Black Gold
BLACK GOLD (Harper Collins), written by Laura Oboubi. This lyrical picture book is a joyous, poetic, celebration of Black children and a reminder of the Universe’s unconditional love in stunning verse and captivating collage. Perfect for fans of Sulwe!
When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth—rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the Universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of Black Gold.
Laura Obuobi’s empowering, whimsical text and London Ladd’s lustrous, captivating illustrations will inspire children to love themselves exactly as they are.
Reviews:
Ladd’s mixed-media-collage illustrations beautifully complement Obuobi’s lyrical text. The closing illustration features a Black child with arms opened wide, surrounded by dark purples, reds, and greens. Small dots of white and yellow represent the stars, highlighting the child’s connection to the universe. ~ Horn Book, starred review
A stunning work of art…Ladd’s acrylic paint and collage artwork is richly textured, layered with color and shadow for an intense visual treat full of movement and depth. ~ Kirkus, starred review
Alternating between mythical scenes of creation and naturalistic portaits of a growing child, Ladd combines acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper to create dynamic, starlit imagery. ~ Publishers Weekly, starred review
The mixed media art uses rich, saturated colors and striking imagery to embody the depth of an infinite cosmos, bringing the text to life. Black children will find a positive and powerful affirmation of their intrinsic and irrefutable worth. VERDICT Stunning illustrations elevate this empowering creation myth. ~ School Library Journal
The illustrations can only be described as magical, blending elements of fantasy with nature and starscapes. Ladd creates unique layered effects through his combination of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, and the deep purples and blues sparkle with flecks of gold-shining light…this book holds universal appeal in the way it intimately connects children to the larger world. ~ Booklist
"Lyrical, empowering, and inspiring. An affirmation of the miracle each individual is.” —Yamile Saied Méndez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?
Recognition:
Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023 Edition
Noted for outstanding merit - Family/School/Community
NAACP Image Award nomination - Outstanding Literary Work – Children
Horn Book - Calling Caldecott: Black Gold and Standing in the Need of Prayer
Kirkus Reviews, 2022 best picture book list
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
Society of Illustrators annual 65 Book Series