Meet Acamy Schleikorn, Illustrator of NOT MY CAT

"Illustrating is actually one of my favorite things to do, and I loved getting to work on this book -- especially because the main character has locs just like I do! I love that for her, and I love that for me!"

-Acamy Schleikorn, NOT MY CAT Illustrator

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OurShelves is your trusted resource for expert-curated diverse kids' books like NOT MY CAT, along with additional resources to deepen engagement with the books and topics they raise.


In this blog post, you'll find:
  • A video and discussion with Acamy Schleikorn, illustrator of NOT MY CAT, authored by Stacey Patton; 
  • Discussion questions to engage with Acamy's wonderful video and book; and 
  • Advocacy actions you can take with your children to support diverse books and their creators amid unprecedented book bans and other attacks targeting diverse books. 

 


Enjoy this special video featuring NOT MY CAT illustrator, Acamy Schleikorn

In this video, Acamy shares behind-the-scenes background about OurShelves book selection, NOT MY CAT. 

 While watching this video, you might discuss . . .

  • Who is Acamy, and what is her favorite illustration in the book? What is your favorite illustration in the book?
  • NOT MY CAT is based on a true story. Which parts of the story are true to life?
  • Can you find the page in the book that Acamy illustrated based on a photograph? What is similar between the photo and the illustrated page? What is different?
  • Which page did Acamy initially illustrate in one way and then end up changing? What changes did Acamy make? Have you ever changed your mind when drawing pictures?
  • What kinds of things do you like to do with your pets or friends?

Engage your children in taking action!

Unprecedented book bans and other attacks that disproportionally target racially, ethnically and religiously diverse, LGBTQ+, and other under-represented characters, authors, and illustrators are on the rise. (Learn more from Get Ready, Stay Ready, a community action toolkit that OurShelves and other partners helped to create.) 

Here are 5 concrete actions you and your children can take to proactively support diverse books and their creators:

  1. Buy and borrow diverse books like NOT MY CAT;
  2. Share this book and this video within your family, classrooms, library, and beyond;
  3. Send a note to Stacey Patton and Acamy Schleikorn to share why this special book matters to you;
  4. Follow your favorite authors and illustrators of diverse books, like Stacey Patton (on Instagram) and Acamy Schleikorn (on Instagram);
  5. Leave a short review for NOT MY CAT and other favorite diverse books on Goodreads and Amazon.
Visit our Advocacy page for more ways to take action!

Join our e-list. Join the movement. FIRST access to NEW resources + NEW products. FREE videos, activities, guides, how to's.
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