Ashley Bryan is an African American poet, artist, and children's book author from New York. He was not published until age 40, becoming the first African American to publish a children's book as both author and illustrator. His works often incorporate themes of African American history, spirituals, folktales, and music through illustrations, lyrical elements, alliteration and onomatopoeia. Some of his published books include collections of Nigerian folktales and African American spiritual songs. His books can be used in the classroom by singing the folktales and having students write about their own cultural backgrounds.

1. Poet and Artist

2. Ashley Bryan

From New York
His father worked as a printer of greeting
cards
Had sixth brothers and sisters
He was not published until he was forty
years old
first African American to publish a children's
book as an author and illustrator

3. Themes and Techniques

Themes Techniques
 Painting  African American
 Poetry  History
 Music  Spirituals
 Collage  Folktale
 Illustrations
 Prose
 Lyrical element
 Alliteration
 Onomatopoeia

4. Published Works


5. Fun and Playful

 Mr. Bryan creates poems and books that flow.
 Some books can be sung in the classroom.
 Lyrical elements to most writing

6. Writing Piece

 This story is a collection of
Nigerian folktales. The
book explains the reasons
why different animals do
not get along. Stories
contain morals for
children.

7. Books by Topic:
History

 This book is filled with many
African American spirituals.
 Songs include: "This Little
Light of Mine," "O When the
Saints Go Marching In," and
"He's Got the Whole World in
His Hands."

8. Implementing into the
classroom

 Sing the African American folk tales in class to
improve cultural diversity.
 Read one of his books about African American
culture and have children write about the culture
that he or she came from.
 Celebrate African American culture