Growing up, Robert Liu-Trujillo didn't see himself represented in the books he read. So after he became a dad, he wanted to make sure his son would have stories to relate to. Liu-Trujillo set forth on a path to fill the void. And in doing so, he's contributed to the effort to create a culturally aware and racially just future for all of us.

Initially an illustrator, he became an author and has published eight books. He often uses watercolors to create scenes that are full of bright hues and earth tones. His characters are from cultures and communities that have been historically overlooked in the US early childhood literature circles. And his books are written in English and Spanish.

With the historical evidence that people of color aren't proportionately represented in children's books, and the ongoing fight to ban certain books that address race and racism, it's extremely clear why Robert's work is important right now.

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