In this episode, we chat with Vicki Johnson the author of Molly's Tuxedo, and Gillian Reid the illustrator that worked on this wonderful book. We talk about Vicki's author journey and inspiration for this picture book. We also talk to Gillian about her Illustrator journey and her art process.
Molly wants to look her best for picture day at her school, and what looks better than a tux?
Molly's school picture day is coming up, and she wants to have a perfect portrait taken to hang on their wall. Her mom has picked out a nice dress for her, but Molly knows from experience that dresses are trouble. They have tight places and hard-to-reach zippers, and worst of all, no pockets! Luckily, she has the perfect thing to save picture day--her brother's old tuxedo!
But mom doesn't want her to wear a tuxedo in the photo; she thinks Molly looks best in the dress. Can Molly find the courage to follow her heart and get her mom to realize just how awesome she'd look in a tux? This book highlights a gender-nonconforming main character and is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.
Vicki Johnson was born and raised in rural Georgia where she spent her days reading, listening to the radio, and sweating. She is a Lambda Literary Fellow, a proud first-generation graduate of Smith College and Emory Law School, and a student at Vermont College of Fine Arts where she is pursuing her MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults. Vicki lives in a historic log cabin in West Virginia where she tends to her three cats, two dogs, and one college kid. She never wears dresses.
Find out more about her at vickijohnsonwrites.com
Gillian Reid is a children's book illustrator, character designer, and life drawing teacher. Originally from the UK, she now lives in Canada with her partner and two cats. She loves to draw, go to the movies and practice yoga. She likes to dress mostly in black and hopes to add a black tuxedo and bow tie to her wardrobe soon!
Find out more about her at gillian-reid.com
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Cover art by Olga Herrera
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