Praise for Jan Spivey Gilchrist's program at the September 2017 SCBWI-IL
Recently, author and illustrator Jan Spivey Gilchrist spoke at the SCBWI-IL (the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators meeting in Illinois) and we'd like to share with you what Susanne Fairfax of the SCBWI-IL Diversity Committee had to say about her program:
"Jan Spivey Gilchrist, you are such an amazing force of creativity! Thank you for sharing your beautiful mind and heart with us at our SCBWI-IL Diversity Network Wednesday night. We are so fortunate to have you in SCBWI Illinois! You are brilliant in every definition of that word.
"In Dr. Gilchrist's presentation “What to Give Our Children Who Live in America” she welcomed us in to her artist’s journey and her loving embrace of life. She wove stories of a path that met many obstacles and opened to many deep connections and collaborations. Her presentation was warm and rich and real and sad and funny. She shared her love of books and deep respect for children.
"'Words can lift, words can encourage, words can crush. Children need our words.'
"Jan unfolded for us how she met her challenges, made adjustments, persevered and made sure not to miss the opportunities that were often nestled inside. She shared stories of her friendship and collaboration with Ashley Bryan, including their gorgeous book MY AMERICA (HarperCollins) that embodies the very space of collaboration. She entranced the audience with her mellifluous recitation of Eloise Greenfield’s poetry (by heart) from their book HONEY I LOVE (HarperCollins) and talked about the dance between words and images. We followed along with Jan’s art on the screen as she read from the recent book of a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks WE ARE SHINING (HarperCollins).
"Gwendolyn Brooks daughter, Nora Brooks Blakely was in the audience and bantered lovingly with Jan as they shared mutual stories with the audience. Nora also used her theater expertise for impromptu stage directions for audience members during the Q & A so that Regis Le’Bron’s film crew could capture them. After the Q & A the audience lingered for a reception, book signing and networking together.
"Thank you, Jan, for your contributions to children’s literature and for enriching the lives of countless children through your 84 books, school visits, public presentations and your very being. Thank you for enhancing SCBWI-IL."
If you would like Jan to come to your school and do equally brilliant presentations to your students, just visit Balkin Buddies and contact us if you would like to book her.
