Emerald Jones, The Fashion Designer Diva

Author: Vanessa Womack

Illustrator: Rosemarie Gillen

Publisher: Paint The Sky Purple Publishing

I have been participating in #MCBD Multicultural Children’s Book Day for the past two years and It’s been an amazing experience. It’s a great initiative to bring diverse voices to the foreground and celebrate all the amazing authors/creators out there and their stories. I was gifted the book Emerald Jones, The Fashion Designer Diva by Vanessa Womack to review as MCBD2021 and I am delighted to do it.

Emerald Jones, The Fashion Designer Diva  by Vanessa Womack is a sweet story about young Emerald a.k.a Emmie understanding the significance of a good education along with pursuing her passion of being a fashion designer. Vanessa introduces the concept of STEAM and at the same time connects to young audiences with her realistic storyline. We understand how the cards Emmie had been dealt with early in her life could determine her future, and how timely guidance could help her make good choices. Vanessa also weaves in the importance of variables that go beyond the classroom in helping ensure every child gets a full and well-rounded education. These include having good mentors/role models, having empathetic teachers, encouraging parent involvement, and understanding the significance of patience and good old hard work. A book with a purpose and an important message.

Monday, Jan 18 is MLK day. A day to honor a leader in the civil rights movement for black people. In our current political environment, we all bear the responsibility to look within and ask important questions. What needs to happen to make things equitable for all people, what biases do we struggle with even if subconsciously, what steps can we take personally to change things for the better? Children’s literature needs a breath of fresh voices, #ownvoices, #diverse perspectives. Books like these are important ambassadors of that message.