Pause a Moment: Ezra Jack Keats

Illustrator/Author Ezra Jack Keats uses mixed media to tell his stories. Some of his books include Goggles!, Peter's Chair, and Snow Day.
Most of his books were written between 60s-70s. The stars of the books were usually African American children living in an urban environment. This was uncommon during this time period. Not only were the main characters black, but they were featured as humans. They were not scene as a foreign species, but as regular children who have real emotions.
Black children were able to see themselves reflected realistically in literature.

For more info on Ezra Jack Keats, please visit the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.

I have included images of some of his wonderful illustrations. Notice the layering of paint and paper to create texture and patterns.