Oprah: The Little Speaker (Marshall Cavendish)

The story of the early years of television mogul Oprah Winfrey’s life. Born into poverty and raised until the age of six on a small rural farm, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, she lived with her grandmother, Hattie Mae who taught by her to read and by the age of three Oprah was soon reciting passages from the bible in local churches. Her oratory skill was lauded by many.  Oprah’s passion for public speaking would take her far to eventually becoming one of the most successful women in the world.

Reviews:

The girl's drive and her grandmother's strength emanate from Ladd's bold acrylic paintings, which feature closeup, lifelike portraits. ~ Publisher’s Weekly

Ladd's acrylic paintings dominate the spreads. His palette favors warm earthy colors; his depiction of Oprah and her family are somewhat reminiscent of the intensity and emotion found in Jacob Lawrence's work. The book makes it clear that despite the odds against her, little Oprah was determined to lead a very different kind of life as an adult. ~ Children’s Literature