Boy and His Mirror

Marchánt Davis is an actor, writer, and producer originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Boy and His Mirror is his picture book debut. As an actor he is known for his performance in the 2019 film The Day Shall Come. He also played supporting roles in the films Tuscaloosa and A Journal for Jordan. He was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for his performance in Jordan E. Cooper’s Ain’t No Mo’ at The Public Theater. He holds an MFA from NYU’s Tisch Graduate Acting Program and lives in Brooklyn, New York.  Keturah Ariel Bobo (keturahariel.com) is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller I Am Enough (by Grace Byers). She is passionate about creating art that inspires, uplifts, and advocates for her community. Keturah has received notable praise for her colorful illustrative style that brings stories to life. She graduated with a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family of entrepreneurs.

“Bright, evocative acrylic illustrations bring Chris and his diverse group of peers to life as he learns to love and accept himself. . . . Empowering message. . . . The highly textured illustrations work in conjunction with the lyrical text across the double-page spreads, moving the story along at a steady pace. A rousing display of pride and self-love and a reminder of the importance of kindness.” —Kirkus Reviews“Inclusivity begins with self-assurance and connection, suggest Davis and Bobo in this expressive rhyming ballad centering a Black child with long curls. . . . Final scenes present youth of varied skin tones beaming as they energetically race around the playground. Realistic acrylic and digital artwork incorporates geometric patterns while foregrounding the protagonist’s emotions as they grow toward confidence.” —Publishers Weekly“In Davis' story of celebrating our differences, being open-minded, and taking pride in what makes each of us unique, Bobo’s vivid and lively illustrations feature a gorgeous palette of blended and complementary shades and a spectrum of skin tones and hair textures. A love letter to natural hair and being proud of our cultures and family.” —Booklist “This picture book debut helps readers reconcile who they are with how others perceive them, suggesting that by being accepting and kind with a positive and appropriate self-loving attitude, the same can be brokered in others. . . . The art carries the emotions of the main and secondary characters with facial and body gestures that will connect with young readers. . . . A forthright picture book that helps caregivers and teachers talk about identity with young readers.” —School Library Journal