Child with brown skin standing garden and holding a seed in their palms.
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Simonne-Anais Clarke and Zachary-Michael Clarke, Illustration for The Golden Life of Sally Sunflower, by Imani Ariana Grant (Lauren-Simone Publishing House). © 2019. 

Special Storytime: The Golden Life of Sally Sunflower

Artists & Authors
For Families
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Auditorium
Free with Museum admission

Join author Imani Ariana Grant, along with illustrators Simonne-Anais Clarke and Zachary-Michael Clarke, for this interactive program. Visitors will enjoy a reading of The Golden Life of Sally Sunflower, a drawing demonstration, and invitations to create their own characters. Visitors will also receive a special seed packet for growing their own flowers!

The mission of Lauren Simone Publishing House is to tackle the lack of diversity in children’s literature by publishing the works and raising the self-confidence of young diverse authors and illustrators.

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

Who You'll Meet
Child proudly holds up books she has written and published.

Imani Ariana Grant

Imani Ariana Grant is the author of Disco Balls of the Universe, The Golden Life of Sally Sunflower, and Virtual Lift Off. Imani lives in Connecticut, where she enjoys writing stories, playing instruments, basketball, and with her friends. Imani is also a kid entrepreneur, the owner of an online boutique store called Imani Ariana, and president of the Love of Literature (LOL) Book Club.
Author website
Photo of illustrators

Simonne-Anais Clarke and Zachary-Michael Clark

Simonne-Anais Clarke, born July 7, 2001 in New York, is a curious, optimistic, creative person who is passionate about sharing stories with others. She does this through her art, writing, acting, singing, and animation. 

Zachary-Michael Clarke, born June 10, 2004 in New York, loves animated movies, writing fiction stories, and creating graphic novels. He’s excited to learn more about animation and cooking gluten free foods. He loves his pets and playing Animal Jam. 

Illustrator website
Woman smiling with arms folded across chest.

Melissa-Sue John

Melissa is a wife, mother, author, publisher, psychology professor and researcher. Proud of her Jamaican heritage, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College, CUNY and master and doctoral degrees from the University of Connecticut. Her role as an educator and mentor inspired her to write children’s literature with her two daughters, Alyssa Simone and Olivia Lauren. She now serves as the Chief Executive Operator and Blogger of Lauren Simone Publishing House. 

Publisher website