KM: I think this book is sure to become a classic Black family holiday book. Add the rich, vibrant colors on top of all that- using cut paper collage (!!) -and there’s no doubt that Ebony has created a masterpiece. The energy is palpable and the diversity of personalities shine through in every scene. Even in the sketch phase, the joy, love, and silliness in her drawings had me smiling at my computer screen. TFB: knew when Ebony signed on to be part of the project that the book would be gorgeous. What were your thoughts upon seeing Ebony’s final depictions? KM: The illustrations by Ebony Glenn are beautiful. Granny was not capable of cooking anything not-delicious, but her potato pies were my absolute favorite. It was accompanied by the most delicious food, including my granny’s sweet potato pie. Whenever my family got together, the vibe was always loudness, laughter, and love. Looking back, I am amazed at how many of us would be squeezed into that small house of hers.

Extended family members would often swing by on Sundays for a plate-usually one to eat and one to take. When I was growing up, my granny’s house was the place to be for all major family gatherings-holidays, monthly birthday celebrations (if you know, you know), and even Sunday dinners. How much of your own family traditions and experiences did you weave within this story?

KM: You mentioned that Twelve Dinging Doorbells is filled with humor, family, food, and all the things that make holidays so special. My intention was always to honor Black family gatherings in general. Nor was I ever focused on any particular holiday. So when I think about it, the story itself may have been inspired by the Thanksgiving hashtag, but the framework I used to tell it was inspired by the time of year that I started drafting it.įor me, it was never about writing a counting book, per se, though I did realize that would be an added feature of the structure. I wrote the first draft of Twelve Dinging Doorbells in December of 2017, just a few days before Christmas. I search out that hashtag every year as the holiday season approaches, just to laugh and feel in community with Black folks throughout the country about all the various things our families and family gatherings have in common. TFB: Believe it or not, the book was actually inspired by #ThanksgivingwithBlackfamiles. KM: This book is obviously inspired by the popular Twelve Days of Christmas song, but please tell us the details of how this story came about? Also, did you set out to write a counting book, a holiday book, or both? That's everything you need for a joyful picture book, right? TFB: Thanks, Kirstie! Family, food, humor, and bright colors. KM: Hi Tameka, I’m super excited to talk with you about Twelve Dinging Doorbells! I have a soft spot for holiday books and stories that feature intergenerational families and TDD has it all. Kirstie Myvett interviews Tameka Fryer Brown about her latest book, TWELVE DINGING DOORBELLS!

Twelve dinging doorbells