Picture a storyteller who weaves magic with words and art, bringing forgotten heroes to life for young readers—meet Vashti Harrison! This Brooklyn-based author, illustrator, and filmmaker has transformed children’s literature with her vibrant books celebrating diverse figures. From her bestselling Little Leaders to the award-winning Big, Harrison’s work sparks joy and inspires kids to dream big.
Born in Virginia in 1988 to an African American father and a Trinidadian-Indian mother, Harrison’s multicultural roots infuse her storytelling with a unique Caribbean flair. Her journey from a quiet, art-loving kid to a trailblazing creator is as inspiring as the stories she tells.
The Making of Vashti Harrison
Growing up in Onley, Virginia, Harrison was a shy student with a knack for drawing. She filled sketchbooks with fashion-inspired illustrations, hinting at her future as a visual storyteller. At the University of Virginia, she earned a BA in Media Studies and Studio Art, diving into film and cinematography. After a fellowship at UVA, she pursued an MFA in Film and Video at the California Institute of the Arts, where she sneaked into animation classes with Disney and DreamWorks legends. This blend of filmmaking and illustration became the foundation for her enchanting career.
After a stint in the film industry, Harrison returned to her first love: drawing. She taught herself the ins and outs of children’s publishing, joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and soaking up industry knowledge. Her determination paid off, launching her into the world of kid lit with a bang.
Vashti Harrison’s Unforgettable Stories
Harrison’s books are a celebration of diversity, history, and self-love, rendered in her signature whimsical style—think round-faced, expressive characters set against vivid, dreamy backdrops. Her debut, Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (2017), profiles 40 African American women like Mae Jemison and Rosa Parks. It became a New York Times bestseller, earning an NAACP Image Award nomination and a spot on the Daily Show. Its success led to sequels: Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World (2018) and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History (2019), both lauded for their engaging bios and kid-friendly art.
In 2023, Harrison made history with Big, a picture book about a Black girl’s journey to self-love amidst anti-fat bias. It won the 2024 Caldecott Medal—the first for a Black woman—and was a National Book Award finalist. Harrison also illustrated bestsellers like Lupita Nyong’o’s Sulwe, tackling colorism, and Matthew A. Cherry’s Hair Love, a love letter to Black father-daughter bonds. Her work blends tender narratives with bold themes, making complex issues accessible to young readers.
Her filmmaking background shines through in her storytelling, infusing her books with a cinematic quality. Whether exploring Caribbean folklore or modern-day challenges, Harrison’s stories invite kids to see themselves as heroes in their own adventures.
Why Vashti Harrison Matters
Harrison’s impact goes beyond books—she’s a champion for representation in children’s literature, a field where only 13% of books feature multicultural content. Her stories give Black and brown kids mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others, fostering empathy and pride. By highlighting unsung heroes, she rewrites history for young readers, showing them their potential is limitless. Her Caldecott win and multiple awards, including two NAACP Image Awards, cement her as a trailblazer.
Her work also sparks conversations about inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and amplifying marginalized voices. For parents and educators, Harrison’s books are tools to teach kids about diversity and resilience, making her a vital voice in shaping the next generation.
About Vashti Harrison
- Born: 1988 in Onley, Virginia
- Key Works: Little Leaders, Big, Sulwe, Hair Love
- Awards: 2024 Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Honors, NAACP Image Awards
- Fun Fact: She snuck into Disney animation classes to hone her craft!
Snag Little Leaders or Big and dive into Vashti Harrison’s colorful world of stories that celebrate every kid’s potential!