Each year, the African American Children’s Book Fair in Philadelphia celebrates the beauty of literature by Black children’s book creators. The African American Children’s Book Project was created in 1992 to promote and preserve children’s literature written by or about African Americans.
Founded by literary publicist and advocate Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, it is known as “one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children’s books in the country.”
Now in its 28th year, the African American Children’s Book Fair’s long tenure means that attendance has become a tradition among families, with adults who attended as children bringing their own children to experience a literary culture that includes and inspires them.
One of the largest events of its kind in the nation, the Book Fair is popular with educators, families, and anyone interested in representative children’s books and their creators.
The mission of Children’s Book Fair is to showcase Black-centered children’s books, both new and classic, and to encourage parents to develop small libraries in their own homes.
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Book Fair founder Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati wants to put an end to the myth that Black and Brown families don’t buy books for their kids.
The Origins and Growth of the Book Fair
On a frigid morning in 1992, literary publicist Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati expected a modest turnout - maybe 10 people - for her first book fair celebrating African American children’s literature. One of the largest and longest-running literary events for children’s books centering on African Americans started in 1992 in the Wanamaker’s department store (now Macy’s).
That overwhelming response underscored a gap in access to diverse children’s books. Determined to fill it, Lloyd-Sgambati launched the African American Children’s Book Fair, now in its 33rd year. The free event, returning Saturday to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, drew 3,500 attendees last year and has become a cornerstone for award-winning authors and illustrators.
The event started as a Black History Month event at a major department store with 10 authors/illustrators. EB Lewis, Tonya Bolden and Jacqueline Woodson participated in that first event. Over 250 people attended. Today, on average, over 3,500 people pass through our doors for the book fair.
“I kept saying to myself: ‘I really need a bigger space,’” she said.
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What to Expect at the Book Fair
The book fair is meant to inspire the next generation of readers by making books accessible to all while serving the need of Black children to see authors and characters who look like them, Lloyd-Sgambati said.
Bring your family to meet award-winning children’s book creators and listen to them read from their work. In addition to a wonderful collection of imaginative books for children, the fair also hosts storytellers, art-making stations, and other organizations and resources.
In addition to showcasing books, the fair includes several other activities:
- Meet and greet award-winning children’s book creators.
- Listen to authors read from their work.
- Participate in story telling sessions.
- Visit art-making stations.
- Explore other organizations and resources.
Featured Authors and Illustrators
Several authors at Saturday’s fair have encountered restrictions on their books. The best and the brightest.
Parsons achieved fame early in life playing opposite Will Smith in the original “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” TV show, as Hilary Banks. Through her company Sweet Blackberry, Parsons has created a series of animated short films to share with schools and libraries, telling the stories of lesser-known historical Black figures: like Bessie Coleman, the first Back woman to become a licensed pilot in 1921 (predating Amelia Earhart by 2 years), and Henry “Box” Brown, an enslaved man in Virginia who crated himself up in 1849 and successfully shipped himself to freedom in Philadelphia. So far, two of her animated films have been published as picture books.
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Philadelphia author and illustrator Eric Battle will be at the fair to present “BLAM! Black Lives Always Mattered!,” a graphic novel telling the stories of 14 historic Black people from Philadelphia. By using so many artists, Battle was able to give each life story its own visual style. That style is designed “to make the stories as relatable and accessible to folks who may not be familiar with comic books and graphic novels,” he said.
Other featured authors at the fair include Natasha Tarpley, who wrote “I Love My Hair!” (2001) now considered a classic. Author Leah Henderson (“Daddy Speaks Love”) is a longtime participant in the fair.
The Impact and Importance of the Book Fair
The book fair opens its doors this weekend as many local political organizations around the country seek to challenge and ban books in schools and libraries.
Jamilah Bigelow-Thompson, an award-winning, Philly-based children’s author and educator, writes stories featuring Black and Muslim protagonists.
Lloyd-Scambati emphasizes the importance of the book fair in educating children and ensuring diverse representation in literature. Families attend the 2024 African American Children's Book Fair. “The more we know about each other, the better we coexist,” she explains, noting that understanding one another’s history fosters unity.
Brittney Shipp, a meteorologist at NBC10 Philadelphia who became an author after visiting the fair herself around a decade ago, said the fair can function as a haven for books that children and families might not be able to find in a school district. “I’m not relying solely on schools for the totality of the education of my children - I don’t think we can do that,” said Shipp, a mother of two young children. “An event like this is great, because you can still go and be exposed to different books that might be important for your family.
People who read for pleasure use it as a coping skill. I have heard over and over again of people who read to relax. I believe the love of reading starts early.
The fair could not be held in-person last year due to the pandemic, so Lloyd-Sgambati took it online.
The fair will be taking COVID precautions, insisting all visitors and participants wear surgical masks. “It’s different. You go to space and you can’t see their faces behind the masks. You’re wondering: ‘Are they listening to everything?’” she said. “You wonder until you get to the Q&A section. It’s like: ‘Oh, good, they were.
This year's theme is "A Book Opens Up A World of Opportunities".
The 31st annual African American Children’s Book Fair will be held in person on Saturday, February 11th, from 1PM to 4PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 12th & Arch Streets. Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project (AACBP), a non-profit organization created in 1992, the event promotes the preservation of children’s literature written by or about African Americans.
Free admission will be offered at this event.
Thousands of parents, children, teachers, librarians and book lovers come to see an all-star line-up of award-winning black authors and illustrators. It’s a moving testament to the power of affirming images and good books.
People don’t come to browse - they come to buy. Our Literary Row is legendary. This is a great promotional tool to get them in the door. Once I’ve got them in the door, they buy. Seeing a long line of consumers buying books is such a beautiful sight.
To participate is highly competitive. From September to the closing date of December 31, I got over 150 requests. When I preview the books, I look to find the right mix for the book fair. I’m like a child in a toy store. The added value is the participants are really nice people who share my passion about books and know how to interact with their fans.
We’ve got the best group of illustrators on the planet - Eric Velasquez, Shadra Strickland, Floyd Cooper, Nancy Devard, James Ransome, Theodore Taylor and EB.
One of the hallmarks of this event is the support of corporate America. NBC10-TELEMUNDO62 is the sponsor of the Reading Circle. Our Educators Book-Give is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Tierney, Always Best Care Senior Service, Health Partners Plans, Health Partners Foundation and Universal Companies.
What’s next for the book fair? The book fair will continue to grow here in Philadelphia (tristate region). I have adults who attended as children bringing their children. Also to expand nationally. I’m developing plans to take the book fair on a nationwide tour. I’m in conversation with national corporate partners.
As always, my dream is to have the President of The United States host African American authors/illustrators in the White House. Having the president acknowledge the talent from the African American Children’s Book Community would be the icing on the cake.
“It did feel right,” said Lloyd-Sgambati. “It is time to start living. It’s time to start engaging.
