

439. Beautiful story. Beautiful art. Thanks for sharing!

     By rgstones on January 24, 2019 at 1:42 pm

440. Thank you for sharing, Vanessa!

     By alisongoldberg on January 24, 2019 at 2:01 pm

441. Beautiful, Vanessa!

     By Lauri Meyers on January 24, 2019 at 2:15 pm

442. This is so powerful – thank you for sharing!

     By Ms. Schubé on January 24, 2019 at 2:47 pm

443. Your drawings are amazing – so colorful and cheery, the characters jump off the page. I’m glad you were inspired by one book and turned that into many future books for all children to enjoy.

     By Chelle Martin on January 24, 2019 at 3:35 pm

444. Thank you for sharing your story, Vanessa. Diversity truly means books with windows and mirrors: windows so readers can glimpse another child’s world, and mirrors so they see their own world reflected back. And underneath them both, hopefully recognize we are all humans with the same needs and wants.

     By Joannie Duris on January 24, 2019 at 4:50 pm

     1. Loved this, Joannie.

        By Zoraida Rivera on January 24, 2019 at 7:58 pm

445. Love your art so much, Vanessa! So glad A Snowy Day put you on the road to your amazing career!

     By Janet Halfmann on January 24, 2019 at 6:02 pm

446. Vanessa, you’re inspiring. Grateful to you for sharing your journey with it’s pebbles, stones and rocks. They all teach us.

     By Zoraida Rivera on January 24, 2019 at 7:57 pm

447. Inspiring as always, Vanessa! Thank you!

     By Becky Shillington on January 24, 2019 at 10:07 pm

448. Thanks Vanessa for showing us the importance of diversity in stories.

     By sharongiltrow on January 25, 2019 at 3:27 am

449. Love this post and the power of books

     By Shanah Salter on January 25, 2019 at 1:34 pm

450. Love your art. You are sending such a positive message to a whole new generation of kids.

     By laura516 on January 25, 2019 at 2:19 pm

451. I love this post so much! Thank you for sharing your story and your talent.

     By Kelly Conroy on January 25, 2019 at 3:05 pm

452. Stories help our children learn diversity,experience diversity and celebrate diversity. Thank you so much for your contribution.

     By Sharron Magyar on January 25, 2019 at 4:09 pm

453. Vanessa,
     So many children have challenges and the pictures tell a big part of story. I read a book to my great nephew after I finished he said now let’s go back and read the pictures.

     By dlapmandi on January 25, 2019 at 6:42 pm

454. Thank you, Vanessa!

     By Midge Ballou Smith on January 26, 2019 at 7:25 am

455. Thanks for sharing your story, your truth and your beautiful illustrations.

     By Francoise on January 26, 2019 at 8:12 am

456. Thank you.

     By Shel ledrew on January 26, 2019 at 9:30 am

457. Inspirational! Thank you Vanessa!

     – Anna Levin

     By rhumba20 on January 26, 2019 at 2:47 pm

458. Thank you for this. Such a great post!

     By curryelizabeth on January 26, 2019 at 3:51 pm

459. Beautiful and touching. I truly am inspired by your words. Thank you, thank you.

     By Robyn Campbell on January 26, 2019 at 9:57 pm

460. I’ve heard that Diego Rivera also drew on his parents’ walls at a very young age. Thank you for representing ALL kiddos.

     By Lou on January 26, 2019 at 11:22 pm

461. Thank you Vanessa for sharing your personal story. Very touching and a reminder of how a teacher can make an impact on a child as well as picture books.

     By Robin Robb-Kraus on January 27, 2019 at 1:35 am

462. So truth!!!
     Thank you for your lovely post that made me think again about diversity. I try to keep it in mind but sometimes I forget.
     Thanks!

     By Maria J Cuesta on January 27, 2019 at 6:38 am

463. Thank you.

     By Freda Lewkowicz on January 27, 2019 at 8:23 am

464. Warm, moving and keeping us all motivated for all the children.

     By Patti Ranson (@pcakeran) on January 27, 2019 at 9:47 am

465. This is so touching! Loved reading about your childhood inspiration.

     By Kristin Wauson on January 27, 2019 at 10:56 am

466. Brava! And thank you.

     By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 27, 2019 at 11:12 am

467. INSPIRATIONAL !!!

     By topangamaria on January 27, 2019 at 12:26 pm

468. So happy that you were able to find one book you could relate to as a child. Times are changing, but not fast enough. Thank you for making a difference.

     By Caren Cantrell on January 27, 2019 at 1:22 pm

469. Thank you for this wonderful post. What makes The Snowy Day so brilliant is Keats’ artful relationship to diversity. His inspired creativity turns a simple story into an ingenious work of INCLUSION—NOT DIFFERENCE. I’m eager to see more of your work, as well. Thank you.

     By joyceschr on January 27, 2019 at 5:57 pm

470. Lovely. Thanks for sharing.

     By Joyce on January 27, 2019 at 6:16 pm

471. Great reminder for we never now how our book might affect someone’s life. Thanks!

     By Terri Sabol on January 27, 2019 at 6:32 pm

472. It’s so great to hear what an impact a book can make.

     By Andrew Lefebvre on January 27, 2019 at 7:45 pm

473. Great post!

     By bgonsar on January 27, 2019 at 7:47 pm

474. Every time I read an interview about you, read a blog post by you, or hear you in a webinar, I’m so inspired. Thanks for the inspiration!
     By the way, Grandma’s Purse is one of my all time favorite books! I love it so much. It reminds me of my grandma and her purse that was full of treasures!

     By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 28, 2019 at 10:33 am

475. Thank you for always being positive. Great inspiration.

     By Nadine Gamble on January 28, 2019 at 2:04 pm

476. Beautiful post, Vanessa. Your work now influences people in the same way that Ezra Jack Keats did. And inspires a whole bunch of us illustrators!

     By Paula Cohen-Martin on January 28, 2019 at 3:24 pm

477. Wow. I’ve read some cool middle grade multi-cultural stories and kids. Love them. Helps me to understand. Love to see what this Keats guy did.

     By photojaq on January 28, 2019 at 9:39 pm

478. Thank you for reminding of one of my favorite childhood books. I even got to share it with my children. This time of year we all dream of a snowy day of wonder.

     By Tiffany Painter on January 28, 2019 at 11:59 pm

479. Powerfully spoken, beautiful images. Thank you!

     By hdening on January 29, 2019 at 11:04 am

480. This: “The book left me feeling some kind of way.” Thank you for sharing your personal experience, Vanessa. This was incredibly inspirational.

     By Susie Sawyer on January 29, 2019 at 1:24 pm

481. Lovely post! Thank you for sharing.

     By hannahtuohyillustration on January 29, 2019 at 2:04 pm

482. wonderful!

     By Lori Williams on January 29, 2019 at 5:16 pm

483. I am so inspired. Thank you!

     By Laura Purdie Salas on January 29, 2019 at 5:31 pm

484. Wonderful post. Very inspiring! 🙂

     By Gayle C. Krause on January 29, 2019 at 5:53 pm

485. Ahhh. I remember loving Snowy Day. I remember Clarice Jackson, my kindergarten Sunday School teacher. Thanks for the inspiration.

     By Charlene Avery on January 29, 2019 at 11:15 pm

486. Thanks, Vanessa. You captured the deep connection between reader and picture book.

     By Susan Tuggy on January 30, 2019 at 1:36 am

487. Thank you so much, Vanessa! I had the pleasure of meeting you and hearing you speak at the Spring 2018 SCBWI PNW conference. It was so lovely hearing your words then and so lovely reading them now. Thank you for sharing..

     By Michelle Kashinsky on January 30, 2019 at 3:20 am

488. Thank you!

     By Anita on January 30, 2019 at 10:17 am

489. Such a beautiful memory you shared. Thank you for sharing your heart and being a multicultural illustrator!

     By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on January 30, 2019 at 3:10 pm

490. How important to be able to identify with characters and stories and find yourself there.

     By Vicky Howard on January 30, 2019 at 3:39 pm

491. Thanks for re-sharing this post.

     By Christine Irvin on January 30, 2019 at 4:25 pm

492. As a dedicated Tomboy I found it hard to see myself in books. Girls wore dressed. Only boys got to ride horses. I identified with boy characters. “Baby Sally” of the Dick and Jane school readers was my nemesis. Thank goodness things have opened up over time. Thanks for a moving post about the importance of all children being able to see themselves in our stories.

     By sallie wolf on January 30, 2019 at 5:13 pm

493. Thank you for sharing your story. I was a teacher who loved my students of every color and who loved to read picture books to them, so your post touched my heart. Congratulations on your illustrating success. I also loved THE SNOW DAY and Ezra Jack Keats. I even had a student make his own picture book modeling it after THE SNOWY DAY. He even copied Mr. Keats art collage style. I guess your post hit my memory chords as well. Thank you.

     By Sharalyn Edgeberg on January 30, 2019 at 7:20 pm

494. A very moving read! We are all diverse in our own way. There is a great need to produce picture books that help people relate to different characters and issues. Thanks you.

     By Judy A Shemtob on January 30, 2019 at 10:15 pm

495. You are so right – all children need to see themselves and their families in the pages of picture books. Just think – your illustrations will inspire the next generation of storytellers and artists.

     By claireannette1 on January 30, 2019 at 10:43 pm

496. Thank you for sharing your experiences in such a lovely post. Also, your story in your bio about the stove and crayons made me giggle-snort!

     By Jocelyn Rish on January 31, 2019 at 12:51 am

497. Snowy Day is a classic!

     By Kathryn E Kass on January 31, 2019 at 4:31 am

498. Your story is so inspirational. Thanks for posting.

     By Stacey Corrigan on January 31, 2019 at 11:37 am

499. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us of the importance of diversity.

     By Judy Cooper on January 31, 2019 at 12:40 pm

500. I love to melt crayons too! Only I use a muffin tin and put it IN the oven! What a wonderful story of how Vanessa began her artistic journey!!

     By Sherrilynn Scott on January 31, 2019 at 1:20 pm

501. Wonderful post, Vanessa. It’s always worth that reminder that all children deserve to see themselves in books.

     By Patricia Toht on January 31, 2019 at 3:33 pm

502. I LOVE your illustration style. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I too struggled with reading. I can certainly relate!

     By Julie Rand on January 31, 2019 at 4:01 pm

503. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story and gorgeous illustrations. All children should see themselves in books

     By Laurie Swindler on January 31, 2019 at 7:34 pm

504. Thank you for opening our minds to other perspectives! This is so important and lovely.

     By deniseaengle on January 31, 2019 at 7:44 pm

505. Wonderful post.

     By Naomi Gruer on January 31, 2019 at 10:44 pm

506. What a touching story! Great post!

     By Bethanny Parker on February 1, 2019 at 8:57 am

507. Thanks for sharing, everyone should be represented in books.

     By denitajohnson on February 1, 2019 at 3:39 pm

508. What a beautiful post and touching story. Thank you for reminding us how incredible it is to write books for children and the huge impact that we can make on the lives of children!

     By Lindsay Fiore on February 2, 2019 at 4:47 pm

509. Always a pleasure reading or hearing Vanessa Brantley Newton. Thank you!

     By Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard) on February 2, 2019 at 7:01 pm

510. Vanessa, I love your work. I’ve been studying the beautiful way you depict people and loved reading about how Keats’ work inspired you.

     By Meghan Burch on February 2, 2019 at 10:13 pm

511. Thank you for sharing your lovely story and your inspiration.

     By Nicole Turner on February 3, 2019 at 11:22 am

512. Inspiring blog! Love that you have called yourself “the Multi-cultural Illustrator” — much needed. Yes, indeed, children need to see themselves in books. Thanks for the beauty you bring to this industry.

     By Johna Nicole Rossetti on February 3, 2019 at 5:07 pm

513. You are such an inspiration, dear Vanessa. Many thanks for sharing!

     By Meli Glickman on February 4, 2019 at 3:38 pm

514. Wonderful story!

     By loelmu on February 4, 2019 at 4:23 pm

515. Finding yourself in a story is part of the magic of reading – thank you for helping kids see themselves!

     By Jess Bourgeois on February 4, 2019 at 5:47 pm

516. Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing. (And THE SNOWY DAY is one of my favorites, too!)

     By Sheri Dillard on February 5, 2019 at 5:44 pm

517. Hi Vanessa,
     I too loved “The Snowy Day” in the late 60s. Thank you for sharing your experience!

     By Janet AlJunaidi on February 5, 2019 at 10:58 pm

518. Thanks for sharing what inspired you as a child.

     By Susan Nicholas Korstanje on February 6, 2019 at 6:25 am

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