Meet the author and illustrator for an unforgettable Black History Month event

(Black PR Wire) Allentown, PA - Caribbean American author Deborah C. Mortimer will appear at A Different Booklist Bookstore in Toronto, Ontario on Saturday, February 24th, when she will present and read from her latest children’s book Summer Island. She will be joined by Caribbean Canadian illustrator, Ken Daley, with whom she collaborated to bring this book to life.

Summer Island sends readers on a journey to the Caribbean as they travel alongside a young girl visiting her father’s birthplace for the first time. There she learns about her cultural heritage and makes new family connections guided by her wise and beloved Granny. 

U.S.-based Mortimer, published Summer Island and other children’s books under her Leap Forward Publishing imprint which is dedicated to developing and promoting books with a focus on diversity and representation.

Said Mortimer, “Representation is not only important to ensure that children see themselves in the world, but so that all children see, learn about, and appreciate those who are different from them."

Previous titles by Deborah C. Mortimer include When You Give a Girl a Puppy…, which was even featured and read by Hollywood actor, Ryan Reynolds, on his streaming show, Bedtime Stories with Ryan; and Zorah and the Very Big Question, which takes kids on a journey of discovery with young Zorah as she explores future career options.

Parents are invited to bring children to hear the author read, purchase books, and get their books signed by both the author and the illustrator. Authentic Caribbean food and beverages will be prepared and served by Bake ‘n Friends (@bakenfriends on Instagram), owned and operated by Trinidadian chef Dixie King.

Attendees will have the opportunity to create art alongside Daley, as he shares his expertise and passion inspired by his Afro-Caribbean roots.

Event details:

What: Meet the Author & Illustrator

When: Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Where: A Different Booklist Bookstore, 779 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario CA

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About the Author

Deborah C. Mortimer is a lawyer and former homeschool parent with a passion for storytelling. Understanding the importance of representation in children’s literature and the need for diversity, Deborah is driven by her vision of bringing stories that feature relatable, inspiring and diverse character is not only to the children in her life, but the children everywhere. Her next book Zorah the…Brave?,  the second installment in the Zorah Questions Everything Series, will be released in 2024. Discover more about Deborah at https://www.deborahcmortimer.com

About the Illustrator

Ken Daley is an award-winning artist who has exhibited his artwork in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean. Ken has also illustrated numerous children’s books including Granny’s Kitchen, Black Boy, Black Boy, Joseph’s Big Ride, and received an Américas Award Honor Book, and a Kirkus Best Picture Book for Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings. He lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more at www.kendaleyart.com.