Announcing Jan Spivey Gilchrist's new book, WE ARE SHINING, by Gwendolyn Brooks, coming out in l

We were pleased to learn that Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist Jan Spivey Gilchrist has illustrated WE ARE SHINING (HarperCollins) by Gwendolyn Brooks, U.S. Poet Laureate and the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize. Marking the 100th birthday of Ms. Brooks, this powerful picture book, which will become available in late May/early June 2017, is a story of our shared humanity and celebrates the diversity of our world. This life-affirming poem is illustrated for the very first time, and with Jan Spivey Gilchrist's stunning, vibrant images, it is sure to be a title eagerly awaited by children, teachers and librarians everywhere.

For more information on Jan Spivey Gilchrist as well as details about her appearances in schools and educational and library conferences, just visit or contact Balkin Buddies.