THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 22, 1995 TAG: 9504220280
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONYA WOODS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
The African-American Children and Young Readers Book Fair Organization, the city of Hampton and local businesses will sponsor a book fair today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the downtown Carousel Plaza.
``We feel like maybe part of the reason why black children don't read is because they can't find any books about them,'' said Sandra Timmons, one of the organizers of the fair.
Timmons, a legislative aide for Del. Shirley F. Cooper, D-Yorktown, said the book fair will introduce young people to a variety of black writers, including children's book author Gloria Jean Pinkney.
Pinkney will read from and sign her two books, ``The Sunday Outing'' and ``Back Home.'' She will also give a presentation on writing from her life experiences.
A native of Lumberton, N.C., Pinkney says her inspiration originated from her memories of her hometown and of growing up in Philadelphia. Pinkney lives in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., with her husband, Jerry, who illustrated both of her books.
Pinkney's stories tell about a young girl named Ernestine and her adventures with her family in the city and in the country.
``All children need to know about all different kinds of families,'' she said. ``Families with two parents, single parents and even families where maybe an aunt raises the child. Families can use as much support as possible.''
Pinkney credits television programs like PBS's ``Reading Rainbow'' and BET's ``Story Porch'' with promoting reading among children.
``Children are realizing that books are available, and that there is a larger choice of African-American books to choose from,'' she said.
The fair also will feature an African drummer, a magician, cartoon characters, a band and a karaoke machine. In addition, there will be entertainment, food, music and nearly 200 books on sale by black authors.
Proceeds will help finance similar programs throughout the year. With each book purchase, buyers will get a free African-American Children and Young Readers Book Fair T-shirt.
For more information, call Darlene Lee at 727-9137. by CNB