A boy's creativity and self-confidence challenge and inspire his teacher.

Joy Jones is a teaching artist, playwright, and author of acclaimed books for children including Tambourine Moon and Jayla Jumps In. A popular presenter and trainer, she speaks and writes on issues related to cultural diversity, Black history, and the arts. Her books and cultural contributions have been recognized by the American Library Association, Pen America, and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities; the city of Washington, DC, honored her with the Mayor's Community Service Award. Joy founded DC Retro Jumpers, a Double Dutch exhibition team that offers classes jump-rope performances and has served as a cultural ambassador abroad. Her plays have been staged in New York, California, and Washington, DC. Joy is the former Director of Community Relations at The Psychiatric Institute of Washington and currently plans and implements innovative programs for DC Public Library. Find her at joyjonesonline.com.

Sawyer Cloud is a self-taught artist living in Madagascar, her birth country. She is a passionate artist with a huge interest in dreams and freedom. She has illustrated The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini and Sugar Pie Lullaby by Carole Boston Weatherford, among many others. Sawyer loves music and has a long list of dreams to accomplish, including traveling around the world.