Maya Christina Gonzalez has brought joy to countless kids over the years through her delightful illustrations (most recently in this book) as well as her classroom visits, teacher workshops, and public events. We share one of Maya's most deeply held beliefs—that all children deserve to see themselves reflected in the pages of the books they read. Starting on September 1, Maya is extending her commitment to that belief via her latest venture, Reflection Press. Through this beautiful, extensive website, Maya offers a wide range of curriculum resources that focus on art as a tool for young children to develop a strong sense of self.

Maya sums it up best in her own words:

"Reflection Press is committed to imagery that genuinely reflects ALL children in their wide spectrum of expression and being... By using creativity and presence as a tool for self-empowerment, we believe we can empower our children to create and sustain their own reflection, and through process and product know themselves more deeply. 

"Reflection Press provides workshops, presentations, lectures, and curriculum that engage the creative force. We also work to provide imagery that begins to reflect children who are often overlooked in current media. Through coloring books, posters, and online resources for children and the educators who work with them, we strive to reach and empower as many children as possible... For when we feel reflected in the world, we sense that we belong and that this is our world to love and create and change."

We wish Maya every success with this new venture, which we know will benefit children and teachers all over the country, and by extension help bring about the positive change we hope to embody in our books! 

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 2:53pm