Hello Kimberly, and welcome to All the Buzz!  It is a pleasure to spotlight you.

First, tell me who is Kimberly Cheri Brown?

I am an artist; I’ve known since I was a girl that what I wanted to do with my life.  I went to college to study art against the suggestion of many.  However, I was one who was determined enough to see my dream come to fruition: as a girl I dreamed of going to college, being an athlete and artist/business owner.  I am happy to say that I’ve made my dreams come true.

Please tell me about Beautiful Like Me.

“Beautiful Like ME!” is a multicultural coloring/activity book that stresses developing a positive self image.  The characters are diverse, with names and meanings native to their homelands.  Additionally, the book features an activity where the reader is encouraged to illustrate herself and complete a similar gift for a friend.

What is the significance of this book?

This book is unique in that it offers opportunities for learning in cultural sensitivity, geography, and character development/building.  Its appearance is simple yet it is multi-faceted.

When young girls pick up a copy of this book, what can they expect to find between the pages?

In this book, girls meet Zauditu, from Ethiopia who likes to run and play tag with her friends.  Zauditu has a mole (or beauty mark) on her face, something not generally featured in coloring books.  Rosario is from Guatemala, and has no hair and a gap.  She says her gap reminds her of her grandmother, who died when she was six.  Similar physical characteristics and stories are found within this book.

Is this a book for everyone, or is your target market only young ladies within a certain age group?

Initially, I created the book with girls between the ages of 6-13 in mind because of the self-image tenant of the book, but I’ve come to notice that more seasoned ladies and men comment that they benefit from the book as well!  It has been warmly accepted by diverse groups.

What has the response been since the publication of Beautiful Like Me?

Usually, it’s “WOW!  My (daughter/niece/granddaughter) would really love this.  Are there more?  The gentlemen usually ask if I have one for boys.  Educators and parents love it.  Nonprofits appreciate the character-building aspect of the book.  All around, it’s been a great response.

Can we look forward to more books like this from you?

Yes, as a matter of fact, “Beautiful Like ME!” is the first book of a series.  The additional titles will delve more into each of the ten characters’ lives and introducing heavier subjects (diabetes, eating disorders, dealing with trauma/grief, physical impairments, etc.)

Additionally, I have illustrated a cookbook/storybook for children entitled “The Adventures of Barackli & the Chef: Helping Kids Make Better Food Choices”.  The main character is a stalk of broccoli named “Barackli” that goes around encouraging kids to eat their veggies.  It is also full of recipes that children can prepare with little or no adult supervision.  It’s a really fun start to the series!  To order visit www.barackli.com

Please tell readers how they can find out more about you and your books.

For more information on the titles listed, visit kimberlycbrown.com.  Each book will have a synopsis and will feature a link to that title’s website.  Customers may order online or shoot me an email at kim@kimberlycbrown.com to arrange bulk orders (bulk orders over 20 copies qualify for volume discounts).  Just be sure to list the title with ordering information.

http://iambeautiful.ning.com
www.beautifullikeme.net

Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!  I wish you continued success in all that you do!

Click here to read more about Kimberly, reviews of the book, and more!

As a thank you to the readers who stop by, read and comment on the interview, you will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Beautiful Like Me for a young girl in your life, as well as a Platinum Book  PR pack, courtesy of Dawnny Ruby of Platinum Book PR.