Hey fam, this is my video explainer/pitch about the Social Justice Children’s Book Fair, what it does, and why its existence is so important right now. We’re in a $5k fundraising drive to match a $5k grant that was given to us. Since 2017 we’ve brought the funk here in the Bay Area re: Bipoc, Queer, Immigrant, and Social Justice minded kid lit creators. We have been volunteer based until last year and we’re trying to make our work more sustainable.
Ey, Bodies Are Cool is a really great book and its a hit in my household. Check out this video where I explain. I love this book because it flows, it’s short and to the point. And it really does emphasize an understanding and curiosity to see all types of people and bodies.
Synopsis: This cheerful love-your-body picture book for preschoolers is an exuberant read-aloud with bright and friendly illustrations to pore over.
From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party and Roaring Softly, this picture book is a pure celebration of all the different human bodies that exist in the world. Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types is just the beginning in this truly inclusive book. With its joyful illustrations and encouraging refrain, it will instill body acceptance and confidence in the youngest of readers. “My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL!”
What’s this? Whew, I’ve read over 600 picture books y’all! An author who I admire and respect “Adrianna Cuevas” was sharing her favorite books and it inspired me to share some of mine with you. I’ve read ok books, garbage ones, and some that I think are incredible examples of the picture book format. Here and on the socials I’ll be recommending some of my favs. Please support your community and the creators by requesting them at your library or local independent bookstore. Peace. My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I am the author and illustrator of Fresh Juice.
Dig this? Check out my other picture book recommendations:
I’m one of several founders, and organizers of an annual book festival called the “Social Justice Children’s Book Fair”that takes place annually in the Bay Area since 2017. We highlight Bipoc, Queer, Immigrant, and Social Justice minded kid lit creators and we invite in literacy organizations.
Beyond the shit show of a presidency, there’s an intensifying attack on books from book banning, firing librarians or educators, burning books, death threats, to defunding entire libraries. Why? The bans are not new, but it’s gotten worse over the last 5 years. The types of books they go after are the kinds of folks me, librarians, parents, teachers, and my fellow organizers champion.
And that shit makes my blood boil. It’s not just a passion for me, this shit is personal. I hated reading growing up. There were few to zero mirrors in books back then for me. I know too well what happens when Bipoc/Queer stories are erased from shelves. It sends a message that says “You, your culture, your story, your life is unimportant. And I’m not having that shit.
As we approach our 9th year, we as an organization have big plans to expand our work. Already this year we were selected to partner with the Bay Area Book Festival to build out theirFamily Dayprogramming (come join us in Berkeley on May 31).
That’s just the beginning. We hope to launch an Award highlighting the best of indy social justice children’s books. We want to mentor aspiring creators, and so much more. The challenges are massive and to face them, we’re going to need back up.
With Over eight years of volunteering we’ve have laid a solid foundation. Now it is time for growth.
Peep. A dope creator offered to give us a $5k grant and we’re trying to match it in 30 days. If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, help us amplify the word. If you know folks who love kid lit, books, social justice, or children’s books that feature voices who’ve been ignored for too long. Share this with them and
This is Tisean or TT from the 1996 film “Set It Off” played by actor Kimberly Elise. I’ve been slacking on my characters and its nice to stretch out by doing this illustration of TT. In the film she was quiet, timid, a single mother, but a fierce ally and team member of the crew. In order to escape poverty, she and three of her friends pull off multiple bank heists. Stay tuned for more.
On the film: I saw Set It Off when it came out. I think it was shortly after F. Gary Gray did “Friday” with Ice Cube, Nia Long, and Chris Tucker. I loved it back then. You never got to see 4 Black women wreck shit in a heist film back then so I was excited. I loved all of their characters, how they struggled, cared for each other, and I think writer Takashi Bufford who wrote the screenplay did a great job. I know he’s mentioned there are things that he’d change if he could redo the film. But I think it still stands up today. Shout out to Jada, Latifah, Vivica,Kimberly, and all of the cast and crew.
About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m an author/illustrator from the Bay Area and my most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Get it at your local public library or independent bookstore.
Dig this? Check out my throwback drawings of three characters from the 90’s film Mi Vida Loca
If u support education, read,act. Via @liberated.esc 🍉‼️URGENT ACTION! ALL HANDS ON DECK. Protect Ethnic Studies from censorship, silence, policing and control! AB 1468 is replaced by AB 715 ‼️🍉
Call California State Legislators and the Education Committee to STRONGLY OPPOSE AB 715!
Instead of listening to constituents, educators, parents, and legal advocates, DEMOCRATIC Assembly Members Rick Chavez Zubr and Dawn Addis are doubling down on efforts to police and criminalize Ethnic Studies by introducing AB 715.
This bill will strongly impact educators’ ability to teach Ethnic Studies curriculum without fear of retribution or censorship. Silencing dialogue doesn’t create safety—it shuts down vital conversations about the world we live in!
☎️ ACTION 1: Call members of the Education Committee and urge them to VOTE NO on AB 715. Protect Ethnic Studies from censorship and manipulations!
Al Muratsuchi: (916) 319-2066 Josh Hoover: (916) 319-2007 Dawn Addis: (916) 319-2030 David A. Alvarez: (916) 319-2080 dia Bonta: (916) 319-2018 Leticia Castillo: (916) 319-2058 Robert Garcia: (916) 319-2050 Josh Lowenthal: (916) 319-2069 Dr. Darshana R. Patel: (916) 319-2076
☎️ ACTION 2: Call your California Assembly member TODAY, Tomorrow and every day. Look up your who your Assembly member is: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
🚗ACTION #3: go to Sacramento this Wednesday, May 14th at the Bill’s hearing to make a public statement strongly opposing AB 715
SAMPLE SCRIPT: I’m calling as a constituent (or as a concerned California citizen) to Vote No on AB 715. AB 715, proposed by elected assemblymembers of the Democratic Party to create an oppressive threatening environment for educators will not only stifle and silence necessary Ethnic Studies teachings but also police any discussion and learnings about Palestine and Palestinians. It will create a repressive environment of persecution and fear among educators who dare mention historical facts that put Israel in a negative light. It would not be any different than the those who want to suppress the teachings about Rosa Parks because it makes white people feel bad or uncomfortable to learn factual history.
Fam, Its been over a year since I did one of these. If you follow me you know that I am a huge advocate for literacy. Reading kids books, comics, annnnd ART BOOKS. Art books about gaming, film, comics, illustration, sneakers, you name it. Anything you can find to get young people reading for fun! So with high school, middle school, and older elementary students if they’re not enjoying reading, find something that they LOVE and find books about it.
You can see the other videos I did featuring lots of different books. Check them out and share!
Dig this? Check out these shorts I started making about my favorite picture books like Turntable Timmy!
I’ve been making artwork and artwork to sell (merchandise) for a long time. Must of started about 20 years ago. I really got serious with it in 2016/17 though. But over the past 6 months I was inspired to try and make more videos documenting my everyday work as a small business owner and a working artist. there’s no benefactor for me, no trust fund, no rich patron. Just me, my hands, my mind, and my feet taking this stuff to the folks one day at a time.
In documenting thee everyday stuff I saw a Canadian artist named Maia Faddoul recording herself packaging her merch. At first I thought, who would want to watch me do that? But then, I thought why not give it a try. I’ve been sending still pictures of my books, paintings, prints, and stickers for years.
And not only is it working in terms of more sales, it is helping me understand how to promote myself in a natural non fake way. I’m not a comedian or great at making funny videos, but I make art and all I’m doing is finding another way to share it. These are 1 minute videos using my phone, tiktok or iMovie to edit them, then uploading them to Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube.
Soon, I’m going to make a pdf about what Ive learned after selling online, at book fairs, craft shows, out the trunk, and to larger businesses and organizations. Stay tuned….
Dig this? Check out this interbiew I did with sticker manufacturer and printer Sticker Giant!
❤️Fam, I’m so happy to share I’ll be at the 25th Annual “Malcolm X Jazz Festival” in Oakland May 17th, 11am-7pm selling books, prints, stickers, and more
🖤This event is Family friendly so bring your kids, elders, friends, folks , etc for food, jazz, vendors, graffiti, dance, politics, culture, and community.
💚This event is historic in its unity between Black, Asian, Latino, and working class activists and artists. You may have never been before, you might’ve missed it last year (as I did) , but this is your invitation to come home. Leave a comment below of why this is a good place to be. Go to East Side Arts Alliance to get more info!
Bring good energy, love, and an open mind .
Dig this? Check out some videos and info from Life is Living
Turntable Timmy is a dope picture book that came out in 2001 written by Michael Perry and illustrated by Doug Cunningham. Check out this video where i briefly talk about the book. Request it at your local library or independent bookstore.
Do ya like scratchin’. Timmy is determined to Hip-Hop his way to becoming the world’s youngest turntable DJ champion. Readers will have a hip-hop-till-they-drop good time as they discover with Timmy that the key to ultimate success is through perseverance, commitment, and dedication! This kinetic rap-rhyming tale definitely puts the word fun back in funky.
What’s this? Whew, I’ve read over 500 picture books y’all! An author who I admire and respect “Adrianna Cuevas” was sharing her favorite books and it inspired me to share some of mine with you. I’ve read ok books, garbage ones, and some that I think are incredible examples of the picture book format. Here and on the socials I’ll be recommending some of my favs. Please support your community and the creators by requesting them at your library or local independent bookstore. Peace. My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I am the author and illustrator of Fresh Juice.
Dig this? Check out my first picture book recommendation: Emergency Quarters
