“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
- Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”
Meet the Author
Author & Illustrator
Keyia Gibbs is a graphic artist who has a passion for children's projects. She enjoys everything from creating kid's party items and learning tools to writing fun, engaging children's books with African American characters. She uses her creativity and passion for children to serve her community through events like Juneteenth Unity Games, created by her and her daughter. Through this event they are able to provide resources to help build a stronger, healthier community and provide food and school supplies to underprivileged children.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Amani, creating, crafting, building, reading, and traveling.
A Look Inside
I’ve been a designer for over 15 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it. While I create a wide range of visual materials, from logos to flyers, my true passion lies in designing for children. There’s something magical about whimsical illustrations and vibrant colors that brings out the joy in both the creator and the viewer. I describe my style as clean, modern, and simple. For me, less is always more.
Creativity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always building, drawing, and dreaming up new ideas. I made my own board games, built clubhouses from whatever I could find, and painted rocks to sell to neighborhood kids. One summer, I even built a makeshift art studio out of 2x4s and blankets in my backyard. I displayed my artwork with push pins on the walls, invited friends over, and handed out crayons, markers, and paints so they could create their own masterpieces. I used the "profits" to buy everyone ice cream from the neighborhood truck.
That same playful, entrepreneurial spirit still fuels everything I do today.
When my first niece was born I wanted to create something special just for her. I wrote I Wish I Were A Bear. I prayed that she would have an imagination greater than mine, so I built a character that would be silly to most but perfect for my imaginative princess. I am proud to say her imagination runs wild. She is currently doing a "project" as I type this.
When my grandson was born, I knew I wanted to create a book just for him. But this time, I decided to wait—to truly get to know his personality before putting pen to paper. He’s the kind of toddler who makes his own rules, the one who has to experience things firsthand to believe them.
It didn’t take long to find the inspiration for FUNder Wonderland. Just like the character in the book, the real Amani is sweet as candy. He learns through curiosity and experience, always finding his own path. And, just like in the story, he’s quick to adjust once he realizes his way might not always be the best way.
My latest book, Caia's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Yummy Veggie Surprise, was written for my youngest niece. If she could get away with it, she would probably eat sweet treats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She's the pickiest eater of the three. But she likes broccoli! A win is a win.
BOOKSTORE
