Katura J. Hudson

My book, I’m a Big Sister Now , illustrated by the amazing talented Sylvia Walker, won the 2019 Benjamin Franklin Award for picture books (ages 4-7).  The award was presented by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) at the 31st Annual Benjamin Franklin Award program, held in Chicago on April 5, 2019. What’s extra special is that the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards recognize excellence and innovation in independent publishing - judging both editorial and design of each entry. So this is an honor that Sylvia and I share!!  I’m a Big Sister Now and its companion title, I’m a Big Brother Now were published by Marimba Books, an imprint of Just Us Books.  

I made my second trip to Cuba this February, as part of a delegation of Black publishers & writers. The purpose of our visit was to participate in the Havana International Bookfair. But given what’s important to us, Cuba’s history & the deep roots we share - the trip was even bigger than books.  Our delegation was 23 strong - Black publishers, writers, academics, and book lovers, and our visit  included support of other Cuban literary, cultural, and community institutions. We visited Casa de las Americas, a cultural institution founded in 1959 that promotes and supports Latin American and Caribbean arts and culture. There we spent time with Zuleica Romay Guerra, its program director, who talked about their work and Cuba's need for books that reflect Black people. Our group donated lots of our books to the organization. In the third photo below, we're surrounding Zuleica in a circle of love and support. We also went to Edicione Vigia in Matanzas, where they hand make bo...

Creativity was a big focus for me this year. I wanted to step up my support of Black creatives in particular, and invest more in my own creativity.  So I was beyond geeked that I had an opportunity to write in Langston Hughes’ Harlem home, thanks to I, Too Arts Collective. A ‘space to create’ was just what I needed.  

If you follow JaydeKamille_ on Instagram, you already know she is a GREAT big sister. I'm so glad she could relate to my new book. It's like a big sister stamp of approval.  Watch her super adorable video about I'm A Big Sister Now . The book officially launches tomorrow, October 15, 2018. (yay!) 

My parents love to put us on the spot in interviews and ask me and my brother what it’s like working with them and for Just Us Books, the publishing company they founded. Now we’re flipping the script. To help celebrate Just Us Books’ 30th anniversary, my brother Stephan and I have some questions for them. Thanks to The Brown Bookshelf for this special interview opportunity. Read the interview . 

The perfect end to Black History Month 2018 - in Harlem at the I, Too Arts Collective gala to raise funds to help continue Langston Hughes' legacy and preserve his Harlem home. The gala was held in the home Langston Hughes owned, wrote in, lived in for more than 20 years. Yes, I took a bathroom selfie. (It was Langston's bathroom!!) My mom and I visited the upstairs library and took another selfie, this time holding the tribute we did to the legendary poet/activist - a book also named Langston's Legacy.  That typewriter on the mantle piece - it's one that Langston Hughes actually used! There's so much important history here and it was an honor to be in that space.  Learn more about I, Too Arts Collective’s work and how you can support at - itooarts.com

I’ve been going for years but February 3, 2018 was my first time attending the African American Children’s Bookfair in Philadelphia as a featured author.  I had a great time signing books, talking to kids and connecting with fellow Black kidlit creators. This bookfair is in its 26th year and it’s so important that we have this event and support it. Thank you and congrats Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati on another great event.