Who are you? What makes you, YOU? There are so many things that can help shape who you are and how you see the world. Some of those things might be people, places, foods, maybe even objects in your house... like a rug. We live in a world that is exceptionally diverse, but often it is easier to blend in than it is to stand out. In It's Just a Rug, three friends learn what helps make each of them unique and special, and how their different heritages play a role in that. In her children's book debut, Jodi-Tatiana Charles partners with artist Diana Lisanto to encourage children to be curious about the family that came before them, and to celebrate the beautiful things that their cultures can impart to them as individuals. It's Just a Rug is a story that reminds us that getting to know ourselves, and to celebrate our differences, is its own important and exciting adventure! The author invites you, readers of all ages, to become curious about your own heritage, and to start weaving your own rug with the stories of your life.
About the Author: JODI-TATIANA CHARLES is a first generation American born to loving Haitian parents and a self-made grandmother. Her strong family roots have instilled in her a pride in her family's culture and heritage, and she wants to share that celebration of diversity with her readers. She is always curious to seek out new and adventurous ways to learn and to embrace others for their differences and unique qualities. She is an avid global traveler and dedicates her time to children, the elderly, and cancer causes, through road races, mentoring, and volunteering. Following in her grandmother's footsteps, she has crafted a career of educating entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, and small-business professionals on the importance of growing and marketing their unique brands. She lives in her beloved community of Marblehead, Massachusetts. DIANA LISANTO started her illustrating was as a kid, drawing characters on her desk in elementary school. She continued to draw and create into adulthood, graduating from Syracuse University with a BFA in illustration. She now lives in Boston, MA as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator. Her main goal whenever she illustrates is humor. If she doesn't find herself laughing while working, she knows something isn't right. Her work may be geared towards children, but she believes it can be appreciated and loved by all ages.