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Eric A. Velásquez is an American author and illustrator of over 30 children's books. Among other honors, he has won a John Steptoe New Talent Award (2001), Pura Belpré Award (2011), and NAACP Image Award (2021).

Biography

Velásquez was born in New York City, and grew up in Spanish Harlem. He is of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, and his first language was Spanish. He graduated from the High School of Art and Design, then in 1983 received a Bachelor of Arts from School of Visual Arts, after which he studied at the Art Students League of New York with Harvey Dinnerstein.

Before illustrating picture books, Velásquez designed book jackets and interior illustrations, including for Beverley Naidoo's Journey to Jo'burg (1986) and Chain of Fire (1990). His first illustrated picture book was Debbie Chocolate's The Piano Man (1998), which won him the 1999 John Steptoe New Talent Award for Illustrators. He debuted as an author in 2001 with Grandma's Records.

As of 2014, Velásquez lived in New York City and taught book illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Awards and honors

The Association for Library Service to Children has named five of the books Velásquez has published as Notable Children's Books: Grandma's Gift (2011), Beautiful Moon (2015), Schomburg (2018), Ruth Objects (2021), and ¡Mambo Mucho Mambo! (2022). Three of the books Velásquez has illustrated have been included on Rise: A Feminist Book Project lists: Touch the Sky (2013), Ruth Objects (2021), and She Was The First! (2021).

Kirkus Reviews and Shelf Awareness included Schomburg on their list of the best picture books of 2017. The following year, Booklist included it on their lists of the "Top 10 Biographies for Youth" and "Top 10 Diverse Nonfiction for Older and Middle Readers". In 2021, Booklist included ¡Mambo Mucho Mambo! on their list of the "Top 10 Arts Books for Youth". The following year, they included Going Places on their "Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth" list.

Publications

As author/illustrator

• Grandma's Records. Walker Books. 2001. ISBN 978-0-8027-8760-6.
• Grandma's Gift. Walker Books. 2010. ISBN 978-0-802-72082-5.
• Looking for Bongo. Holiday House. 2016. ISBN 978-0-823-43565-4.
• Octopus Stew. Holiday House. 2019. ISBN 978-0-823-43754-2.
  • Pulpo Guisado. Holiday House. 2020. ISBN 978-0-823-44864-7.

As illustrator

• Tate, Eleanora E. (1992). Front Porch Stories at the One-Room School. Yearling Books. ISBN 978-0-553-08384-2.
• Soto, Gary (1997). Off and Running. Yearling Books. ISBN 978-0-440-41432-2.
• Chocolate, Debbie (1998). The Piano Man. Walker Books. ISBN 978-0-802-77578-8.
• Weatherford, Carole Boston (2001). The Sound that Jazz Makes. Walker Books. ISBN 0-8027-7674-4.
• Francis, Panama; Reiser, Bob (2002). David Gets His Drum. Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 978-0-7614-5088-7.
• Haskins, Jim (2002). Champion: The Story of Muhammad Ali. Walker Childrens. ISBN 978-0-8027-8784-2.
• Ransom, Candice (2003). Liberty Street. Walker Childrens. ISBN 978-0-8027-8869-6.
• Walvoord, Linda (2004). Rosetta, Rosetta, Sit by Me!. Marshall Cavendish.
• Johnson, Angela (2005). A Sweet Smell of Roses. Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-689-83252-9.
• Krull, Kathleen (2005). Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King. Walker Childrens. ISBN 978-0-8027-8953-2.
• Brewster, Hugh (2006). The Other Mozart: The Life of the Famous Chevalier de Saint-George. Abrams Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-8109-5720-6.
• Weatherford, Carole Boston (2007). I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer. Walker Books. ISBN 978-0-8027-9688-2.
• Weatherford, Carole Boston (2007). Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive. Walker Books. ISBN 978-0-8027-9550-2.
• Boswell, Addie (2008). The Rain Stomper. Marshall Cavendish.
• Grimes, Nikki (2009). Voices of Christmas. Zonderkidz. ISBN 978-0-310-71192-6.
• Weatherford, Carole Boston (2009). Racing Against the Odds: Wendell Scott, African American Stock Car Champion. Marshall Cavendish Children's Books. ISBN 978-0-7614-5465-6.
• Dant, Traci (2010). Some Kind of Love: A Family Reunion in Poems. Two Lions. ISBN 978-0-761-45559-2.
• Hudson, Cheryl Willis (2010). My Friend Maya Loves to Dance. Harry N. Abrams. ISBN 978-0-810-98328-1.
• Watkins, Angela Farris (2010). My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart. Abrams. ISBN 978-0-8109-8975-7.
• Malaspina, Ann (2011). Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper. Albert Whitman & Co. ISBN 978-0-8075-8035-6.
• Brigham, Marilyn (2012). Swim!. Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 978-0-7614-6253-8.
• Michelson, Richard (2012). Twice as Good: The Story of William Powell and Clearview, the Only Golf Course Designed, Built, and Owned by an African American. Sleeping Bear Press. ISBN 978-1-585-36466-4.
• Fradin, Judith Bloom; Fradin, Dennis Brindell (2013). The Price of Freedom: How One Town Stood Up to Slavery. Walker Books. ISBN 978-0-8027-2166-2.
• Patricia, McKissack (2013). Ol' Clip Clop. Holiday House. ISBN 978-0-823-42265-4.
• Tuck, Pamela M. (2013). As Fast as Words Could Fly. Lee & Low. ISBN 978-1-60060-348-8.
• Bolden, Tonya (2014). Beautiful Moon: A Child's Prayer. Harry N. Abrams. ISBN 978-1-419-70792-6.
• Ieronimo, Christine (2014). A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water Across the World. Walker Books. ISBN 978-0-8027-2307-9.
• Meyer, Susan Lynn (2014). New Shoes. Holiday House. ISBN 978-0-8234-2528-0.
• Weatherford, Carole Boston (2017). Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library. Candlewick Press. ISBN 978-1-53-620897-9.
• Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing. Introduction by Tonya Bolden and foreword by Cokie Roberts. HarperCollins. 2020. ISBN 978-0-06-257204-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
• Rappaport, Doreen (2020). Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Disney/Hyperion. ISBN 978-1-484-74717-9.
• Russell-Brown, Katheryn (2020). She was the First! The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm. Lee & Low. ISBN 978-1-620-14346-9.
• Robbins, Dean (2021). ¡Mambo Mucho Mambo! The Dance that Crossed Color Lines. Candlewick. ISBN 978-1-536-20608-1.
• Bolden, Tonya (2022). Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book. Quill Tree. ISBN 978-0-06-296740-4.
• Weatherford, Carole Boston (2024). Outspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show. Candlewick Press. ISBN 978-1-5362-1297-6.

Notes

1. Ruth Objects was considered a top ten book on the Rise book list.

References

1. ^ "Velasquez, Eric". Encyclopedia.com. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
2. ^ McDonald, Jennie (November 24, 2014). "Interview with Eric Velasquez". Collaborative Classroom. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
3. ^ "Eric Velasquez, Children's Book Author, Illustrator Storyteller ★". African American Literature Book Club. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
4. "Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story by Beverley Naidoo, Eric Velasquez". Publishers Weekly. January 1, 1992. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
5. ^ "John Steptoe New Talent Award | Coretta Scott King Roundtable". American Library Association. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
6. ^ "GRANDMA'S RECORDS by Eric Velasquez". Publishers Weekly. May 7, 2001. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
7. ^ "ALSC announces 2011 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. Archived from the original on June 19, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
8. ^ "ALSC names 2015 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
9. "ALSC names 2018 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. April 12, 2018. Archived from the original on January 9, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
10. "ALSC names 2021 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. March 30, 2021. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
11. ^ "2022 Notable Children's Books". Association for Library Service to Children. American Library Association. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
12. "Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper". American Library Association. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
13. ^ "2021 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List | ALA". American Library Association. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
14. "Our 2017 Best Children's & Teen Books of the Year". Shelf Awareness. December 19, 2017. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
15. "Best of 2017". Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
16. Smith, Julia (June 1, 2018). "Top 10 Biographies for Youth: 2018". Booklist. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
17. Cooper, Ilene (February 1, 2018). "Top 10 Diverse Nonfiction for Older and Middle Readers: 2018". Booklist. Archived from the original on August 27, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
18. Smith, Julia (October 15, 2021). "Top 10 Arts Books for Youth: 2021". Booklist. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
19. "Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2022". Booklist. December 1, 2022. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
20. ^ "Carter G. Woodson Book Award Winners and Honorees". National Council for the Social Studies. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
21. "Pura Belpré Award celebrates 15th anniversary with "Quinces" celebración at Annual Conference". American Library Association. May 31, 2011. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
22. "Charlotte Zolotow Award (for Outstanding Writing in Picture Books)". Cooperative Children's Book Center. University of Wisconsin–Madison. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
23. Washington, Arlene (February 6, 2015). "2015 Image Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
24. "2016 Image Winners". Variety. February 6, 2016. Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
25. "2018 Young People's Literature Award to Carole Boston Weatherford » AAUW NC". AAUW NC. December 7, 2018. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
26. "Carole Boston Weatherford, Children's Book Author, Poet, Author ★". African American Literature Book Club. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
27. "Awards: National Jewish Book; Golden Kite". Shelf Awareness. January 11, 2018. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
28. "2018 Jefferson Cup Award Winners and Honors Announced". Virginia Library Association. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
29. "Awards: WNDB Walters; 800-CEO-READ Biz Book of the Year". Shelf Awareness. January 19, 2018. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
30. "2018 Nonfiction Award Nominations". Young Adult Library Services Association. American Library Association. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
31. Bosselman, Haley (March 28, 2021). "NAACP Image Awards 2021: The Complete Televised Winners List". Variety. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
32. "Looking for Bongo". Booklist. February 1, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
33. "Octopus Stew by Eric Velasquez". Publishers Weekly. July 11, 2019. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
34. Pino, Kristina (January 1, 2021). "Pulpo Guisado". Booklist. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
35. "Front Porch Stories at the One-Room Scho by Eleanora E. Tate". Publishers Weekly. August 3, 1992. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
36. "Off and Running by Gary Soto". Publishers Weekly. November 3, 1997. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
37. "Piano Man by Deborah Newton Chocolate, Debbi Chocolate". Publishers Weekly. February 2, 1998. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
38. "The Sound That Jazz Makes by Carole Boston Weatherford". Publishers Weekly. January 1, 2001. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
39. "DAVID GETS HIS DRUM by Panama Francis". Publishers Weekly. August 26, 2002. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
40. "CHAMPION: The Story of Muhammad Ali by Jim Haskins, James Haskins". Publishers Weekly. April 15, 2002. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
41. "LIBERTY STREET by Candice F. Ransom". Publishers Weekly. December 22, 2003. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
42. "Rosetta, Rosetta, Sit by Me!". Booklist. November 15, 2004. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
43. "A SWEET SMELL OF ROSES by Angela Johnson". Publishers Weekly. January 3, 2005. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
44. "HOUDINI: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King by Kathleen Krull". Publishers Weekly. April 4, 2005. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
45. "The Other Mozart: The Life of the Famous Chevalier de Saint-George by Hugh Brewster". Publishers Weekly. January 1, 2007. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
46. "I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer by Carole Boston Weatherford". Publishers Weekly. January 28, 2008. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
47. "Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive by Carole Boston Weatherford". Publishers Weekly. January 1, 2007. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
48. "The Rain Stomper". Booklist. September 1, 2008. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
49. "Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes". Publishers Weekly. October 26, 2009. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
50. "Racing Against the Odds: The Story of Wendell Scott, Stock Car Racing's African-American Champion by Carole Boston Weatherford". Publishers Weekly. August 10, 2009. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
51. "Some Kind of Love: A Family Reunion in Poems". Booklist. April 1, 2010. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
52. "My Friend Maya Loves to Dance". Booklist. April 1, 2010. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
53. "My Uncle Martin's Big Heart by Angela Farris Watkins". Publishers Weekly. August 30, 2010. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
54. "2013 Amelia Bloomer List | Social Responsibilities Round Table". American Library Association. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
55. "Swim! by Marilyn Brigham". Publishers Weekly. April 16, 2012. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
56. "Twice as Good: The Story of William Powell and Clearview, the Only Golf Course Designed, Built, and Owned by an African American". Booklist. February 1, 2012. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
57. "The Price of Freedom: How One Town Stood Up to Slavery by Judith Bloom Fradin, Dennis B Fradin". Publishers Weekly. November 26, 2012. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
58. Brown, Jennifer M. (October 18, 2013). "Ol' Clip Clop". Shelf Awareness. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
59. "As Fast as Words Could Fly by Pamela M Tuck". Publishers Weekly. February 18, 2013. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
60. "A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water Across the World by Christine Ieronimo". Publishers Weekly. March 17, 2014. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
61. "New Shoes by Susan Meyer". Publishers Weekly. December 8, 2014. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
62. "Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library". Shelf Awareness. December 19, 2017. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
63. "Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing by Tonya Bolden, Cokie Roberts". Publishers Weekly. May 13, 2020. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
64. "In Conversation: Tonya Bolden and Eric Velasquez". PublishersWeekly.com. October 4, 2022. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
65. "Outspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford". Publishers Weekly. December 7, 2023. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.

• Living people
• Artists from New York City
• School of Visual Arts alumni
• 20th-century American illustrators
• 21st-century American illustrators
• American children's book illustrators
• People from East Harlem
• Writers who illustrated their own writing
• Coretta Scott King Award winners