Meet the Author: Eric Velasquez

Meet the Author: Eric Velasquez

Eric Velasquez is an award-winning author and illustrator of beloved classics such as Grandma's Records, Grandma's Gift, and Octopus Stew. He has also illustrated and designed book covers for numerous titles.

In this interview with Colorin Colorado, Mr. Velasquez talks about his memories of his grandmother, learning to read, and the experiences that led to him becoming a renowned artist today.

Books by this author

Memories from My Childhood

Growing up in Spanish Harlem

What I remember about "Reading Group C"

What the "Black Panther" comics meant to me

Stories About My Grandmother

When my grandmother listened to her records in the middle of the night

The story behind "Grandma's Records"

What I have learned from navigating life as an Afro-Puerto Rican

The museum visit that inspired "Grandma's Gift"

How a painting of Juan de Pareja showed me that I could be an artist

Eric Velasquez reads an excerpt from "Grandma's Gift"

Becoming an Artist

The art teacher who believed in me

The art contest that changed my life

My artistic style and media

My mom was a secret artist

My story about "The Snowy Day"

My great-uncle Felix, the architect

The Legacy of Arturo Schomburg

Bringing Arturo Schomburg's legacy to life

Discovering the connection between Pura Belpré and Arturo Schomburg

The importance of education in Santurce, Puerto Rico

En español | Videos in Spanish

Eric Velasquez: Tenemos que compartir la historia de la familia

Eric Velasquez lee un excerpto de "El regalo de mi abuela"