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Inspiration board 48

Been almost a year since I shared one of these because times are challenging but here are some things giving me light. Top to bottom, left to right.

  1. Book: Armaveni is a graphic novel about Armenian genocide, history, etc by Nadine Takvorian
  2. Music: This jazz drummer rocks w/ a solid hip hop foundation. Listen to Makaya McCraven
  3. Book: This graphic novel tackles Chicago student resistance to book bans-Wake Now in The Fire
  4. Culture: This is a plaque from a well known Lowrider club in LA called “the Individuals”
  5. Distribution: A hip hop record store turned distributor. I wish there was a book distributor 4 kid lit like Fat Beats
  6. Podcast: Shawn from the R&B group Boys 2 Men has a dope podcast called On That Note
  7. Journalism: Newish but packing a punch abt unions, labor, economy, politics, etc is More Perfect Union
  8. Film: This is a great documentary about independent hip hop venues and scenes in 90s LA called Where We’re From
  9. Film: This is an older documentary about an attempted coup in Venezuela of then president Hugo Chavez
  10. Art: This artist has been consistently putting out radical and progressive work, check out Courtney Ahn
  11. Music: She has dropped her first LP in a decade, take a listen to this LP by Phill’s own Jill Scott
  12. Social Media: This Dad & educator is consistently sharing great info/views Fernando Deveras
  13. Music: This song had med dancing and singing along by Donaeo feat Omar, Lemar, & The House Gospel Choir
  14. Event: I attended this Bay Area event last year and really appreciated it. San Jose Day
  15. Music: This Nigerian UK singer songwriter is fantastic. listen to Ego Ella May
  16. Community: I have been inspired by more Black folks getting into the Tiny House world

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more

What’s this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life’s trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I’ve been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments. Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.

July 16, 2026
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Stuff I’ve Been Listening to 28- Cuts from Brazil

Ed Motta (Rio, Brazil) – 1978 2013

I can’t recall how I came across Ed Motta, but he is my favorite Soul singer from the country of Brazil! check out his work, he plays, sings, and writes.

What is this? This series is called “Stuff I’ve been listening to” and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I’m always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover. My name is Rob and I’m an artist and author from the Bay Area.

Bebel Gilberto (Rio, Brazil) – Ceu Distante Remix by DJ Spinna 2005

I was introduced to Bebel (daughter of Joao and Miucha) through my sons mom and later found this remix by one of my fav Brooklyn producers, DJ Spinna.

Djavan (Maceio, Brazil) – Nereci 1978

Love this song and cannot remember how I came across it but I thought the brother looked super fly ion his sandals, little did I know he is a legend.

Kevin O Chris (Rio, Brazil)- Tu Tá Na Gaiola 2018

I think I heard about Brazilian Funk through an article from Afro Punk about their multiple day parties and found this banger through that search. It slaps. The slang is thick tho if you don’t speak Brazilian Portuguese.

Marcos Valle (Rio, Brazil) – No Tem Nada Nao 1973

Found this through Madlib! He had a mix from Brazil and had so many great cuts on there, but this is the one that stuck out the most and I’ve played this song 100s of times. Marcos Valle is still collaborating w/ folks!

Zelia Barbosa ( Brazil) – Funeral do Lavrador 1968

This is a record my sons mother gave me almost 25 years ago. I immediately fell in love with this song though there are several with heart wrenching themes. Highly recommend it!

Matchola feat 2ZDINIZZ (Sao Paulo) – Pensando en mim 2026

Just came across this dude whos style page says “Boom Bap Melodic”. Interesting! I’m feeling it.

Lo Borges ( Belo Horizonte, Brazil) – Calibre 1972

I came across this track through producer musician Flwr Chyld. Love it!

Gal Costa (Salvador Bahia, Brazil) – Pontos de Luz 1970s

Came to this gem through the incredible Kaytranada who sampled it for “Lite Spots”.

Toquinho feat Jorge Ben (Sāo Paolo, Brazil) – Carolina Carol Bela 1970

Just heard this the other day on a video from IG with some young futbol players.

Jorge Ben (Rio, Brazil) – Oba La Vem Ela 1970

Man, this song. I was introduced to Jorge Ben through my sons mom. She was a huge fan and so I started to listen, internalize a few of the songs and this is one of my favorites.

For Brazilians, I know this is a bunch of old stuff sprinkled with a few current records. But, these are songs I love. There are some other artists I’ve listened to like Emicida, Anitta, Nego do Borel, and DJ Renan De Penha

DIG THE MUSIC? THERE’S MORE! 

  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 25: MORE SOUL
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 19: UK ARTISTS
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 23: MORE JAZZ
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 21: RAPS
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 18: HOUSE
July 3, 2026
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Picture Book Recommendation- Jenny Mei is Sad

Heres a recent picture book review of a newish book called “Jenny Mei is Sad” which I LOVE by Tracy Subisak who is an author and illustrator. Its about friendship, big feelings, sadness, and its gorgeous. Never heard of it? Watch the video.

What is this? I have been working as a picture book illustrator/ writer since 2013 officially and I’ve been reading picture books since I became a young dad in 2004. In that time I’ve read nearly 700 picture books. Some trash, some ok, but with these videos I’m sharing my favorites! Watch all of them here. My last book is Fresh Juice.

Dig this? Check out the last review of “Perfect Harmony” by Charles R. Smith Jr.

December 8, 2025
in Creative Resources, Educational Resources
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Social Justice Children’s Book AWARD

So this is new for the Social Justice Children’s Book Fair, for the first time we’re giving away an award to 3 authors the night before the fair. Check out the awardees.

These are the three writers!

  • Raquel Donoso
  • Mona Damluji
  • Maya Gonzalez

RSVP for the event here whether you’ve been coming to the fair for years, you’re new, or you really support the kid lit world. Also, come check out the 9th annual Social Justice Children’s Book Fair.

Dig this? Check out this article from Oaklandside

November 27, 2025
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Inspiration Board 47

Errrray, this is my second inspiration board for the year. And what a tough fucking year it has been and its not even over yet. Top to bottom, left to right:

  1. Illustration: Eva Sanchez Gomez is a Spanish illustrator who’s work I dig!
  2. Book: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson is a huge puzzle piece of Black, American, and world history. I highly recommend reading it.
  3. Art: Bobby Pontillas is a filmmaker, animator, educator, and concept artist who’s work is beautiful.
  4. Book: Drawing Walls by Matthew Burgess & Josh Cochran is a phenomenal picture book biography about artist Keith Haring.
  5. Music: One of my fav hip hop groups ever-The Coup blends funk, mob music, hip hop, and political education beautifully. Listen!
  6. City: Earlier this year I visited Seattle for the 4th time and I really love this city!
  7. Music: I started listening to Flwr Chyld last year and really love his music (Soul, R&B). Listen.
  8. Podcast: This is a native podcast about politics and culture. Listen.
  9. Graffiti: I always wish to see more radical Graf and this blog collects and curates them! Radical Graffiti.
  10. History: Ashley Barron is someone making great use of social media to educate. Watch.
  11. Event: Lightbox Expo is an annual animation industry event in Los Angeles. Learn more.
  12. Film: Fatherhood is a sweet film about being a parent starring Kevin Hart. Watch.
  13. Journalism: LA Taco is a food blog who’s reports on ICE activity in LA was heart breaking and inspiring to watch. Read.
  14. Politics: I like so many were inspired by the campaign of the Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani!
  15. Journalism: Erik Garcia takes incredible moments in Xican@ history and remixes them on social media.
  16. Animation: Had to post about this film in 2022 and K Pop Demon Hunters did not disappoint. Such an aspiring film. Watch!

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more

What’s this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life’s trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I’ve been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments. Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.

November 26, 2025
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9th Annual Social Justice Children’s Book Fair

Fam, it’s that time of year. The 9th annual Social Justice Children’s Book Fair is upon us. This fair celebrates Bipoc, Queer, Immigrant, and Social Justice minded kid lit creators, literacy organizations, and the Bay kid lit community. We got over 50 creators, panels, performances, story time, and activities!!

Shout out The Conscious Kid and the Bay Area Book Festival for sponsoring this event!

Saturday Dec 6th, 11am-3pm in Oakland California

Its free and open to the public. If you’d like to attend, rsvp here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-social-justice-childrens-book-fair-tickets-1967246325717?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wanna help us get press? Send them the press release. Wanna see some photos from past fairs? Check out these albums of photos taken by Janine Macbeth, Mark Rea, Alejandra Domenzain, and more. Follow us on Instagram. Wanna see some press? Peep this from Ronnie’s List and Oaklandside.

November 20, 2025
in Creative Resources, Educational Resources, Events
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Authors Against Book Bans-JOIN THE FIGHT!

This is an incredible organization that formed recently to combat the barrage of bullshit, empty, hollow, and down right dangerous book bans that have been happening and exploding across the US. Those who are challenging and removing kids books from shelves (w/o reading them) are not worried about children being too young to learn about race, gender, sexuality, or political protest. They don’t want their kids and others in their state to develop critical thinking, empathy, and/or understanding. And even more sinister, this is a way to target, disrupt, shut down, and defund public libraries and public schools. Why? To privatize them and make sure there is LESS access to information. But don’t take my word for it, read about it. The situation is URGENT!!!!

Articles/videos about what is happening:

  • Fast Company: A revolution happening in kids publishing
  • Huff post: Author Laurin Mayeno talking about OUR BOOK being banned
  • Code Switch Podcast: Truth and lies behind book banning
  • Blavity: Zetta Elliott speaking abt one of her books being banned
  • Book Riot: A new era of banned books week
  • Lee & Low: Record surge in book bans
  • Video: Pen America testimony
  • Video: Trailer for the film The Librarians
  • Video: The Daily Show interviews Jerry Craft

After digesting that information that is where “Authors Against Book Bans” comes in because they mobilize parents, teachers, librarians, authors, illustrators, and activists to fight back. This is coalition of folks across the US. But, unlike the very well funded right wing organizations they have been doing this work with little to no funding. But they got a fiscal sponsor now and can take donations. If you can, please consider making a donation to their efforts.

LINK to donate

Dig this? Check out this post about one of my books being banned OR my “Read Banned Books” print.

November 14, 2025
in Creative Resources, Educational Resources
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Picture Book Recommendation-Perfect Harmony

This is a bit late but heres a picture book review for October featuring a lovely one that I used to read to my son called “Perfect Harmony” about the Boys Choir of Harlem. Its not often that picture book authors are also photographers but that is the case with this book and I wish more picture book would make use of it :). Watch my review.

What is this? I have been working as a picture book illustrator/ writer since 2013 officially and I’ve been reading picture books since I became a young dad in 2004. In that time I’ve read nearly 700 picture books. Some trash, some ok, but with these videos I’m sharing my favorites! Watch all of them here.

Dig this? Check out my review of Our Little Kitchen

November 1, 2025
in Creative Resources, Educational Resources
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Picture Book Recommendation-Our Little Kitchen

This is a picture book I read recently and love. Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki is a great book about community, mutual aid, and of course cooking a meal! Check it out from your local library or purchase it from your local bookstore. Watch my review.

What is this? I have been working as a picture book illustrator/ writer since 2013 officially and I’ve been reading picture books since I became a young dad in 2004. In that time I’ve read nearly 700 picture books. Some trash, some ok, but with these videos I’m sharing my favorites! Watch all of them here.

Dig this? Check out “Gathering the Sun”

September 24, 2025
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Fairyland Children’s Book Fest-9/20/25

Hey fam, I will be at this years “Fairyland Children’s Book Fair” supporting the Youth Writers Workshop. This past Spring I had the distinct pleasure of working with artist Michaela Ellis to design and plan an awesome series of workshops incorporating team building, games, writing, and drawing exercises, and time to work on their own stories. Some of those stories have been completed and will be published in a journal which you can get that supports young writers. At this years Fest Whitley Gilbert and I will be introducing some of these young creators to you and tabling with them where you can come get your book signed by them 🙂

Ok, come check us out and meet one or two of the 30+ authors who will be there such as Nidhi Chanani, Natasha Triplett, Laura Atkins, Bo Lu, Eugenia Yoh, Malick Sickstein, Charlotte Cheng, Angela Dalton, and more.

September 20th , 10am-4pm

MORE INFO HERE

Dig this? Check out their Instagram

September 8, 2025
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