#monica mikai

[the-book-ferret]

I learned your words and wrote my song. I put my story down.

#thebookferret #books #booklr #book worm #book nerd #book pets #book addict #book photography #bibliophile #ferret #ferrets of tumblr #pets of tumblr #wasabi #build a house #monica mikai #rhiannon giddens

[krispyweiss]

Book Review: Rhiannon Giddens “Build a House,” with Illustrations by Monica Mikai

As a mother herself, Rhiannon Giddens knows children can handle grown-up subject matter.

So, the former Carolina Chocolate Drop turned over the lyrics to her “Build a House” - a tune written for the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth in the wake of George Floyd’s murder - to illustrator Monica Mikai to create a children’s book of the same name.

“For a very long time, all over the world, people have been enslaved and forced to work for the people who enslaved them - it is one of the worst things about being human,” Giddens writes in the Afterward.

“But this story is not just about that - this story also shows one of the best things about being human: how we keep finding ways to make our family and our home, no matter where we are, no matter what. I am proud to be a banjo-playing descendant of the Afro-Carolinians who, against all the odds, made a culture and built a home and survived, so I could thrive.”

In addition to slavery, “Build a House” explores exploitation, cultural theft and resilience. Mikai depicts Giddens’ words with colorful images of African slaves constructing a home; picking cotton, being forced off the land and burned out of their own home; and having their music - played on banjos and fiddles - appropriated by white people and turned into soundtracks for square dance.

Throughout it all, the father, mother and daughter at the center of the narrative remain steadfast and joyful as they demand - and create - their space in America.

“You brought me here to build a house. … And I will not be moved,” are the first and final words, respectively.

The book comes with a QR code that links to an allegedly “exclusive” version of “Build a House” as recorded by Giddens, Yo-Yo Ma and Francesco Turrisi. Alas, it’s simply the version released in 2022, well before the book hit shelves.

The smart money is on Giddens’ literary debut being banned in Florida. Because unlike children, Ron DeSantis cannot handle grown-up topics.

Grade card: Rhiannon Giddens “Build a House,” with Illustrations by Monica Mikai - B

2/8/23

#rhiannon giddens #monica mikai #build a house #yo yo ma #francesco turrisi

[nonesuchrecords]

Rhiannon Giddens's book debut, Build a House, is out today on Candlewick Press. The picture book was inspired by, and features the lyrics of, a song she wrote and recorded with Yo-Yo Ma to commemorate Juneteenth in 2020. This newly recorded version of the song with Ma and Francesco Turrisi is also out today on Nonesuch; you can hear it everywhere here. The video above features Monica Mikai's illustrations from the book. 

Giddens will read the book and perform at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum this Thursday, October 13, and Grammy Museum in LA October 22. Her Carnegie Hall Perspectives concerts begin this Sunday, October 15; her opera Omar with Michael Abels debuts at LA Opera October 22.

#rhiannon giddens #build a house #children's book #picture book #yo-yo ma #juneteenth #francesco turrisi #monica mikai #brooklyn children's museum #grammy museum #carnegie hall #omar #michael abels #la opera #nonesuch #nonesuch records #Youtube

[songsofprotestpeacerevolution]

Rhiannon Giddens - Build a House, with Yo-Yo Ma and Francesco Turrisi

YOU BROUGHT ME HERE TO BUILD YOUR HOUSE…

African Americans were forcibly enslaved and brought to this land to build houses they were not allowed to live in, tend to families who were not their own, and sow the seeds that fed a nation - while being left with only scraps themselves. They were not expected to thrive. But they did. In her picture book debut from Candlewick Press, MacArthur Fellowship recipient and Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens depicts a family’s resilience in the face of violence and sorrow. They are determined not just to survive, but also to tell their own story. Based on the song “Build A House,” composed for the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth and performed with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Giddens’s stirring text is paired with moving illustrations by Monica Mikai. Build a House confronts the history of slavery in America by telling the story of a courageous people who would not be moved and the music that sustained them through untold challenges. Steeped in sorrow and joy, resilience and resolve, turmoil and transcendence, this dramatic debut offers a proud view of history and a vital message for readers of all ages: honor your heritage, express your truth, and let your voice soar, even—or perhaps especially—when your heart is heaviest. https://www.rhiannongiddens.com/build-a-house

[ogdensburgpubliclibrary]

Thank you to the kind donor(s) who donated:

Thank a Farmer by Maria Gianferrari (Author), Monica Mikai (Illustrator)

Tasting History: Explore the Past through 4,000 Years of Recipes by Max Miller

We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration by Robert Furrow (Author), Donna Jo Napoli (Author), Marc Martin (Illustrator)

From Shore to Ocean Floor: The Human Journey to the Deep by Gill Arbuthnott (Author), Christopher Nielsen (Illustrator)

Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Author), Tom de Freston (Illustrator)

through the Friends of Ogdensburg Public Library Wish List. If you would like to check out what other items are up for purchase, please check the link at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/5IC3TRMR1ALN?ref_=wl_share

[cocoawithbooks]

Review: Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens

Do you like books that are based on songs and celebrate triumphs? Check out my review of Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens. #BlackHistory

Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens and illustrated by Monica Mikai is a lyrical book about the triumphs and tribulations embedded in the history of Black people in the United States. The story illustrates the journey of a family from when they are enslaved to when they are freed and then to the challenges they face once they are trying to build a life as free people. Throughout their journey the…

View On WordPress

#black history #childrens books

[winningthesweepstakes]

Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens,  illustrated by Monica Mikai

Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens,  illustrated by Monica Mikai

Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens,  illustrated by Monica Mikai. Candlewick Press, 2022. 9781536222524 Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4 Format: Hardcover picture book What did you like about the book?  Rhiannon Giddens (musician, songwriter, and McArthur fellow) uses song lyrics she wrote in collaboration with Yo Yo Ma in her first picture book. Simple, rhyming text and…

View On WordPress

#Candlewick Press

[chasenews]

Rhiannon Giddens’ #Book Debut Out Today

Rhiannon Giddens’ #Book Debut Out Today

Rhiannon Giddens’ tremendous 2022 continues today with the release of her book debut – Build A House – illustrated by Monica Mikai and published by Candlewick Press. The picture book was inspired by and features the lyrics of, a song that Giddens wrote and recorded with Yo-Yo Ma to commemorate Juneteenth in 2020. A newly recorded version of “Build A House” has been released today on Nonesuch,…

View On WordPress

[fmhiphop]

Ashanti Gears Up to Release Her New Children's Book, 'My Name Is A Story' written by the singer

The “Always On Time” singer Ashanti will be releasing a children’s book in July. My Name Is A Story is the title of her picture book. According to Ashanti the book was inspired by her childhood experiences. She faced bullying because her name was different. Over time Ashanti learned to love her name. My Name Is A Story Goes Viral   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ashanti (@ashanti) Her Instagram followers first got the news back in March. Ashanti posted a picture of the book on Instagram for her followers to see. She let everyone know when the book will hit bookstores. Make sure to grab a copy. “I’m so excited to share the news that my debut picture book MY NAME IS A STORY comes out on July 19th!” -Ashanti(Instagram) Ashanti moved the release date for My Name Is A Story forward. It goes on sale July 12. Buy the book on pre-sale and it comes with a signed bookplate from Ashanti. Ashanti's Childhood Inspired Book Ashanti also says why she wrote the book. “Inspired by my own experiences, I wrote this book to remind children that every name is special and deserves to be honored and celebrated.” Ashanti (Instagram) Harper Collins Publishers is publishing the book. “First days aren’t easy for a girl with a name like Ashanti. It feels like no one can pronounce it correctly! But with some encouragement from her mom, Ashanti spells her name and learns just how special it is.” Ashanti wants every child to know that their name is special. My Name Is A Story was made with children struggling to love their name. Ashanti wants children to be proud of their name. Monica Mikai illustrated My Name Is A Story. The 40 page book is for those four to eight years old. Buy the hard copy while it is currently on sale for $15.99. Ashanti Signs My Name Is A Story Check out Ashanti signing copies of My Name Is A Story at the Essence Festival in New Orleans.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ashanti (@ashanti) Stay updated on Ashanti news here at FMHipHop   Xavier "Writer X" Griffin | Facebook @WriterX93 |Twitter @WRITER_X_713| Instagram xaviegriffin81       Read the full article

[crownthewriter]

My Mothers Wildest Dreams Hardcover – February 2, 2021 by John A Light (Author), Monica Mikai (Illustrator)

My Mothers Wildest Dreams Hardcover – February 2, 2021 by John A Light (Author), Monica Mikai (Illustrator)

View On WordPress

[fmhiphop]

Ashanti Gears Up to Release Her New Children's Book, 'My Name Is A Story' written by the singer

The “Always On Time” singer Ashanti will be releasing a children’s book in July. My Name Is A Story is the title of her picture book. According to Ashanti the book was inspired by her childhood experiences. She faced bullying because her name was different. Over time Ashanti learned to love her name. My Name Is A Story Goes Viral   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ashanti (@ashanti) Her Instagram followers first got the news back in March. Ashanti posted a picture of the book on Instagram for her followers to see. She let everyone know when the book will hit bookstores. Make sure to grab a copy. “I’m so excited to share the news that my debut picture book MY NAME IS A STORY comes out on July 19th!” -Ashanti(Instagram) Ashanti moved the release date for My Name Is A Story forward. It goes on sale July 12. Buy the book on pre-sale and it comes with a signed bookplate from Ashanti. Ashanti's Childhood Inspired Book Ashanti also says why she wrote the book. “Inspired by my own experiences, I wrote this book to remind children that every name is special and deserves to be honored and celebrated.” Ashanti (Instagram) Harper Collins Publishers is publishing the book. “First days aren’t easy for a girl with a name like Ashanti. It feels like no one can pronounce it correctly! But with some encouragement from her mom, Ashanti spells her name and learns just how special it is.” Ashanti wants every child to know that their name is special. My Name Is A Story was made with children struggling to love their name. Ashanti wants children to be proud of their name. Monica Mikai illustrated My Name Is A Story. The 40 page book is for those four to eight years old. Buy the hard copy while it is currently on sale for $15.99. Ashanti Signs My Name Is A Story Check out Ashanti signing copies of My Name Is A Story at the Essence Festival in New Orleans.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ashanti (@ashanti) Stay updated on Ashanti news here at FMHipHop   Xavier "Writer X" Griffin | Facebook @WriterX93 |Twitter @WRITER_X_713| Instagram xaviegriffin81       Read the full article

[nonesuchrecords]

Rhiannon Giddens has revealed the cover for her debut picture book, Build a House, ahead of its October 11 publication on Candlewick Press; you can pre-order the book now. "I released this song on Juneteenth in 2020 with the great Yo-Yo Ma," Giddens says. "We made a socially distanced recording (very—there was an ocean between us!) and put it out on socials and that was that. A few days later, someone said the lyrics would make for a great children’s book. Fast forward two years and that children’s book is almost here! It has been ... a revelation to see what gifted artist Monica Mikai has done with this story." Build a House is the first of four children’s books that Giddens has planned with Candlewick Press.

#rhiannon giddens #build a house #children's books #lineart #monica mikai #candlewick press #nonesuch #brownie mcghee #yo-yo ma

[nonesuchrecords]

Rhiannon Giddens has announced the first two of four planned picture books she will publish with Candlewick Press and the Walker Books Group. Representing her publishing debut and showcasing the illustrative talents of emerging Black artists Monica Mikai and Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, the new picture books—Build a House (2022) and We Could Fly (2023)—will extend her artistic project to young readers and their families. "I'm so excited to get to explore a different way to tell the stories I’ve been trying to highlight with my songs and my music," Giddens says. You can sign up to receive e-mails about the projects here.

#rhiannon giddens #children's books #candlewick press #build a house #we could fly #monica mikai #briana mukodiri uchendu

[krispyweiss]

Rhiannon Giddens to Release Four Children’s Books

- First title, “Build a House,” to appear in fall 2022

Rhiannon Giddens is adding children’s-book author to her already-impressive resume.

Giddens has contracted with Candlewick Press to release four titles for youngsters. The first, based on the lyrics to “Build a House” and illustrated by Monica Mikai, will be released in fall 2022.

“Stay tuned for more,” Giddens said in unveiling her new author’s website.

A 2017 MacArthur genius grant recipient, Giddens is artistic director of Silkroad; a solo artist; a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Our Native Daughters; an actor on “Nashville;” scorer of the 2019 ballet “Lucy Negro Redux;” and the composer of “Omar,” an opera premiering in May 2022.

And, she’s an author.

6/24/21

#rhiannon giddens #carolina chocolate drops #our native daughters #candlewick press #macarthur genius #silkroad #yo yo ma #monica mikai