By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times
Birmingham families are in for a special story time and book signing as renowned author and illustrator Christian Robinson visits the Magic City.
Robinson will be sharing his new book “Dad” on Saturday, May 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, at the downtown central branch of the Birmingham Public Library in collaboration with Thank You Books.
“Chances are, if you have children or know children, you may be familiar with Robinson’s lively, heartfelt storytelling and awe-inspiring artwork,” said Thank You Books co-owner Kristen Iskandrian.
Robinson’s new book, “Dad,” is described as a big-hearted love letter to all kinds of dads, animal and human, and the special bonds they all share.
“Dad is a picture book I didn’t know I had in me,” Robinson said. “Not being raised by a father, and not yet being a dad myself, I wasn’t sure I had the tools to tell this story. However, I wanted this book to be not only about fathers, but caregivers in general, and hopefully give everyone an entry point to see their experience reflected. So, I hope this tour will create space for folks to connect and share.”
Robinson says he’s looking forward to spending time in the Magic City.
“It will be my first time in Birmingham,” he said. “I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, and glad I finally have the opportunity to see this historic city.”
Robinson’s published works include the #1 The New York Times bestseller “Last Stop on Market Street,” written by Matt de la Peña, which earned a Caldecott Honor, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, and the Newbery Medal. He also illustrated the #1 New York Times bestseller “The Bench,” written by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Other notable collaborations include his work with poet Amanda Gorman for “Something, Someday,” also a #1 New York Times bestseller. His illustrations for “Nina: A Story of Nina Simone,” written by Traci Todd, were recognized with a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor in 2022.
His solo projects include “Another,” a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2019, and the New York Times bestseller “You Matter.”
The Christian Robinson for Target collection, released in August 2021, includes more than 70 items across home and apparel for kids and babies.
Currently based in Oakland, Robinson was born in Los Angeles, where he grew up sharing a small one-bedroom apartment with his brother, two cousins, his aunt, and grandmother. Drawing became his way of carving out space for himself and imagining the kind of world he wanted to live in.
He studied animation at the California Institute of the Arts and later worked with Sesame Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios before building his career as a children’s book illustrator.
“It’s not every day that such a decorated artist and author comes to town to share their work, answer questions, and sign books,” Iskandrian said. “No better way to spend a Saturday morning as a family than at the library, in the presence of greatness!”
For tickets and more information, visit thankyoubookshop.com/events.
