February is Black History Month! And here at Easton, we’re eager to celebrate the important brands and voices that make our community diverse and unique.
In Summer 2022, we invited Columbus author S.R.D. Harris to the Yard in our Newest District to share her children’s books with families. The event was such a hit that she offered regular story time over the course of the summer and during special events.
S.R.D. Harris is a married mom of three teenage daughters (and a rescue dog named Gracie) whose mission is to spread hope, love, and joy through her uplifting books, and spark a love of reading in all children. A life-long reader and a self-proclaimed “Library Kid,” S.R.D Harris was featured in two children’s books as a child. “This really inspired me to see the magic in books,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be an author when I grew up and over the years, when looking for inspiring books to read to our daughters, I noticed there was a lack of positive, diverse books.”
S.R.D. Harris and her youngest daughter Camryn began their publishing company together. “Camryn is very creative and enjoys reading, writing, dancing, fashion, cooking, and Tae Kwon Do,” S.R.D. says. “We work together on every aspect of writing the books, selecting the characters, and sketching out illustration ideas. She is always eager to give her input and feedback and her voice naturally shines through.”
Each of the characters in her books reflects pieces of S.R.D.’s heart. In Future Miss President, Kami captures her leadership qualities and her hope for bright futures for all children. In Teddy Only Wants to Eat Spaghetti, Teddy showcases her love of food and cooking. In Paige Plans it All, Paige conveys her love of planning a great party. And of course, Gracie, of Gracie’s Grace, represents her love of dogs and animals. “It is so fun to be able to weave our values into each story and inspire children from our hearts,” S.R.D. says.
The mother-daughter duo has even more coming up, including two new books in production, a partnership with Franklin Park Conservatory, the Ohio Wildlife Center, multiple schools and libraries, Barnes and Noble, and so much more! Plus, this summer, Camryn will begin writing her own chapter book.
For more information on how to connect with S.R.D. Harris, visit her website. There you can find links to social media pages, a place to sign up for her newsletter, and plenty of ways to experience her books.
