Welcome, Precious

Summary of Book

Literary award winners Nikki Grimes and Bryan Collier celebrate life, love, and family with this gorgeous new picture book.

"Welcome, Precious. Welcome to the warm circle of your daddy's arms, the slippery kisses of your giddy grandmother, and the cool tickle of Mommy's nose rubbing against your belly button."

Lulling, poetic text and captivating illustrations welcome a new baby to the wonders of the world, from peanut butter to moonlight. A perfect gift for expecting parents, big brothers- and sisters-to-be, or anyone who wishes to remember life's first magical moments.

Author Biography

NIKKI GRIMES's acclaimed body of work for children includes Talkin' About Bessie, a 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award honor book. She is also the recipient of the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Ms. Grimes lives in Corona, California.

Illustrator Biography

Bryan Collier grew up in Pocomoke, Maryland, on the lower Eastern Shore of the state, the youngest of six children. His interest in art started early. "At home and at school, I was encouraged to read. I remember the first books with pictures that I read by myself were The Snow Day by Ezra Jack Keats and Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. I liked the stories, but I really liked the pictures." As a teenager he began to paint the world around him - the bay, ducks, water, and marshland.

His interest in art was always encouraged both at home and at school. He began to develop a unique style of painting that incorporated both watercolors and collage.

"Collage is more than just an art style. Collage is all about bringing different elements together. Once you form a sensibility about connection, how different elements relate to each other, you deepen your understanding of yourself and others."

In 1985 Bryan won first place in a Congressional Competition, and his art was displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Later that year he was awarded a scholarship to Pratt Institute in New York City through their national talent competition. In 1989 Bryan graduated with honors from Pratt Institute with a bachelor of fine arts degree.