Burkett, Timothy F., Jr. ; Burkett, Romona ; Studio 28b, Oswaldo
Synopsis "Sally Pie Face"
"Sally Pie Face" is not merely a series of books; it's a narrative encapsulating the vibrant and dynamic Pie Face family. These books underscore the importance of diversity and celebrate our differences. The central tenet for our young audience is the universality of the human experience, emphasizing that irrespective of our varied hues, at our core, we all share common aspirations - to be accepted and cherished. The Pie Face family embodies the foundational colors that children become acquainted with at an early age. Each member of this family of five has a distinct pie-themed identity, resonating with a specific personality. Sally, with her cherry pie visage and red hue, radiates positivity. Her sister, Monet, representing key lime pie and yellow, is an intriguing blend of sweetness with a dash of tartness. Frederick, the blueberry pie with a blue shade, often finds himself grappling with his emotions, while their mother, Pumpkin, embodies the warmth of an orange pumpkin pie. Completing the family is Apples, the father, characterized by his green color, representing a sour apple with occasional bouts of grumpiness. The inception of "Sally Pie Face" traces back to 2007. My son, inspired by a deflated balloon from a Disney park, coined the term. Recognizing the uniqueness of this name, and acknowledging my son's penchant for writing, our entire family collaborated to breathe life into the Pie Face family narrative. The original "Sally Pie Face" was penned by my son and illustrated by me, with some assistance from my daughter. In 2008, we took the plunge into self-publishing. To augment the book's reach, we ventured into promotional skits on YouTube, local television interviews, and book signing events. Our efforts bore fruit when an educator acknowledged the value of our book in imparting lessons on diversity. While life's commitments momentarily steered us away from "Sally Pie Face," my passion remained undiminished. The book has undergone revisions, with enhanced illustrations now being converted into vector art by a graphic designer. As of now, our series has expanded to five titles, with a sixth, "Be You," currently underway. Future plans encompass additional books and a line of merchandise. It is my fervent hope that "Sally Pie Face" resonates with you, offering a reflection of our shared human experience, replete with endless possibilities and special moments.
