ASHLEY BRYAN, born July 3, 1923, to Antiguan immigrants in Harlem, New York, was the first African American to publish a children’s book as both its author and illustrator in 1962. He created his first book in kindergarten as an assignment to make a drawing for each letter of the alphabet. Since then, he’s authored or illustrated over 35 children’s book and earned several awards including the Coretta Scott King Award multiple times, which recognizes outstanding African American authors and illustrators.

Bryan grew up with his two brothers, two sisters and three orphaned cousins in the Bronx, and his parents ensured a strong sense of pride within their family. Growing up during the Great Depression, he says his childhood was filled with books, music and art, although resources were scarce (“The public library was like a second home.”) His mother sang while his father played the piano, and he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t drawing or painting. The alphabet book, which Bryan authored, illustrated and bound himself, received much praise from his teachers, family and friends, prompting him to continue creating these “limited editions” as gifts for loved ones.

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