a Black boy holding a platter of food and a Black woman holding a fish

Special Storytime: Winsome Bingham & C. G. Esperanza

July 12, 2025 at 2 - 2:30 pm

Auditorium

Free with Museum Admission

Join us for the launch of Fish Fry Friday, the mouthwatering companion to Soul Food Sunday, written by Winsome Bingham and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree C.G. Esperanza.

One special Friday when school is closed, Grandson finally gets to join Granny for her day’s routine. Rods and reels, lures and lines, bobbers and baits are packed in Granny’s Jeep. Everyone cheers when Granny arrives at the pier—“the queen has arrived!” After reeling in the perfect catch together, they carefully scale and skin, cut and gut, batter and fry the fish into beautiful filets. But the family meal isn’t complete until Grandson adds his own special side dish to the table—made just like Granny taught Momma, and like Momma taught him.

Winsome will read her new story and C.G. will present an art demonstration.

Book signing to follow program. Can’t make the event? You may reserve signed books online.

Who You'll Meet

Winsome Bingham

Winsome Bingham is an author and literacy advocate for reading and authentic representation of children and communities in children’s literature. She is the author of one of The New York Times Best Books of the Year, Soul Food Sunday, which is also a Connecticut Book Award winner and the Coretta Scott King Honored Illustrator award for C. G. Esperanza. Winsome is a connoisseur of soul food and a master cook (at KidLit dinner parties, reunions, and get-togethers). She is a teacher by trade and a disabled military veteran by circumstance. Winsome received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. You can find her on Instagram at @ARMYVETFIVE and Bluesky at @armyvet5.bsky.social.

Author Website

C. G. Esperanza

Born the second of six cool kids. The South Bronx is where he first opened his eyelids. A land shrouded in bright colored decay, the birthplace of graffiti and the hip-hop DJ! He paints fantasy worlds of elephants, and castles too! Accompanying this wonder is some whimsical truth. Charles has a voice that is seldom heard. A fusion of jazz, distorted guitars, and chirping birds. Author and Illustrator of Red, Yellow, Blue and a Dash of White Too! and Boogie Boogie, Y’all. C. G. has been awarded a Caldecott Honor medal for My Daddy is a Cowboy, written by Stephanie Seales. Find him on social media at @CGESPERANZA.

Artist Website

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