Frank Morrison is the illustrator of many books for young readers, including Jazzy Miz Mozetta, winner of the Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent; Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book; Muhammad Ali; and How Sweet the Sound. Before becoming a children's book illustrator and fine artist, Morrison toured the globe as a break-dancer. Morrison recently won the CSK Illustrator Award for R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
You are no stranger to the Coretta Scott King Award. How does it feel to win "the gold"?
It feels amazing! Especially to win gold for a platinum iconic artist like Ms. Aretha Franklin!
How does it feel to win for this book? How about this year? Is there anything about this work that you felt particularly connected to?
Last year was a mixture of hope and heartbreaks. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone to Covid-19 or is battling with it. Thank goodness that we began this year with the hope of being vaccinated.
The racial injustice ran rampant. Seeing all nationalities coming together to march for justice around the planet gave me strength after watching those horrific acts.
Carole Boston Weatherford is an incredible talent (with a bunch of award-winning books under her belt, as well). Did you have a feeling when illustrating this work that the combination of her text and your art would be something special?
When working with an award-winning genius such as Carole, one must bring their "A" game. I must also bring my dancing shoes. This is required to stay on the beat of her text. I am just honored to be a contestant.
What did it feel like to bring the Queen of Soul's story to illustrated life? Do you have any favorite pieces of artwork from the book?
All hail the queen! I grew up listening and watching and dancing to Aretha Franklin. I would have never thought in a million years that I would be blessed with the opportunity to bring her story to an illustrated life.
My favorite page is all of them! My favorite song is "Amazing Grace."
What are you working on now?
I am excited to share that I am working on a project that I wrote titled Kick Push. Fasten your seat belts. This young skateboarder will be grinding his way to book shelves later this year! --Siân Gaetano, children's and YA editor, Shelf Awareness