HOLD THEM CLOSE

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow pens a lyrical and poignant love letter to Black children, celebrating the glory, triumph, and pride of African American history and future.

Her words encourage young children to hold close their joy, the words of their ancestors and elders, as well as their power to change the world. Brought to full life by collage artist, Patrick Dougherwhose main mediums are photos of a young boy and girl captured by Jamel Shabazz, and vibrant Ankara fabric backgroundsHold Them Close has a timeless and classic quality that will make it a perfect gift book.

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, M.S.Ed, is a Philadelphia-based educator and children's book author. Her picture books and short stories, which feature young Black and Muslim protagonists, have been recognized as the best in children's literature by Time Magazine, Read Across America, and NPR. These works include Mommy's Khimar, Once Upon an Eid (anthology contributor), and Your Name is a Song, as well as Abdul's Story.

Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, Patrick Dougher is a self-taught Artist, Musician, Poet, Educator & Spiritual Activist. Patrick has played and recorded with Grammy award winners Sade, Chuck D (Public Enemy) and Dan Zanes as well as many other notables. He is the drummer on "Dub Side as the Moon" one of the bestselling Reggae LP's of all time.

Jamel Shabazz is a renowned African-American fashion, fine art, documentary and street style photographer. His work has been published in books, shown in exhibitions, and used in editorial magazine works. He was born in Brooklyn, New York.