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Posted @withregram • @the_cat_agency We are so proud to reveal the cover for THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM, written by Tonya Duncan Ellis (@tonyaellisbooks) and illustrated by Jenin Mohammed (@knotwritenow)!

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A moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas—and the origins of Juneteenth.

When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.
They built me to remember.

On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.

In the voice and memory of the park itself—its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text and vibrant artwork, Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America—and the promise of a people to remember.

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THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM will be available May 14th from @harperkids @balzerandbray!

Cover reveal of my newest completed illustration project: When I Wrap My Hair. Written by Shauntay Grant. In stores 2024
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#nigerianpicturebook #blackgirlmagic #blackjoy #blackmoms #kidlitart #blackartmatters
#blackhair #blackbabies #blackillustrator #blackauthor #blackartists #blackbook #picturebook  #childrensbook #womenwhodraw #nigerian #nigerianbook #kidlit #kidlitart #scbwi #librariansofinstagram #librariansrock #newpicturebook #ankaradesigns #happybookbirthday #gele #gelefashion #muslimpicturebook #coverreveal #jeninmohammed

Cover reveal of my newest completed illustration project: When I Wrap My Hair. Written by Shauntay Grant. In stores 2024
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#nigerianpicturebook #blackgirlmagic #blackjoy #blackmoms #kidlitart #blackartmatters
#blackhair #blackbabies #blackillustrator #blackauthor #blackartists #blackbook #picturebook  #childrensbook #womenwhodraw #nigerian #nigerianbook #kidlit #kidlitart #scbwi #librariansofinstagram #librariansrock #newpicturebook #ankaradesigns #happybookbirthday #gele #gelefashion #muslimpicturebook #coverreveal #jeninmohammed

Cover reveal of my newest completed illustration project: When I Wrap My Hair. Written by Shauntay Grant. In stores 2024
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#nigerianpicturebook #blackgirlmagic #blackjoy #blackmoms #kidlitart #blackartmatters
#blackhair #blackbabies #blackillustrator #blackauthor #blackartists #blackbook #picturebook  #childrensbook #womenwhodraw #nigerian #nigerianbook #kidlit #kidlitart #scbwi #librariansofinstagram #librariansrock #newpicturebook #ankaradesigns #happybookbirthday #gele #gelefashion #muslimpicturebook #coverreveal #jeninmohammed

When was the last time you played outside with your friends?

WIP of the latest project I’m working on, which takes place in south Florida. Friendly reminder that I can illustrate for middle grade and YA, so feel free to request me to illustrate for those books. ;)
#scbwi
#blackmiami #kidlitillustration #floridalife #browardcounty

When was the last time you played outside with your friends?

WIP of the latest project I’m working on, which takes place in south Florida. Friendly reminder that I can illustrate for middle grade and YA, so feel free to request me to illustrate for those books. ;)
#scbwi
#blackmiami #kidlitillustration #floridalife #browardcounty

Eid Mubarak! Throwback to when I completed this Eid illustration for Highlights under the skillful art direction of @flandorious ! Story by @reemfaruqi
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#eidmubarak #ramadan #muslimillustrator #iftar #eidforkids

Eid Mubarak! Throwback to when I completed this Eid illustration for Highlights under the skillful art direction of @flandorious ! Story by @reemfaruqi
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#eidmubarak #ramadan #muslimillustrator #iftar #eidforkids

The Daddy Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is a book that celebrates the bond between little girls and their dads. I ransacked Joanns (while it was on its last legs, RIP) and arranged doilies, dyed ribbons, and different papers to create its scrapbook look. This spread shows just some of the different family dynamics that go on in the book. And ofc, all the different fits as well. 👗 🥻 👚 Charlie xcx blasted in the background as i worked on it
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

The Daddy Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is a book that celebrates the bond between little girls and their dads. I ransacked Joanns (while it was on its last legs, RIP) and arranged doilies, dyed ribbons, and different papers to create its scrapbook look. This spread shows just some of the different family dynamics that go on in the book. And ofc, all the different fits as well. 👗 🥻 👚 Charlie xcx blasted in the background as i worked on it
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

The Daddy Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is a book that celebrates the bond between little girls and their dads. I ransacked Joanns (while it was on its last legs, RIP) and arranged doilies, dyed ribbons, and different papers to create its scrapbook look. This spread shows just some of the different family dynamics that go on in the book. And ofc, all the different fits as well. 👗 🥻 👚 Charlie xcx blasted in the background as i worked on it
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

The Daddy Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is a book that celebrates the bond between little girls and their dads. I ransacked Joanns (while it was on its last legs, RIP) and arranged doilies, dyed ribbons, and different papers to create its scrapbook look. This spread shows just some of the different family dynamics that go on in the book. And ofc, all the different fits as well. 👗 🥻 👚 Charlie xcx blasted in the background as i worked on it
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

"Next, they do the Floss on the way to get their nails done."
Another spread from the Daddy Daughter Dance by Malcolm Newsome. Available now.
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackhistorymonth #blackdad

"Next, they do the Floss on the way to get their nails done."
Another spread from the Daddy Daughter Dance by Malcolm Newsome. Available now.
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackhistorymonth #blackdad

"Next, they do the Floss on the way to get their nails done."
Another spread from the Daddy Daughter Dance by Malcolm Newsome. Available now.
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackhistorymonth #blackdad

"Next, they do the Floss on the way to get their nails done."
Another spread from the Daddy Daughter Dance by Malcolm Newsome. Available now.
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackhistorymonth #blackdad

"Next, they do the Floss on the way to get their nails done."
Another spread from the Daddy Daughter Dance by Malcolm Newsome. Available now.
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackhistorymonth #blackdad

Mona dazzles after her trip to the salon. And so does Daddy! Fun fact about the bts of this book: I rewatched a bunch of Trollz dance videos to get inspiration for Mona and Daddy's Dance. THE DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE is available for purchase!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

Mona dazzles after her trip to the salon. And so does Daddy! Fun fact about the bts of this book: I rewatched a bunch of Trollz dance videos to get inspiration for Mona and Daddy's Dance. THE DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE is available for purchase!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

Mona dazzles after her trip to the salon. And so does Daddy! Fun fact about the bts of this book: I rewatched a bunch of Trollz dance videos to get inspiration for Mona and Daddy's Dance. THE DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE is available for purchase!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

Mona dazzles after her trip to the salon. And so does Daddy! Fun fact about the bts of this book: I rewatched a bunch of Trollz dance videos to get inspiration for Mona and Daddy's Dance. THE DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE is available for purchase!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

Mona dazzles after her trip to the salon. And so does Daddy! Fun fact about the bts of this book: I rewatched a bunch of Trollz dance videos to get inspiration for Mona and Daddy's Dance. THE DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE is available for purchase!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #scbwi #blackdad

Haven't posted my work in while (cough ai cough stealing work). Which is such a shame because I think the Daddy-Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is such a joyful book that im sure it will bring a smile to all littles that read it.
The Daddy-Daughter Dance has been out since October 2025. Please grab a copy or request from your local library if you can!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackbabies #mixedkid

Haven't posted my work in while (cough ai cough stealing work). Which is such a shame because I think the Daddy-Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is such a joyful book that im sure it will bring a smile to all littles that read it.
The Daddy-Daughter Dance has been out since October 2025. Please grab a copy or request from your local library if you can!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackbabies #mixedkid

Haven't posted my work in while (cough ai cough stealing work). Which is such a shame because I think the Daddy-Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is such a joyful book that im sure it will bring a smile to all littles that read it.
The Daddy-Daughter Dance has been out since October 2025. Please grab a copy or request from your local library if you can!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackbabies #mixedkid

Haven't posted my work in while (cough ai cough stealing work). Which is such a shame because I think the Daddy-Daughter Dance, written by Malcolm Newsome, is such a joyful book that im sure it will bring a smile to all littles that read it.
The Daddy-Daughter Dance has been out since October 2025. Please grab a copy or request from your local library if you can!
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#girldad #librariansrock #picturebook #blackbabies #mixedkid

Today’s book of the day is “When I Wrap My Hair” by @shauntay_grant and @knotwritenow. MJ has a medley of books that celebrate kinky curly hair because I want her to be proud of her roots even, especially wash days and grooming can be bit of a challenge because of our afro kinks and knots. I remind her all the time that our hair to defies gravity! Grab your copy from @liberationstationbookstore. Visual Description: A grid of two photos shows Johnzelle‘s daughter in a room with green walls holding the aforementioned book. The cover depicts a young Black girl with a pink shirt with her arms crossed in front of her in a meditative state. #readblackbooks #bookrecommendation #childrensbook #bookstagram #readtoyourkids

MJ and I loved "The Father-Daughter Dance" by @malcolm.newsome. The book is available for presale now and comes out on 10.21.25. Visual Description: The first slide is the book's cover, which features a Black man and his daughter dressed up in matching purple and pink suit and dress under a spotlight at a dance, smiling and having a great time. The second slide is Johnzelle's written five star review, which says "I loved reading this book with my daughter. What first caught my eye was that the father is Black and his daughter is more fair-skinned, which is a lot like me and my daughter. I also love the tale of a father and daughter dancing and having a good time together, since that's how we usually start our days. I've been showing my daughter different formats of books, so we enjoyed the music and sounds or the audiobook version. Will definitely be purchasing a physical copy to get a better look at the illustrations." #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readblackbooks #childrensbook @netgalley

MJ and I loved "The Father-Daughter Dance" by @malcolm.newsome. The book is available for presale now and comes out on 10.21.25. Visual Description: The first slide is the book's cover, which features a Black man and his daughter dressed up in matching purple and pink suit and dress under a spotlight at a dance, smiling and having a great time. The second slide is Johnzelle's written five star review, which says "I loved reading this book with my daughter. What first caught my eye was that the father is Black and his daughter is more fair-skinned, which is a lot like me and my daughter. I also love the tale of a father and daughter dancing and having a good time together, since that's how we usually start our days. I've been showing my daughter different formats of books, so we enjoyed the music and sounds or the audiobook version. Will definitely be purchasing a physical copy to get a better look at the illustrations." #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readblackbooks #childrensbook @netgalley

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

It's been real (hot), Philly. Met some cool people and old friends. Saw some familiar names on someamazing covers. Hope yall get home safe.
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrorbooks #scaryart #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor

Aaaand, we are live at Artist Alley at ALA!

Come visit booth 2355. We have #halloweentees #buckethat via @buckethatforever , Real Mermaids Read Banned Books tees, and fun spoopy stickers. Hope to see you!
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#americanlibraryassociation #juneteenth #rainbowfish #picturebooks #newpicturebooks #caillou #strangerthings #scbwi #alaac25 #ala2025 #funnystickers #horrormovies #scaryart #blueyfanart #darkmoor #blackbooks #werewolfart #bluey #kidlitart #bannedbooks #jeninmohammed #duneart #dune #spoopy #librariansrock #librarianhumor #bookhumor