Award winning author Oge Mora visited Tampa in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Awards.  Her first book, Thank You, Omu!, a tribute to her grandmother, won the 2019 Coretha Scott King (CSK) John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, the 2019 Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Illustrator Award, and a 2019 Caldecott Honor Award.

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Ms. Mora is multi-talented author, illustrator and storyteller. She shared her amazing life story of being the youngest of eight children born to Nigerian immigrant parents. 

Ms. Mora delighted the audience with her stories about her grandmother Omu’s amazing stew and giving heart. The children in attendance participated in an activity that allowed them to help create a simulated pot of vegetable stew. Ms. Mora ended her presentation with the announcement of her second book, Saturday, and told of its equally compelling story.  This talented young woman is well on her way to a stellar career. 

 

Each family in attendance was presented a signed copy of Ms. Mora’s book. Other books were given as prizes, and past copies of CSK Book Award Winners, accompanied by photos of the authors and illustrators, were on display.  The program was held at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library.