On The Cabell Screen

Illustrations and Identity: From Meg Medina’s works

by Sue Robinson Sain

An exhibit of book illustrations runs September 9-20

VCU Libraries hosts “Meg and Me: An evening with Meg Medina” on September 17. Register Now In honor of Medina’s appearance, the Cabell Screen exhibits illustrations from two of her recent picture books.

No More Señora Mimí, published this year, salutes to the caregivers who shape a child’s life. In the story, Ana is excited that her abuela is coming to stay with her and her mother and no longer will she need Senora Mimi as a babysitter. Is Ana ready to say goodbye to señora Mimí just yet? Medina shares a gentle tale that celebrates caregivers and community and their special role in children’s lives, paired with warm, expressive illustrations by Brittany Cicchese.

In Mango, Abuela and Me Mia doesn’t speak Spanish and her abuela doesn’t speak English. They learn to communicate with a little help from a parrot named Mango. This story of intergenerational connection, transition and patience is illustrated Angela Dominquez.

Richmond-based writer Meg Medina is a nationally acclaimed author of books for children of all ages. She is also a national voice for representation of all children in literature and an advocate for libraries. In 2019, she received the Newbery Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the American Library Association for the year’s most distinguished children’s book, for her middle grade novel, Merci Suárez Changes Gears –  only one of the many awards and honors her books have received.  

Medina is the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

Medina often cites her own early life experiences as  underpinnings of her works, which examine themes of immigration, separation from loved ones, and financial struggles, while often depicting loving Latine families as a source of strength. She examines how cultures and identity intersect through the eyes of young people. Medina brings her audiences stories that are culturally specific and universal. Her favorite protagonists are strong girls. 

The images are used with permission of the publisher:

NO MORE SENORA MIMI. Text copyright © 2024 by Meg Medina Books, Inc. Illustrations copyright © 2024 by Brittany Cicchese. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.

MANGO, ABUELA, AND ME. Text copyright © 2015 by Meg Medina. Illustrations copyright © 2015 by Angela Dominguez. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.

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