On the first day of spring, when the city is quiet and still, little Yaya takes the A train down to New York City’s southern shores with her mama and aunties to greet Mama Ocean and celebrate the arrival of a new season through a ritual of letting go of the past and embracing the new.
—Yaya And The Sea
One of my favorite writers (and editors) on the planet, Karen Good Marable announced the release of her forthcoming children’s book ☛YAYA AND THE SEA [pub: Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers] on Instagram earlier today. Truth be told, Karen edited my first profile for Vibe magazine on the rapper A+ back in 1996, and she hasn’t been able to shake me since. Ha!
I remember following Karen around at A+’s listening party and pointing out to her that since he was from Hempstead, Long Island and I was from Hempstead and in fact, went to high school with the young rapper’s mother, I could and should write the piece. Karen advised me to channel my inner Toni Morrison or something like that. Um, can’t say that I did. I was just grateful she bought my pitch and played such a meaningful role in my writing career.
Yaya and The Sea releases on March 12, 2024 and is available for pre-order now.
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My First Profile in Vibe magazine edited by Karen Good Marable née Karen R. Good
Dr. Dre Was On The Cover Of The Issue That Featured My Profile On The Rapper A+
The October 1996 Masthead of Vibe Was A Who’s Who Of Black Literati. Karen Was The Assistant Editor
Karen Is A Multiple Disciplinary Artist, Honey! The Texas Native Is Not Only An Editor, Writer & Author, She’s A Dancer! I Took This Photo Of Karen At A Friend’s Birthday Party Back In 2010.
Yaya And The Sea Synopsis from Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers:
A family goes on a trip from the city to the sea in search of renewal in this stunningly rendered picture book that’s an ode to sisterhood, nature, and being present.
On the first day of spring, when the city is quiet and still, little Yaya takes the A train down to New York City’s southern shores with her mama and aunties to greet Mama Ocean and celebrate the arrival of a new season through a ritual of letting go of the past and embracing the new.
