Praise for Layla's Happiness

2020 Ezra Jack Keats Award for Illustration2020 Ezra Jack Keats Honor for WritingA Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of 2020 “With Corrin’s layered, whimsical illustrations, each page is a snapshot of a simple moment that adds up to an abundant life, urban yet very much in tune with nature. The effect is both laid back and meaningful — an invitation to answer for yourself.”
The New York Times

STARRED REVIEW! ? “Well-illustrated poetry of the best kind that will leave sunshine in its wake.”
Kirkus Reviews

STARRED REVIEW! ? “Tallie honors the many ways children define happiness…A handsome and helpful primer on self-reflection and a mirror to urban black and brown children, this joyous title could be well paired with Samantha Berger’s What If.”
School Library Journal

A celebration of community, but also individualism, what Layla loves and what makes her happy is so specific to her and her family's experience. In uncertain or challenging times, books like Layla's Happiness are bright spots of inspiration. They carry us through and remind us of the gifts we have. The gifts of people in our lives or small moments in nature or even a favorite color.
The Eric Carle Museum

About the Authors

Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie was born in Queens, NY. Tallie has performed poetry & taught in the US, Namibia, The Netherlands, Belgium, & England. She has also authored several collections of poetry and is the mother of three galaxies who look like daughters.

Ashleigh Corrin is a graphic designer by day, illustrator by night, residing in Northern VA with her husband. Her talent comes from her late Grandmother who has inspired Ashleigh to serve people's unique stories with creativity. With her illustrations, Ashleigh hopes to contribute to good laughs, nostalgia, vulnerability, transparency, and seeing the light in ourselves and others.

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