: For Students, Faculty, and Staff
By Lisa Von Drasek
Floyd Cooper, “These Hands” original art
“These Hands,” written by Margaret H. Mason, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, Boston, HMCO, 2011; Kerlan Collection, University of Minnesota Libraries.
Floyd Cooper has won many prestigious awards for his illustrations, including the 2009 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for The Blacker the Berry, written by Joyce Carol Thomas (Amistad), plus three previous Coretta Scott King Honors, a Da Vinci Award, and an NAACP Image Honor. He has illustrated more than 80 books. Floyd lives in Pennsylvania.
Cover of “These Hands” by Margaret H. Mason: a man and a young boy tying shoes.
About Floyd Cooper
“Giving kids a positive alternative to counteract the negative impact of what is conveyed in today’s media is a huge opportunity.”
—From Floyd Cooper’s website
This is what Floyd Cooper has to say about creating children’s books. And his illustrations show his commitment to provide an affirming picture of his characters, despite the situations they might find themselves. In this post, he describes the unique process he has devised to bring his characters to life.
Support the Kerlan Endowed Chair
The Kerlan Collection is an internationally recognized children’s literature library and archive that from its beginnings has benefited from outstanding curators. Help keep the Kerlan in the forefront of children’s literature archives by donating to the Endowed Chair for the Kerlan Collection.
Give onlineGive by mail
Checks can be made out to:
Kerlan Collection Endowment /
UMF Fund #24053
Mailing Address:
University of Minnesota Foundation
P.O. Box 860266
Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266
