Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn (The Children's Book Podcast #439)
MOMMY'S KHIMAR
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn are the author and illustrator of MOMMY'S KHIMAR, a story about young Black American Muslim girl who loves to play with her mother's khimars. Jamilah's picture book debut emphasizes the importance that children find joy and happiness in their identity. I love Jamiliah's reminder that there are a lot of muslim girls who are just happy, so why not make space in picture books to show those girls. Ebony's art celebrates that and more, capturing "black muslim girl joy", as my guests put it. What a beautiful book for our young readers and their parents to encounter!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother's colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.
A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears.
Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.A young girl plays dress up with her mother's headscarves, feeling her mother's love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl's life.
SHOW NOTES:
Mighty Writers homepage
ABOUT THE AUTHOR and THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (@jtbigelow) is the author of the critically acclaimed debut picture book, Mommy’s Khimar (Simon & Schuster/ Salaam Reads, April2018). She worked as an English teacher in high schools and middle schools for over a decade. She now works in the nonprofit world, helping kids learn how to write outside of the classroom. In her writing, she strives to portray children who are Black American and Muslim, two identities that she is proud to represent. She has also served as an anti-racism educator through her work as a fellow with the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative. She received her bachelors degree in English Education from Temple University and a masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She resides with her family in Philadelphia, PA.
You can purchase Jamilah's books through an independent bookstore HERE.
And find Jamilah online at jamilahthewriter.wordpress.com.
Ebony Glenn is an illustrator and artist living on the quiet outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. With an arts degree in Drawing and Painting from UNG and artistic representation by the Bright Group, she aspires to bring stories to life with fanciful illustrations that are filled with whimsy and charm to provide rich literary experiences for readers. She also seeks to create joyful and heartwarming crafts to satisfy her endless need to always make new things.
When Ebony is not giving in to her creative itch of art-making, you may find her lost in the pages of a good book, learning some new hula-hooping tricks, or going on an adventure with her pup, Louie.
You can purchase Ebony's books through an independent bookstore HERE.
And find Ebony online at ebonyglenn.com.
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