A Note to the Reader
I’ve known Aaron Boyd for years. We live and work in the same neighborhood–and I’m always delighted to run into him and his family walking dogs or kids. Of course, I’ve always known Aaron was a talented illustrator. I’ve got one of the shirts he designed for Boswell Books. But now i know he’s also an amazing writer. Giving Good is a beautiful book that would be a great addition to your school or family library.
Aaron will be appearing at Greenfield Public Library on October 26 at 1:00 PM to support his work illustrating the book, Brownie the War Dog. You can sign up at Boswell Books.
-Rochelle
Teaching Giving Good
Aaron, welcome to the blog! Can you tell us about your new book, Giving Good?
Giving Good deals with a young boy grappling with the need to spend time with his dad in light of an uncertain future, until the smallest gift reassures him that no matter what tomorrow brings his father’s love will always remain.
The origin of this story goes back to my childhood on the brink of our parents separation. As a child and for many years afterwards it was a very sad memory for me. But over time I came to see and understand the depth of my father’s love for us and that even in his absence his love still remained.
I also came to see these storms of life reflected in others. Whether it was a break up, a move, an illness, or simply failing a test we all face these storms from time to time, no matter who we are. In writing this my hope is to show that during these storms love is often not far away from us. And while love may not prevent the storm it can give shelter.
Tell us about you.
At five I knew I wanted to be an artist, by six I knew what I wanted to do with my art, tell stories. Inspired by books at that early age I have followed my calling for over 25 years bringing my art into the world through individual paintings that tell a story and in children’s books.
What was your path to becoming an author?
Milwaukee born I chose our local art school MIAD, where I received a BFA in Illustration 1993. Soon afterwards I began my professional career working in children’s magazines, murals, games and helping out in local art programs and schools developing my style and building relationships.
In 1999, I illustrated my first children’s book Juicy Peach followed by Babu’s Song, my first award-winning book receiving The Children’s Africana Book Award in 2003. Both books I am proud to say are still in print and are often used in schools around the country.
What is your mission as an artist?
Coming from a diverse African American family I have always sought to capture and celebrate the diversity of the world in my art. Wanting children to see themselves and others on each page. Representing the world, issues, and communities we all share in approachable ways. I feel it’s often under appreciated that children feel and witness the same things as adults, but don’t always carry the words to communicate their feelings.
My work seeks to build bridges and honor these needs in young minds. Art is a
language and I speak to young minds through my art.
How do you hope teachers will use this book?
I hope they will use it for exploration and empathy. Getting students to explore their feelings, finding that root to what they truly feel and know.
Using tools like writing and drawing can sometimes open up things that are difficult to say or understand. Then taking the next step of sharing these journeys allows others to see how we are much more connected than not. So often I’ll see someone who is angry, and I see instantly that anger is not what they are feeling, but fear.
By sharing my personal story like this I hope it will inspire others to do the same.
About the author. Aaron Boyd is an illustrator and creator of children’s books working in traditional mediums such as watercolors, paper, crayon and ink. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Aaron has always sought to represent the diversity and beauty of our world in the pages of children’s books because he believes it’s important for all children to see themselves represented in books. Aaron has illustrated over 40 books working with several publishers such as Lee and Low, Little Brown, Houghton Mifflin and Scholastic. And while he is proud of awards won over the years, Aaron feels the greatest reward is getting to keep inspiring children through his art.
