Kelly Starling Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, teaching artist and award-winning children’s book author. Her mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all kids the storyteller they hold inside. Her books include Caldecott Honor winner, Going Down Home with Daddy, Geisel Honor easy reader Ty’s Travels: Zip Zoom, acclaimed picture books, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Tiara’s Hat Parade, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon and the Jada Jones chapter book series. Lyons is the 2021 Piedmont Laureate for the Triangle area of North Carolina. Throughout her year-long tenure, she will build bridges to connect people through children’s literature. Learn more about Kelly at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.