Chesapeake illustrator Tadgell wins Christopher Award

Chesapeake, Va.-based illustrator Nicole Tadgell and author Kelly Starling Lyons from Raleigh, N.C., were honored with a Christopher Award for Tiara’s Hat Parade (Kindergarten and up, Albert Whitman & Company). The book is one of 12 for adults and young people by 17 authors and illustrators recognized as the Awards mark their 72nd year. The author and illustrator join creators of 10 winning TV/cable and feature films.

After the family hat shop closes down when a new store opens that sells cheaper ones, "Tiara's Hat Parade" tells a tale about a spirited African American girl with a gift for storytelling who develops a creative plan to reignite her mother’s passion for hat-making.

The #ChristopherAwards were created in 1949 to celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit,” and reflects The Christophers' motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness,” said Tony Rossi, director of communications.

Known for creating realistic yet whimsical characters and scenes, Nicole Tadgell’s work has been honored by Read Across America, the Kansas State Notable Book Award, the Children’s Africana Book Award, the Américas Award, the Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, and the Growing Good Kids Award. Her books have been featured by the Bank Street Best College of Education, the Smithsonian Notable Books for Children, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices Annual List, New York Public Library’s Best 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, Eastern Washington University Excellent Choice, Maine’s A Capital Read, and the Rutgers University Top Born in Detroit, Michigan, art has always been both an escape and a labor of love for her. Frequent moves challenged her natural shyness, especially in new schools where she was the only black kid in class. “I always had pencils and paper nearby. It helped me make sense of the world around me or create imaginary worlds to live in for a while,” she says.

Today, Nicole continues to bring stories to life while advocating for diversity in children’s literature. In addition to her artwork, she finds beauty, strength and solace in the practice of Tai Chi, which has led her through trauma and recovery into spiritual awakening.

Kelly Starling Lyons is a children’s book author whose mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all kids the storyteller they hold inside. Her 12+ award-winning titles span easy readers, picture books and chapter books, nonfiction and fiction, standalone and series.

The Christophers, a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.