Hello All,
This weekend was the 2008 Circle of Sister Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. I had the wonderful opportunity to be apart of Scholastic's Showcase of their newest series Ruby and the Booker Boys. Derrick Barnes, the Author and I, Vanessa Brantley Newton the illustrator were on hand to get the word out about Ruby and have lots of fun doing it.
Scholastic created an inviting and fun filled space for all potential visitors. It was all decked out with computers for children to engage in a time of reading, games and activities from the Ezine Magazine of Scholastic’s Read and Rise Magazine, along with 3 tables of activities for young visitors to enjoy.
For my segment, I prepared paper-doll cutouts of Ruby and three outfits. Young visitors got to sit with me and color, cut out the outfits and dress Ruby up as we chatted about Ruby’s personality and her fashion sense. I also illustrated Ruby in approximately 10 different poses throughout the day. It helped to attract folks to the venue to chat and learn more. Derrick Barnes the author was also on the scene to do some readings periodically. Each time a group attended a reading they received a signed copy of one of the books in the series.
We met some fantastic folks on Saturday and they so graciously allowed us to take their photographs to share with you on the blog. So, Scroll through and enjoy the “Shout-Outs” to some of Ruby’s new found friends and fans!
SHOUT OUTS TO: Lydia and Booty Parlor Parties; Linda Lee & Friendly Day Care; Leilani her Mom-Keep being creative!; Tanya White & P.S. No. 4 Paterson; Cliff & JC Group; Marcia Matthews and Kajae; The Behind the Veil Dance School Crew and B.Bright Ministries; Charolette Farrar; Barbara Walker-B.A.S.C; Sheila Lee & Shyyanna Higgs a 6 year old Ruby Lover!; Taisha & Ta'Ja Ellington another 6 year old Ruby Lover; Emma Allotta & Pen Pals for Jesus; Jerry Craft-"Mama's Boyz"-A talented syndicated illustrator Big Ups to you!; Wendy Hall-Jack and Jill; Nicole Clarke-NYU Event Coordinator; Carolyn Robinson-P.S. No. 58 Bronx, NY; Allyson Parks-Young & Young Achievers; Shaunna Chesson-Ms. Birdie's Books; Nerissa Dyson & Brooklyn Street Fair; Gloria Lee-Girl Scout Troup 20499 & WLBS; Regina Brooks-Serendipity; Derrick Barnes-Author of Ruby and the Booker Boys! and the Entire Fantastic Incredible Scholastic Team, You are the Best!!!!! To all the visitors from the 2008 Circle of Sister Expo, Thanks for your support!!!
Love you tons of Purple and Orange (Ruby’s favorite colors)
Ms. V.
22 comments:
Congratulations Ms. V. and Kudos to you Derrick Barnes and Scholastic!!!! I hope you guys sell 1 million copies and take Ruby all over the world!
Congrats, Vanessa! Nice to meet Ruby. Continued success to you and the book tour. Thanks for sharing the photos. Celebrating for your success in Texas.
I was so proud to meet Ruby. She reminds me soooo much of my iana. She was so excited about the books (she disappeared into her room). Vanessa, thank you for sharing the world (and our babies) your talents. They were certainly needed. Tell Coy I said hello. It was so nice meeting the two of you. Talk to you soon. Birdie
Long live Ruby! What a fantastic event you prepared. I so wish I could have been there, but I will settle for the wonderful pictures. You're beautiful and beaming! We're eagerly awaiting our Scholastic order....!
Wow! Looks like a wonderful time!!!!
*~*Congratulations*~*
Greetings Mrs. V.,
I received and email froom my friend "Uncle Cliff" as you know him and I wanted to get in touch with you. I have a friend/ client who is looking for an illustrator for his book. I can be reached at chavahhim@gmail.com or woicf08@gmail.com. Thanks and I do look forward to hearing from you....
Undena Y.Leake
What up ROCK STAR! Congrats on the conference- looks like you had a blast. Your "strings" image rocks- love the composition. I don't know why but I totally dig the kites arms- make me laugh. The kids faces are really cute too- well done. Have a great week:)
Looks like it was a great time! Congrats!
I love, love, love, your strings illustration. It looks like a lot of others do, too! You always inspire me - thanks for being so supportive to so many of us!
Congratulations, and it looks like a fabulous time!! You are such an inspiration!
Congratulations!!!!!!! Ruby looks Awesome :) I wish you many, many, blessings!!! Keep up the great work, you are a inspiration!
Kimberly
Oh this is WONDERFUL! Many congrats!!! So fabulous.
wow, Vanessa! What a great opportunity for kids to meet an author and illustrator. Wish I could have been there to see you draw, cause you are awesome! Congratulations!
Congrats! Looks like a lot of fun and your character of Ruby is just so appealing!
WOW Friend! I am so proud of you and what God has blessed you in talent. Ruby is so so cute! I love you lots and wish we could get together! Hmmmmmm Africa and NYC is far! love you lots - amy louise
Vanessa, I really enjoyed reading about your experience at the expo. I particularly enjoyed reading about how you prepared the cutouts and had young visitors coloring with you. What a generous thing for you to do and what a great opportunity for each of them. I can only imagine how much fun they had and I can't help but wonder who will be saying one day "that's the day I decided to become an illustrator". Congratulations! Ruby is adorable!
Seeing the photos, I´d really liked to be there. It´s so funny drawing live!!!
Congratulations
What a wonderful splash you have here Vanessa!
Also I finally get to see your face, so beautiful... and my, oh my what a smile you have :) :) :)
Congratulations on this Ruby a galore! All around the world and more...
Fabulous stuff! You go girl!
wow! it could be a BIG DAY for you, you look so happy on these pictures! congratulations!!!
Congratulations Vanessa! Ruby looks like a fantastic character:-)
Looks like alot of fun! Your character is adorable! I love yor talent.
Circle of Sisters Expo was a fantastic event, and what a great appeal to children. I'm the current VP of the New Haven, CT chapter of Jack & Jill, Inc. We are a family organization that provides cultural, social, civic and recreational activities that stimulate and expand the mind to enhance life. It would be great if our children could participate in a similar presentation such as that one at Circle of Sisters. Where we are a non-profit, of course our budget is limited, but if you would, please provide me with contact information to obtain the fees associated with your presentations / visits...I can begin the process of getting on your schedule.
Thank you so much for your kindness and welcoming spirit, you truly stand as a role model for our children.
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