Reading in Color

African American children’s book illustrators have created bright, imaginative, and powerful artwork that invites readers of all ages to pause, explore, and celebrate Black culture. Their illustrations offer moments of reflection, joy, empowerment, and connection—helping us better understand African American history and everyday life.

This display, featuring book treasures mostly from the Effie Lee Morris Historical and Research Collection, showcases the rich evolution of Black illustration in children’s literature. Featuring early works by Ernest Crichlow, George Ford, Monetta Barnett and Ashley Bryan; groundbreaking achievements like the first African American Caldecott Medal winner; and the vibrant creativity of today’s Coretta Scott King Book Award winners in illustration. 

As you walk through the exhibition, you’ll encounter vivid and uplifting scenes: African folktales brought to life, portraits of Black heroes and historical moments, civil rights victories, music and dance, beloved sports figures, and warm depictions of everyday Black family life. Spanning the African American Center and the entrance area of the Fisher Children’s Center, the display highlights dozens of artists and an exciting variety of styles of picture book art — drawing, painting, watercolor, collage — and includes a special highlight on Black families who have made lasting contributions to children’s illustration. 

This is exhibit is part of Nexus: Black Art Week, sponsored by the Museum of the African Diaspora.  https://www.nexus-sfbay.com/