Erika Medina – Illustratör

When Patti McGee first saw a skateboard, it was a board with wheels nailed onto it. At the time, skateboarding was considered boys' domain - not something for girls to take part in. Despite the jeers, discouragement, and admonitions to be “less like a tomboy,” Patti went on to become one of the most talented skaters around.In 1964, she entered the first-ever national skateboard championship. Patti won first place in the women’s division with her rolling handstand, a move she invented for the contest and that would later become her signature. Patti went on to become the first-ever professional female skateboarder, touring around the country and proudly proving that anyone can skate.

A universal story about speaking, listening and being heard.Margot loves space. Astronauts, the stars, and especially the moon landing. So she can’t understand why all of her attempts to communicate her passion fall on disinterested ears. Her mom is patient but distracted; her classmates would rather play kickball; and her teacher just wants her to focus and pay attention in class. Even so, Margot wishes she never had to talk about anything but space ever again.When she wakes up one morning and discovers she can only recite Neil Armstrong’s famous speech from the moon landing, Margot realizes she has an even bigger problem. How can Margot get everyone to pay attention and—more importantly—to hear what she’s really trying to say? This powerful picture book debut plays with themes of listening and communication to highlight the importance of a space of one’s own, no matter what your passion may be.

A universal story about speaking, listening and being heard.Margot loves space. Astronauts, the stars, and especially the moon landing. So she can’t understand why all of her attempts to communicate her passion fall on disinterested ears. Her mom is patient but distracted; her classmates would rather play kickball; and her teacher just wants her to focus and pay attention in class. Even so, Margot wishes she never had to talk about anything but space ever again.When she wakes up one morning and discovers she can only recite Neil Armstrong’s famous speech from the moon landing, Margot realizes she has an even bigger problem. How can Margot get everyone to pay attention and—more importantly—to hear what she’s really trying to say? This powerful picture book debut plays with themes of listening and communication to highlight the importance of a space of one’s own, no matter what your passion may be.

A little girl uses imagination and inventiveness to spread friendship through her community. But will she find a friend of her own?Whether it’s a supersonic sandwich maker or a twelve-tailed dragon, Sicily Bridges can make almost anything from materials she finds around her apartment complex. But when it comes to making friends, Sicily has yet to find the perfect fit. With a diverse cast of characters brought to life by illustrator Erika Medina, Sara de Waal’s whimsical debut emphasizes the power of imagination and finding companionship where you least expect it.